I was just looking at a 76 TR7 that the owner claims he spent $10k
restoring. Now I don't doubt him in the least, it's a wonderful car but
running thought the back of my mind was "why"? He will lucky to get $2500
for the car, his highest offer so far is $2100. Why would someone spend
$10k to restore a car that's worth $2500? Most of us will never get our
money back on our "investments", we do it because we like the car.
Unfortunately I've seen many examples of cars that just don't have a market
and people have spent quite a sum restoring them. I guess what I'm trying
to say is don't judge the car by the amount of money spent to restore it.
There still might not be a market. I'm not a Lotus person and perhaps Allen
you should consult the Lotus email list on this one? I would hate to see
him spend too much money for the car.
Now owning a car that has a Rover V8 (TR8) I can fully appreciate what that
engine can do turning none to quick car (TR7) into a real performer.
Mark Ascherl
1981 TR8 DHC FI
Raleigh, NC
----- Original Message -----
From: "rod farnsworth" <farnsworthr@nucleus.com>
To: "Mark the Shark" <markie@gte.net>
Cc: <LBC286@aol.com>; <british-cars@autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, June 21, 2000 7:36 PM
Subject: Re: Lotus Elite question
> Mark, This one looks fine but the question remains why the person
restoring it
> apparently spent a lot of money on a car that's not a collectible Lotus.
For a
> drive, i'd say go for it but don't expect too much on resale.
> Now if you dropped in a V8 it would transform the car. I've read a road
test
> somewhere in the distant past where a Rover/Buick was used. Acceleration
> dramatically improved. The Chassis can take it by the way. The 907
engine is
> a fine engine but its too under powered for the Elite at 2300 lbs. I don't
> think the Delorto's will make that much difference unless the engine's
> breathing was improved.
>
> My two pennies worth Rod.
>
> Mark the Shark wrote:
>
> > I'm not a Lotus person but I've seen several really nice Elite's sell on
> > Ebay for not much money, $3k range. I think the Elite may fall into
the
> > not desirable Lotus category.
> >
> > Mark Ascherl
> > 1981 TR8 DHC FI
> > Raleigh, NC
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: <LBC286@aol.com>
> > To: <british-cars@autox.team.net>
> > Sent: Wednesday, June 21, 2000 2:37 PM
> > Subject: Lotus Elite question
> >
> > > I saw this car for sale on-line.
> > > http://www.geocities.com/Baja/Outback/8503/lotus.html
> > >
> > > It looks kinda neat, except the hatch looks a bit like an old Ford
Pinto,
> > > and I wondered what you Lotus people think of the Elite.
> > >
> > > It sounds like a good deal for $6K, but not if the model is a dog.
> > >
> > > Any comments on a '74 Lotus Elite?
> > >
> > > Allen Hefner
> > > Philly Region SCCA Rally Steward
> > > '77 MG Midget
> > > '92 Mitsubishi Expo LRV Sport
> > >
>
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