Modern Classics Magazine September 2020

The appeal of the MX-5 certainly isn’t lost on me. It’s a fun little thing that gives you a flavour of sportscar life; but it’s only a taste. I was seduced a long time ago by the more focused (admittedly much more expensive) talents of the Lotus Elise. My first drive in one was more than a decade ago but I can still remember every sensation from that drive like it was last week. That first encounter opened my eyes to what a real sportscar should feel like and it’s been my benchmark for handling, response and driver engagement ever since. Hundreds of drives later, only a handful have ever really got close with only one bettering it (Honda NSX-R). The Elise really is that good. I know it’s not…

JOHN-JOE VOLLANS EDITOR All JJ’s Hethel dreams came true. Well, nearly - his Esprit project remains just that. However, talking to the team behind the Elise made him want one even more. NATHAN CHADWICK ASSISTANT EDITOR Now he’s lost eight stone in a year, he can actually get in and out of an Elise as easily as the rest of us (not that easily, then). Fifth and reverse gears still not on the cards, mind. SIMON RUSSELL ART EDITOR Spent the month wanting to ride his motorcycle, but instead spent it looking at the constant rain out of the window and browsing online at uninspiring weather forecasts. JONNY SMITH COLUMNIST Went exploring in the mother of all abandoned car graveyards (he’s clearly not been to JJ’s workshop), then reviewed some…

Returning to ‘normal’ JJ celebrated his first post-lockdown shoot in the Peaks with an ale at our overnight stop. The deserted inn was odd, but still welcoming. To be honest it just felt good to be back on the road. Goats with the GOAT?* We meet all sorts of characters on our shoots, most often recovery drivers. The best-handling Alfa ever (*according to Nathan) prompted this unusual SZ fan club into action in Exmoor. New Elise still any good? In a word, yes. JJ got an invite to a press day at Caffeine & Machine just before it reopened (we weren’t jealous…). He tried this Elise Cup 250 and hasn’t stopped smiling for more than a week. The look of disappointment 6ft 7in Nathan resigns himself to the fact that…

JULIAN THOMSON HEAD OF DESIGN, JAGUAR The man behind the alluring shape of the Elise S1 takes time out from his busy day job - chief of design at Jaguar Land Rover - to stroll down memory lane at Hethel. RICHARD RACKHAM HEAD OF CONCEPTS, LOTUS Using an aircraft technique to make cars has changed the automotive production process forever. Richard tells us how it came about. He’s a very clever chap… RUSSELL CARR HEAD OF DESIGN, LOTUS Reuniting the gang behind the Elise this month, Russell granted us access to his studio at Lotus Cars HQ for our shoot. He also talks us through his wild 340R design. STEVE COOGAN GARETH CHEESEMAN The creator of Alan Partridge contributes this month, though he’s talking us through one of his lesser-known…

All the stories that matter from the past month Clarion Events, which organises the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show with Discovery may have announced plans to run a 2020 show (13-15 November), subject to government guidelines - but not everyone is keen. A Level 2 infection rate is needed for the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show with Discovery to go ahead; Conservative MP for Daventry and Minister of State for Transport, Chris Heaton-Harris, suggested that the ‘r’ must fall to such a level before mass indoor events could resume. Outdoor events can be staged in larger numbers thanks to fresh government guidelines. The show’s return drew cautious praise from the likes of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC), MG Car Club and TVR Car Club, but enthusiast reaction…

Simply book The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu has announced its revised calendar of ‘Simply’ rallies. The first event, Simply Jaguar, will take place on 19 July, with Simply Audi following on 26 July and Simply Japanese on 2 August. London lines up The London Concours, billed as the first major outdoor classic car show to go ahead since lockdown restrictions were imposed, has revealed a new display for its 19-20 August event. The Pursuit of Speed exhibition will exhibit examples of the fastest models built by decade including the Lamborghini Countach LP400, Ferrari F40 and Bugatti Veyron. More details at londonconcours.co.uk 87-mile Morris Leyland Sherpa A Morris Leyland Sherpa 250 Minibus with just 87 miles on the clock is for sale with KGF Classic Cars for £15,995. The van…