I love how Gavan immediately paid respects to his teachers - pure class, that! And his smile as he drives, just wonderful. Lotus is my dream car.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Class all the way - and what teachers too

Looks like Lotus more than made up for the disappointing collection day. Well done Lotus for putting it right and realising that good PR with decent KZreadrs goes a long way. The future is looking good for them.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

My thoughts exactly

@AtypicalDriver

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheCarGuysTV Wait what happened with collection day? BTW your definition of "thrashed" and mine are clearly different, unless he was way more aggressive off-camera!

@lindo1234567890

2 жыл бұрын

@@AtypicalDriver My thoughts exactly. That was a few parade laps! Gavin is an awesome driver so I was hoping for something a little faster.

@Matt-ze8ju

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, they’ve put something right for someone with a wide public reach for their own PR. The rest of us who bought poor quality, badly made cars Lotus don’t give a stuff about. They have no concept of providing service of any kind and really need to start to realise they need to provide the complete package.

The semi rant about the buying experience paid off then 😁

@dan3092

2 жыл бұрын

semi ? lol

@pw191164

2 жыл бұрын

It looked rather cosy with Gavin in your final edition..hope your visit to Lotus installs a little bit of love in your new Lotus.

Once in a lifetime moment, so very jealous! Looks like it was an epic day and Gavan was such a genuine and knowledgeable bloke.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Such a great day and very unexpected.

Great video Damian. I thoroughly enjoyed that. The opening shots were lovely, along with some really nice on -track shots, especially when you were driving. The dedication to Hazel Chapman was very appropriate and a lovely touch.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it, Kevin

Fantastic stuff. I'd have liked it twice if I could! Very little content out there on the Elise 240 FE sadly so thank you for this.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! A 650-mile road trip coming in the next couple of weeks.

Fantastic that Lotus have corrected the poor dealer & new car experience you had Damian, with a great day for you! And such a well timed and a nice tribute to Hazel Chapman, the unsung hero behind the Lotus legend (RIP). 👍🏻

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Peter

Fantastic. Such a special and underrated brand.

Fantastic piece!! Great to get Gavin's insight into some of the defining styling cues of the Elise. Took me right back to 7 years of blissful Mk1 Elise ownership... Really tempted to get one again! Glad to finally see you enjoying the final edition!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Cowan - it has certainly made me feel more warmth for the car.

As one car guy to another I love how real and pure you are. It’s a true pleasure to follow your channel. Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for those kind words, Mark - glad you enjoyed it.

That S1 is beautiful. Maybe its my age (I'm 35) but I find myself more and more drawn to the original Elise and it's low power engine which means you might actually be able to drive it properly flat out on some roads. I've had an S2 Exige cup 240, and now have an S1 racing car which isn't road legal. But there's something about an original 118hp car which would be perfect for a weekend or evening hoon.

Enjoyed this one as good mix of content from legendary brand and guest. Natural delivery and styles and no annoying backing track. Keep them coming pls!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Phil

Fair play to Lotus for reaching out to you. You want to feel such a purchase is a special thing, it helps you bond and appreciate the car more.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Completely agree.

Lovely stuff Damien. Hope this demonstrates that you should keep at it. This channel is worth the effort!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, John

I "envy" 🙂 your experience driving on the Lotus test track in your own Lotus Elice 240, good for you for doing that.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 ай бұрын

I was very lucky.

Jeezus I just had a Pavlovian aneurysm to that opening music... sounds identical to the hold music from my (Canadian) airline, which I've listened to for approximately 7 hours.

Excellent video. What a great start to the weekend 😎

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Smart of Lotus to do that for you after your buying/ordering experience.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

I thought so too

Diabolical thumbnail Damian! 😆 Really pleased for your day out, doing exactly the same is a true dream of mine. Thank you for sharing mate 👏🏼

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

One of my favorite episodes. Great to see Lotus reach out and great to see you beaming the whole time. This kind of response gives me a lot of faith in Lotus moving forward. I have ordered an Emira which will be my Lotus as I move over from Porsche. Cheers, from Canada and Merry Christmas!!

Absolutely awesome!

A fabulous video - Good work Damian . . . . . . . .

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Many thanks, my friend

@martinboulden3540

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheCarGuysTV That Gavin looked a little “starstruck” meeting a global KZreadr !!! Ha ha

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

@@martinboulden3540 Who can blame him?

Once again, you've managed to outdo yourself with top drawer content! Loved this one!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much

Fabulous video. Great to see you out on a track in your car so you can experience its full potential. Looks like great fun 👍. Keep up the good work. Andy.

One of your best, Thanks

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, glad you enjoyed it.

Perfect demonstration of why I've never had a Lotus, I wouldn't fit in one! Fabulous to be able to drive your car on the factory track, good to be able to push a lower hp car to near the max, not possible with so much of the high hp (or kw) stuff, loved it.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Dave

What an amazing experience! Thank you so much for sharing!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, Wazzi

Great vid mate. Nice to have Gavan with you showing you way etc. I enjoyed this one.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Great to hear, Paul

Absolutely one of your best videos.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Wow - cheers, Anthony

Bloody brilliant

Totally enjoyable thanks for sharing

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Jon

Great episode Damian! Looking forward to more Elise content! Think I've watched this about 7 times already. Can't take my eyes off the green!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

What a Friday evening treat. 😁👍

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Much appreciated

YES!!!! So please that Lotus Cars searched you out & that happened. The fact that Gavan, the main-man was on hand really means something. Thanks for the film, one of your best & came over really heart-felt. Gotta be a keeper now surely ?

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Sean - it was an incredible and unexpected day. Full credit to Lotus for pushing for this. If it was left up to me, I probably would have continued to sulk.

@seancain7305

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheCarGuysTV Haha

I'm always impressed how in the UK folks are like "helmets? nahhhh." In the US you can barely even walk through the paddock without a helmet.

Great video and insight, as always. 👍

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, James 👍

Wow, this is really awesome! I’m so happy for you to have experienced this 👍👍👍

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

👍👍

Nice video, thanks

As an unashamed die hard lotus fan, this is one of your best vids! Loved my trip to hethel in my old Evora S- the new set up looks ultra smart. And to drive those two back to back as well! Love it.

Amazing content, thanks Damian!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much

Just absolutely wicked cool of Gavan Kershaw and Lotus!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely

The chuckle brothers drive the Elise! What a fab video! Thank you sir!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Er...

Great episode - Thank You Lotus and Damian!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Ian

Brilliant video Damien. Lotus really pulled it out the bag turning a negative into a positive and given you an experience to remember. Gavan in you car on the Lotus track- I'd still be pinching myself. A real high point for the channel too.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

Absolutely loved it. :) Nice one. :)

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks

Gav is a legend!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Yes he is.

What a great side by side homage! Damn this new Elise looks great and drives superb too. I just can't get over the idea though that a sports car must have a cup holder nowadays. So I rather stick to my S1 - Among few other things that wants me to remain a true purist. Thanks so much for the video. I really enjoyed watching it.

A true gentleman

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed. Gavan's not bad either.

Payback for the underwhelming new car buying experience you’ve encountered. Well done lotus for righting a sort of wrong 🇬🇧👍😎

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Full credit to Lotus

Very fond memories flooding back of trying to keep up with a stock series 1 Elise in a Caterfield Indy and just never been able to get close enough at Cadwell Park. A straight out of the box racing car, you don’t get many of them anymore! Wonderful stuff Damian. 😁

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Mark

Well done Lotus! Well done indeed. So glad you stepped up for a customer. Great video sir. Congratulations.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Seth

Great job, glad that Lotus came to the party and finally made you feel special in your car. Would have been good if Jason joined you for a couple of hot laps.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, 911. Yes it would have been good, but sadly Jason was ill that day.

Thanks for being us along for the experience 👍🏻

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure

I’m really glad to see the dark cloud has lifted and you’ll be able to focus on the car without prejudice from now on. I’m chomping at the bit for my 240FE to arrive, all the more so after coming along for the ride today. Thanks, and have a very Merry Christmas.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jonathan, it has certainly changed my view of this car. Look out for a 650-mile-road trip in the next couple of weeks.

@jonathanknight8251

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheCarGuysTV I’m looking forward to it!

Delighted for you Damien, dreams do come true. Hats off to LOTUS too, an awesome brand taking care of its customers as only it knows how (admittedly a lille late) dealers should learn a lot from this. Great video, looking forward to the road trip 😎

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Agree with all of that, Barry. Well done, Lotus.

Great episode.. what a opportunity to get to drive the two back to back where they were created. Such an iconic car, the original so simple but ahead of its time. You chose a the perfect colour for yours..I see you're even wearing a Kermit, or is it a Hulk, to put you in the mood. Well done Lotus for coming good and giving you and us this opportunity.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Tony - yes, well done Lotus.

Great video thanks and your Elise looking fantastic beside the S1, that green is really growing on me. I’m thinking next summer a Highland drive in the Elise and the Yaris to compare them. Good on ya!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a plan

Great vid. I went out in a S1 on the track with Gav in the 90s when I bought one. Brilliant. We were all a bit lighter then.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Weren't we all?

That’s awesome… you did really well to organise that, well done 👍🏻

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

All down to Lotus

Looks like an amazing experience to go out on the Lotus test track. Makes me want another Lotus now. Would be great if Lots were to open a visitor centre with previous road and F1 cars. Perhaps that is something that could happen with the new investment.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

That would be cool and may well be on the cards - sounds like lots of cool things happening at Hethel

Fantastic idea loved it

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers

Great great great video. It is amazing to see two of them in Hethel and driving them on test track. Special thanks Lotus and Gavan. It is shame to see one of greatest era is finishing Lotus history. But new range will be a great next episode. I am hoping to owning one of these one day.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it.

Well done, Lotus.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Hear hear

Awesome video/content, love to see you bonding with your new Elise! Will you add an Emira to the garage?

Well done Lotus and congratulations on what is a stunning car! 😍

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed.

Very enjoyable. Made me miss my Elise S1. I recommend going there to any lotus owner if you can.

Fab video and enjoy the final edition, would love one to use and hand down to the children and grandchildren one day. If anyone has not been, can recommend the Lotus License at Hethel, fantastic track experience and coaching on the circuit. The demo laps from Martin Donnelly will live long in the memory. Happy Christmas.

😃🥚Uncle Fester and his brother. I loved this piece👏👏👏

Great content. Well done damian.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, David

nice vid! great spec on your elise

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

I have just passed my 40th anniversary of Lotus ownership, people either Love them or hate them or grow to love them. Pleased to hear the new owners are interested in the heritage. Great video by the way.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Colin - that’s impressive

Excellent video

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

👍👍

I quite fancy doing the Lotus Driver’s Academy sometime, that would be awesome. Maybe give it a try Damian?

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Maybe - I've learnt from the master.

Listened to Gavin talk on the Smoking Tire podcast, very honest, open, and interesting chat. Hope the Elmira and the new EVs allow Lotus to return to the US market in a way that they can be a true alternative to Porsche.

AMAZING episode,Gavan became a legend to me when he went to TG and told Jeremy HOW to drive the Gen 2 Elise,since he was complaining the car didn't drove aswell as the first Gen , also dude seems to be a genuine Gentleman. Now for my weird comment ,if you shave Damians head bald... he becomes Gavan 2.0...

@graemewilson1400

2 жыл бұрын

😆😅😅🤣 very close.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Which you could say about all 40-something British men, sadly

What a great video.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

Really enjoyed this video. Gavan was very insightful. What a gentleman. How about comparing your Elise vs other cars you own based purely on driving pleasure? Many thanks

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Great suggestion!

Great episode, Lotus have so much fantastic heritage, just one thing…..get the bloody roof off!!!!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

It's coming! :)

Nice one Lotus, setting the bench very high... Porsche will need sell you a GT car to trump this comeback lol

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

I think Lotus is safe with winning best comeback.

@jon.steele

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheCarGuysTV with that experience I really agree 👍🏻

Never Raced Or Rallied. Ha ha. Again another top notch quality video. Loving the drone shots. I’m glad Lotus has given you the Respect You deserve Buddy & realised their Faux Pas. It looks like you had a blast. I’m pleased for you because your new car reveal video, I could see you were genuinely upset, written all over your face. I’ve watched you long enough now to gauge certain genuine emotions. You wear your heart on your sleeve, a bit like Me and there’s nothing wrong with that………. On another matter I’ll be upset if the Mrs hasn’t bought me some of your, ‘MERCH’ for Christmas……..if she hasn’t, will you be having a sale after Boxing Day? 😃 Proper Yorkshire here…ha ha.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Martin. I have to admit I was very down about my Lotus, but this has certainly changed my mind and given me the warm feeling that I hoped I would get on delivery day. Big thanks to Scott and Rob at Lotus for making this day happen.

Great video, love Lotus (the british Ferrari).

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Martin

What a terrific edition! 😀😀👍👍 Hopefully you'll be able to take Jason's Lotus Sunbeam for some sideways action around the Hethel in the near future too! 👌👌

@dickieb2233

2 жыл бұрын

Well that would be good to see but Hethel don't open their doors for non Lotus cars...unless you are very well connected.

@byronmills5952

2 жыл бұрын

@@dickieb2233 The Talbot Lotus Sunbeam was fully developed by Lotus at Hethel. The cars were assembled by Lotus themselves at a facility next door to the Hethel factory on Ludham Airfield. With its world Rally Championship winning status, Lotus running gear and development and assembly history it has every right to enter the gates of Hethel.

@dickieb2233

2 жыл бұрын

Of course, that is right. Forgive me, I am tired and old. The clue was in the name; Lotus Sunbeam. Hope you find this reply refreshing. Admitting my mistake. Bryon, your knowledge of the car's history is most impressive. 👍

@byronmills5952

2 жыл бұрын

@@dickieb2233Thanks i've always loved the Lotus Sunbeam - a happy childhood memory is going with my friend and his father to collect his brand new Embassy black and silver Series 2 example back in 1981.🙂👍

@dickieb2233

2 жыл бұрын

@@byronmills5952 Great memories from our youth. By then I was already toying with the idea of using the 2.7ltr V6 from our Peugeot 604 STi in a smaller car. then along came the Vauxhall Chevette 2300HS. Similar concept to the Sunbeam but not as butch.

👍 merry Christmas all you petrol heads

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

And to you, Sir

Pleased Lotus pulled all the stops out. Hope it made up for the slightly dodgy start to ownership. You should do their track day drivers course- it would be fascinating to hear what you learned about car control etc & it would make a great YT episode too. Look forward to more Elise content. Cheers Damian.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Drew

Well done Damian.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks

So you going to buy one of the new ones then 🤔 Thanks for sharing 2021 with us Have a great Xmas stay safe. 😎

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Haven't driven one.

@lukewaring2832

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheCarGuysTV next video 🤭😁

Looks a bit cramped in there 😂

Always love your videos, but this was a bit special. I bought a '98 S1 new loved it but sadly sold it. I just bought an early S1 again after 7 Caterham 7's and I have to say the Elise S1 is special. Also first time I watch on a proper TV and great quality.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for your kind comments, Jonathan.

Well done lotus. S1 Elise incoming ? Did you get gavin to sign the sun visor etc ?

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

It doesn’t have one 😂😂😂

You two look quite similar. You may want to think about shaving your head and impersonating Gavan. This way you can try to sneak into the factory and borrowing some test cars for some exclusive content?

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

All 40-something British blokes look similar, haven't you noticed? :)

When I bought the mark 1 Elise I originally was going to have one in that Green but ended up buying one in Mustard Yellow.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

The classic Norfolk Mustard

Gavan is not a small man to fit in that Lotus, you look close enough to be on a date 😉

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Those aren't pillows...

Superb.Hope you dropped a deposit on the Emira First Edition?

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Er...

Just think, if lotus hadn't bodged your collection this may well have not taken place. My favourite bit - this car is never really straight, apart from the two straights. Genius 😂

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Every cloud...

"Give it the beans" - To proceed briskly by applying some welly.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Always

Better complaints department then Porsche .

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Yes it is.

Gavan, is yours now for sale?

👏👏👏bravo bravo 👏 🙌

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

I do hope Lotus continue similar to Volvo rather than go the way of Saab. At least the owners are the same.

front number plate?