Author Topic: My other (Not a) Lotus.  (Read 392 times)

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Offline Richard48Y

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My other (Not a) Lotus.
« on: Sunday,May 09, 2021, 07:57:33 PM »
A while back I bought an unfinished "Locost 442E" project.
Got it home a month or so ago but have not been able to do much with it since.

Finally something noteworthy happening.
The Kent 1600 engine with Webers and 4-Speed trans shipment is booked at last.
Should have it in about ten days or so.
I need this car, to drive until something else is ready.
Weary of DD in a one-ton flat-bed truck.

Plan is to keep it close to an original Super 7 despite the size increase.

Offline BDA

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Re: My other (Not a) Lotus.
« Reply #1 on: Monday,May 10, 2021, 05:40:26 AM »
If that’s half as much fun as a Lotus 7, you’re in for a treat!

Offline E Paul

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Re: My other (Not a) Lotus.
« Reply #2 on: Monday,May 10, 2021, 10:25:16 AM »
I am also a Locost owner. Mine is on the road and has about 4000 miles on it. Total laugh riot! If you are over at LocostUSA.com, My car is the Duxbury Hodgepodge.
Paul

Offline Richard48Y

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Re: My other (Not a) Lotus.
« Reply #3 on: Monday,May 10, 2021, 04:29:30 PM »
Only time I ever got to drive a real 7 was about 1974.
I was 19 and working at an MG restoration shop.
Took an unusual route home one day and saw a 7 parked at the curb, first one ever, had no idea what it was, knocked on the door to talk to the owner!

I will always be grateful to him, unlike the snobs and (Censored) posers of today he was a true gentleman.
After telling me what it was, the specifications ("I put a big 1275 in it"), it's competition history, and confirming that I was capable of driving RHD he handed me the keys and told me to take it around the block!
He then interrupted to say, "Oh, the tach does not work, so only rev it this high", as he blipped the throttle, which was plenty high for a first drive.

So around the block I went, when I returned I said I had driven several sports cars but this was the first that could make square corners!

He grinned and said, "You took too long, let me show you how it really goes".
Around the block again as a passenger, much quicker, and the corners were still incredible with no drama or sliding at all.

MANY years later I found his phone number in an old address book.
On a whim I called him up, he was not home, but his current girlfriend confirmed that he still had his 7.
That was several years ago, I hope he STILL has it and still drives it like he did in the 70's.

Offline BDA

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Re: My other (Not a) Lotus.
« Reply #4 on: Monday,May 10, 2021, 04:35:53 PM »
Nice story, Richard! I could see you smile when you typed it!  :)