Thought I’d swing by to introduce myself. My name’s Andy and I have recently bought the former Mike Stripe S1 Exige #447. I had an Elise 111R before so I’m finding there is much to learn from the Exige but it’s great fun discovering a new car, especially one as awesome as this. I know a few chaps who post on here (anyone in the Lotus community who hasn’t met Mr Pesky has probably lived a deeply sheltered life) and look forward to meeting some more of you at Anglesey nexy month. It’s my first trackday so my apologies in advance if I slow you down.
Few pics of the little beast since I picked it up 10 days ago.
Hi Andy, You took your time getting here!
Welcome aboard this branch of the Lotus community, you’ll love it . . . it’s almost as much fun as driving the car itself.
Also looking forward to Anglesey, I’ll give you a run for your money at being slowest!
I must thank you all for the warm welcome - very kind! And nice to see some familiar faces as well (digitally speaking, of course). I have no immediate plans for a glow-in-the-dark paint job. I’ll never say never, but I think Pesky has that market sewn up though!
I am delighted with the car and enjoying the change from the 111R - amazing how different the two cars are. The VHPD takes a bit of getting used to around town, doesn’t it? Please come over and say hi at Anglesey. I’m hoping to bring my dad down as well. He reckons he’s too old for a Lotus but has a nice Aston Martin so the appeal of hand-built sportscars isn’t lost on him. We’re always up for a chat and meeting new folk. I look forward to holding some of you up around Ty Croes’ challenging sweeps.
Mike seemed as pleased as he could be that I bought the car. I’d like to think we’ve become firm friends, but I get the impression that selling the Exige was akin to selling one of his kids (maybe worse?). I don’t think he’ll stop hating me for a while…
Think of it more like you’ve married one of his daughters, he likes you but he know that you’re giving it to his special little girl when he’s not looking
Welcome, we’re all happy Mike’s car has found an enthusiast and will be staying in the country. Look forward to meeting you at Anglesey.
For those not familiar with Andy’s enthusiasm for all things motorsport, I highly recommend spending some time on his website www.motorcardiaries.co.uk
Members of Nyloc & LDC have had the joy of reading Andy’s work, & following his travels, for some time. It’s difficult to believe that he’s not yet 30, given the depth of his knowledge!
It’s hard not to imagine him becoming a “pro motorsport journalist” sometime in the future.
PS You’ll easily recognise him at Anglesey - he’ll be the tatooed one!!!
Many more thanks for the kind greetings. I’ve been lurking for a few weeks in preparation for buying the car so I’ve seen the banter is pretty decent!
Pesky is very kind and I will gladly share photos and words from all the events I attend on exiges.com if they are likely to be of interest. Will any of you chaps be at Donington on Sunday for the MSVR Blast in the Park? I fear I’ll be piloting my girlfriend’s Maserati Punto down there but would be a great introduction to Exige life.
Finally, I’m really hoping the Aston comes out to play on the 16th. After all, if the Exige breaks then I’ll need a lift home! As it’s one of the few cars I believe is on a par with an Exige for stunning aesthetics, here’s a little shot of the old chap when he collected it. Only slightly smug…
Welcome in! An S1 Exige is a quite wonderful thing to behold, it excites on so many levels and gives thrills that you just can’t get any other way. I hope yours behaves itself and you don’t have to experience the “other” side of ownership.
