Jeff Cocking wrote:
> I had someone ask me over the weekend, 'Is there a reputable place in the US
> to buy a restored Elan from?' In the UK, I would suggest a place like Paul
> Matty, but what about in the states?
>
> tia
>
> jeff
> http://www.lotuselan.net (Part of the British invasion during the 60s/70s)
I don't believe there is such a place in the US. Some Lotus-related businesses
are better than others and most are built around the supply of Lotus parts
(spares) rather than the sale of whole cars. The ones that do deal in cars
must necessarily charge enough to make a profit. This makes the purchase of
used Lotuses more economical from private parties.
There is IMO no greater chance of getting a good car from a business versus an
individual. In both cases, one has to evaluate the car using his own expertise
(and possibly, that of friends) and make a good guess as to what the car has
been through and the likelihood of it's being a good deal.
I'm speaking of Chapman era Lotuses. Enough time has gone by since they were
new so that a good example has either been well cared for or restored. There
are also some good deals for unrestored but unruined cars.
Buying from a Lotus dealer is out of the question, mainly because they don't
know anything about the cars but, more importantly, because don't care about
them. Better to stay among friends.
Buying cars like ours from places that specialize in "exotic" or "exclusive"
"previously-owned vehicles" is asking for it.
Rod
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