I ended up putting a wanted AD on Gumtree in the vain hope of flushing out someone who hasn't figured what the market pricing is on the S1.
After a couple of weeks I get a phone call from Jon who states he has a car that might be of interest.....and he might be persuaded to sell.
He has a 99 111S with 29k miles that he bought new from a dealer in Devon
It has been in his garage since 2005 without use apart from a tentative MOT trip in 2015 where it passed without advisories.
(He also changed cam belt and water pump)
He also had to get lifted out of the vehicle......he is 75 yrs old.......and that was the last time he drove it.
I asked him what value he place on the car.........and he refused to discuss money ......unless I was face to face appraising the car.
Here we go ........
Where is the car?
John O' Groats
Really!!
Fast forward to yesterday with the current Mrs Boag being duped into a semi NC500 road trip......with the promise of a nice hotel and meal
Jon is a very secretive character and will not reveal his address until we are 50 miles from JOG
We arrive at a very large house overlooking the sea and Orkney.....with views of the "Old Man of Hoy"
Electric garage opens to reveal a very sad looking 111s......in as much as it literally has been left covered in dust/dirt of 12 years
After 30 mins of poking about trying to find major issues to drive price down......I give up and ask him for his price
He wants £20k......and states if the advertised the car he would get a near bid.
I shook his hand and walked to the car and told him I was heading to Crieff.
He asked what my price was ........I stated £10K given that the car could easily burn £2-3k on bushes/shockers/rad/discs/pads/tyres
One hour later I am doing a BACS transfer for far too much money........but significantly less than his £20k
Jon was something "big" in Austin Rover/MG
The car was serviced by his "men".........no fookin stamps in the service book
So .......off down the road to Dornoch for an overnight stop in the Guards Pink (Fcuk you Shug!) Lotus
The car started easily enough
All fluid levels were fine
Brakes were rusted .......and non existent
Left foot braking ensued....... to glaze the discs before hitting the main road
The hairpins at Berriedale did provide a few sphincter twitching moments!!
Arrived safely at Dornoch for a fab Groupon deal for D,B&B.........don't tell the current Mrs Boag
The car drives well
Temp at 72 degrees F
Super noisy with the Hard Top and sports Exhaust
Today
I drive down to Crieff without issue.....arrive at midday
A hoot to be in an Elise again ......for all its flaws......it still feels the real deal !
Car now sits awaiting MOT
My priority is to get it roadworthy first..... and the other stuff which will undoubtedly need done.......will be in the medium to longer term
My wallet will take a hit .....but I will endeavour to make this one a keeper
Guards Pink is a stunning colour. Enjoy 
there can't be many genuine original unmolested cars about. It might need some tlc to fettle the misuse issues but you might have bagged a bargain. 
