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Atle
Ellefsen 1993
Atle Ellefsen from Nesoya, Norway, owns a 1993 Turbo SE in Calypso Red with a Magnolia interior
Model:
Turbo SE Year: 1993 Colour: Calypso Red Interior: Magnolia Driving Style: Normal Miles per year: About 3000, laid up in winter Owned Since: 2007 Purchase from: Lotus Pfenninger, Zurich Serviced at: First service will be spring 2008, garage to be decided Other Cars: 2004 Audi A4 1,8QT Limo. Black pearl, 17" parabol rims, sports package, light package, xenon. Previous Lotus': None Why an Esprit: When my 20 years of Alfa Romeo GTV6 2,5 ownership terminated in a pile of iron oxide and a collection of spare parts, I needed a worthy replacement. My criteria were, an affordable classic of British or Italian make, no rust and sensible serviceability. Image-wise low on "gentleman in tweeds" and void of "finance monger". I have always had an eye for the Esprit, no less influenced by the James Bond cars and the movies Pretty Woman and Basic Instinct. An affordable supercar with tremendous performance and stunning looks, the Esprit dawned on me as the perfect match. I searched the web and locked in on this low mileage '93 Turbo SE for sale in Zurich, subsequently deciding to burn off some airline awards to check it out. After a test drive around the picturesque countryside there was no return, aside the return to Switzerland three weeks later to drive it home. That was a full, thrilling 2400 kilometres. Upgrades: Blaupunkt Bronx (One of the few modern stereos with a suitable design) with Morel Integra speakers forward and Magnat Classics rear. Gear knob from Moto Concept, chrome Esprit door sills and heavy pile floor mats (black with red Lotus logo and border) from Ramspott & Brandt. Remus Endepper 4-pot. Metal AC and fan control knobs. Intend to keep the rest in original condition. Problems: Inventing snappy answers to the usual friendly but tiresome wise-cracks relative to my age and choice of car.
On import the regular hassle and unexpected surprises from the Norwegian customs and automotive authorities.
Maintaining the speed limit thus my drivers licence.The Esprit has been used daily without a single hitch so far, ticking like a Swiss timepiece.
Info: Thanks to Pfenninger Garage in Zumikon for excellent service!
The car was actually signed off the production line on February 28th 1991, the year only 125 Esprits were built. Why it was laid up to January 1993 the archivist at Lotus could not tell, but suggested that many buyers were at the time delayed in collecting their cars. Perhaps also because there was a slump in the supercar market in 91-92. It was first registered and sold in Switzerland, remaining their until I emigrated it to the other European small but mountainous skiing nation. I am the third owner it appears.
My sincere thanks to the team at Lotus Pfenninger in Zumikon for great service including saving me out of the hiccup at Basel customs, the Elise model and Lotus teddy bear for my kids, and the other nice and useful accessories.
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