Well guy's......its been 16 years of everything Lotus and it is coming to an end.
I will never forget my purchase of a 2006 Lotus Elise in fall of 2005 from Sports & Specialist Cars in Hopewell NJ. Special ordered the car all black with sport & touring pack, hardtop and Exige S LLS wheels (black of course). After driving the car for a couple of weeks my Porsche 993 was very lonely in the back of the garage feeling like it was replaced by something more interesting.......something that handled better......something that had telepathic steering......something that delivered a road driving experience that always put a smile on your face.
Sixteen years later I've been absorbed with all kinds of Lotus experiences, nine of them as a dedicated track rat. The last seven years was all about Elan and Europa restorations.
And then back to the fold with another 05 Elise.
I've met many wonderful Lotus owners over the years. Developed strong friendships with a lot of people from around the world. All of it was a great life experience and of all the car clubs and car communities I have belonged to, this one was my favorite.
Thank you to all that have had any impact in my Lotus life. I've enjoyed every minute.
I just sold my tastefully modified 05 Elise to a real sports car enthusiast and I'm leaving the Lotus world for good.
Retired last year, sold the house and garage workshop. Moving to a lake in the mountains of GA and will take up my other passion, boating. For those of you who don't know, I was an avid ocean sailor for a majority of my life. Anything boat oriented that put me on the water was a gift from heaven. I'm going back to my prior life and smiling the whole way.
This is a great community. Be happy to be part of it and enjoy everyone's company, knowledge and desire to learn more. Keep the faith, Lotus will continue to have a long history of developing unique sports cars that don't compare to anything else. Consider yourself lucky. I always did.
Best, Glen (AKA Certified Lotus)
