HETHEL’S HEROES

JON LANGRIDGE

1996 LOTUS ESPRIT V8

“The most reliable car I’ve owned,” is how Langridge describes his V8, which comes as the first surprise. “It was meant to be a Volvo,” is the second. It turns out that the garage he visited 12 years ago to look for a Swedish load-lugger also had a Lotus concession, and one thing led to another… The car has since been subtly modified with uprated air filters, turbo wastegates and a freer-breathing exhaust system.

GARY GARBUTT

1970 LOTUS EUROPA TWIN CAM So many Lotus cars have interesting stories, but Garbutt’s Europa is more intriguing than most. It was owned from new by Colin Chapman’s cardiologist – they were friends from Oxford University – but the engine seized after nine years and it was left derelict until Garbutt bought it in 2015. He has rebuilt it, and has covered 3000 miles since it returned to the road in March.

ADRIAN TEBBUTT

1999 LOTUS ELISE SPORT 160 Having had a varied car history – including Minis, TVRS and Subaru Imprezas – Tebbutt took the plunge on his first Lotus four years ago. “It’s amazing,” he says. “I’ve never driven anything like it.” Tebbutt takes his Elise on several track days a year, with Anglesey and Cadwell Park particular favourites. Apart from the black wheels, the Sport 160 is in standard spec.