‘It’s my dream car so I plan to enjoy it’

Your tales of the latest classic car deals. This week, how one reader managed to get hold of his ultimate dream car

1962 Lotus Elite Type 14, Swanley, Kent

What made you want an Elite?

I’ve always fancied them but didn’t think I could ever stretch to the budget to actually have one. I had an Escort and prices on them have been rocketing. That’s how I got nearer to being able to have the Lotus. I’ve always liked Lotuses and the Elite is my dream car.

Tell us about this one.

Back then you could avoid VAT by buying a kit so it was bought as a kit. I’ve got the original bill of sale. The original owner bought the shell, components, and engine as well. It belonged to the father of the man I bought it form. He stopped driving so it had been off the road for at least 10 years. It was all there but hadn’t run for a while. I rebuilt the carbs and fuel pump - everything to do with petrol - checked everything out and got it up and running.

Why did you pick this specific example? Did you see any others?

I didn’t think I could get to one. I rang the guy selling it and said I wanted an

Elan. He said he had two Elites and we then started chatting from there. I picked this one because it’s the colour and spec I wanted. It’s a 1200cc but the car only weighs 600kg so it’s easy and fun to drive. I actually went for my first long drive in it last week.

Has it been a joy to own?

Definitely. In a word. I don’t think I’d even have to have driven it to tell you that. It’s an iconic car and my dream car – I wouldn’t have cared if it was like a bag of nails. Older people give you a wave, but there were only 1000 made so not everyone knows what they are. Most people think it’s a kit car.

What are your plans for it now?

I just want to enjoy it. I’ll take it to some shows, locally and further afield but I just want to be out and about as much as possible. You’ve always got a smile on your face because it is your dream car. It’s noisy because it’s all fibreglass but you don’t care because it’s your dream. It’s everything I wanted this car to be.

The noise is all part of the fun, and who wouldn’t want to be seen in a car that looks so good? The original bill of sale adds a nice bit of history – preserving social as well as automotive history can only be a good thing. We’re also glad to see another car back on the road after a decade or so in exile.