NEED TO KNOW
> Most cars have been serviced annually, as few VX220s cover 10k miles in a year. Only the Turbo has a cambelt – change it every four years.
> A replacement soft-top is £1200 new, directly from Lotus, or £500
buys a nice used one.
> Turbos can suer from boost leaks, vacuum pipes that fail, and recirculation valves with perforated membranes.
> Parts availability can be
tricky, but help is at hand:
pattern-part replacement
clamshells are available,
as are aftermarket front and rear lights.
> Damage to the extruded aluminium chassis can write o cars, because Lotus never sanctioned a repair process, according to specialist Jon Seal. ‘But it can be done,’ he says. ‘There are plenty of repaired racecars.’