Thanks. Early is, I think, S2 - neither of us likes the looks of the
permanent window frames on the later cars particularly much, and it
seems from Chris Harvey's book (which I've had for years and just
reread) that the imporvements from S1 to S2 are worthwhile.
I'd like to have a dual circuit braking system, but I have two cars
that see heavy use without (Morris Minor, TR4A) so I'm not *too*
worried about it. I don't obviously see what else an S3 gets me that
I'd want. Electric window lifts aren't of particular interest - in
fact, they're a disincentive.
Sounds like the kinds of things that are needed for upgrades are the
sorts of things I'd do to any British car that came into my possesion.
I've added electronic ignition to all our cars (Crane HI-6, done before
the Ignitors became common). I have Rotoflexes on the GT6 and would
like to do away with them, but I think the Elan design is not as
difficult to work on ... but I would probably go to splined U or CV
joints.
What about weather sealing? We don't get cold winters here, but they're
wet, and we don't have a garage big enough to fit everything (by far).
Could an S2 be made watertight enough to sit out in the rain without
becoming a mold farm? Do the wipers/heater/ defroster work, or is
driving an Elan in the rain a joke? How do you feel about driving the
car on a freweway with hulking sport utes? Do the S2s have decent seat
belts? Is there a common but aesthetic roll bar fitmet?
Am I, at 6'2 with a 32" inseam, going to fit?
Our intended use would be short trip daily driver, with the occasional
two to three hour trip. We have other cars for long trips (or rent for
*really* long trips). I understand all too well how important it is to
kep driving cars...
So, if I were to start looking for one (not soon, since
replacing the FIAT is probably two cars down the list) where
would I start looking? What kind of price range are we talking?
Thanks.
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