First impressions….
Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2022 22:05
I thought I’d share my impressions of our ‘88 excel after the first week together…..I’m sure you lot all know this already as you have one, but if anyone is thinking of taking the plunge then read on!
We’ve had a few short journeys, the wife’s been to Tesco and proved that you can fit a weeks shop in the boot. The only complaint is the doors could do with opening a bit wider. My daughter has squeezed into the rear and marvelled at the comfort “but would be better if I had no legs”. Tonight we’ve had longer run down to the Malpas classic car meet. Still can’t get over how well it drives and that it runs so well with big 45 Carbs and not fuel injection. My BMW ‘02 has twin 40’s and I’d love it cope as well as the Lotus. Tonight’s run was cross country on some nice A roads and the first time I’ve had a chance to sample the car through a series of fast sweeping bends - the steering is absolutely sublime and the gear ratio’s really well spaced to make brisk progress. It’s brilliant.
The reactions from other people have ranged from Why? To Wow! Anyone with a sniff of petrol in their veins will pull a face about reliability and yes, I know what LOTUS stands for but they insist on telling you anyway. After a week, the predictions About breaking down on every trip, electric issues or sudden catastrophic engine failure have failed to materialise. I have however had to unblock a washer jet. There’s a to-do list - a few bits of rattley trim, a door seal to re fix and tidying up the sun visors . Brakes need a strip and clean as squeeling (Lack of use). I’m sure the list will grow but so far we’re loving the lotus!
We’ve had a few short journeys, the wife’s been to Tesco and proved that you can fit a weeks shop in the boot. The only complaint is the doors could do with opening a bit wider. My daughter has squeezed into the rear and marvelled at the comfort “but would be better if I had no legs”. Tonight we’ve had longer run down to the Malpas classic car meet. Still can’t get over how well it drives and that it runs so well with big 45 Carbs and not fuel injection. My BMW ‘02 has twin 40’s and I’d love it cope as well as the Lotus. Tonight’s run was cross country on some nice A roads and the first time I’ve had a chance to sample the car through a series of fast sweeping bends - the steering is absolutely sublime and the gear ratio’s really well spaced to make brisk progress. It’s brilliant.
The reactions from other people have ranged from Why? To Wow! Anyone with a sniff of petrol in their veins will pull a face about reliability and yes, I know what LOTUS stands for but they insist on telling you anyway. After a week, the predictions About breaking down on every trip, electric issues or sudden catastrophic engine failure have failed to materialise. I have however had to unblock a washer jet. There’s a to-do list - a few bits of rattley trim, a door seal to re fix and tidying up the sun visors . Brakes need a strip and clean as squeeling (Lack of use). I’m sure the list will grow but so far we’re loving the lotus!
