---

04/10/04 The end of an era for me. Four years almost exactly to the day after I first saw her, the Elise is now gone. This car, besides being a VERY fun machine, has been truly special for me. Back in '91 when the M100 Elan came out I was convinced that Lotus should instead be building a barebones, lightweight, mid-engine machine - a modern Europa. I visualized it very clearly, right down to the horizontal radiator vented on top. So when four years later the car first appeared in the press I knew I had to have one. My actual Elise experience started as just a dream and a picture on my computer desktop. For a couple of years it remained this way. Then I read that Lotus was bringing the S190 to the States as a racecar. A phone call confirmed this. The decision was made and in a few days I sold the '99 M Coupe, gambled all the proceeds in the stock market and three months later the Elise was sitting in my garage. Now, four years and 22 track days later, it is time for the 'Lis and I to part. She is going to a friend and will stay local so I know I will see her again. Who knows, there might even be a reunion in the future - I have first refusal if my friend ever decides to sell. Needless to say it was sad to see her pull away...

While the garage is now far from empty, it definitely feels like something is missing. Perhaps the Westie will get more use now? Until that car too is sold. The dp1 is coming along, and I have a late July build date for my new US-spec Elise. The new car will take the place of both the M Coupe and the 190 and I'm sure it will be a fun machine in its own right - but it won't be quite the same.....

In the meantime, looking at the garage in its current state, I remind myself that all is not lost :)