Driving machines
06/28/2021
A few weeks ago, I mentioned the departure of two BMW coupés here, but the two parking spaces did not remain empty for long. The two Munich models made way for an Italian and an English car, both of which are significantly older than their white and blue "predecessors".
It should be noted, however, that the Lotus Elan is also painted white and blue again. It is a Sprint DHC from 1972, i.e. a convertible from the last series of the Elan. The delicate little car weighs just under 700 kilograms, and the four-cylinder engine with two overhead camshafts produces around 126 hp. The result is still impressive 50 years after it was built, and it is no coincidence that the Lotus Elan is considered the benchmark for handling with acceptable ride comfort.
The Italian is red, of course, and under its hood with the characteristic bulge is the famous Busso V6. The Alfa Romeo GTV6 propelled the Milanese manufacturer into a different league in 1980 and much closer to Ferrari than before. The sound is still unmatched today and thanks to the transaxle concept, the good weight distribution enabled balanced handling. The relatively imprecise gearshift with long shift travel that this entailed was a pleasure to use, just to hear the V6 trumpet once again.
Both the Lotus and the Alfa are real driving machines with a lot of character and associated strengths and weaknesses. In any case, it's been a long time since I've enjoyed going to the garage as much as I do these days ...
P.S. Of course, we'll be writing more about the new additions to the fleet soon ...
