Great e-mail.

[tut]

For those that may not know, Julian Thomson along with Richard Rackham, were the designers of the S1 in 1994.
tut

Thomson, Julian <jthoms18@jaguarlandrover.com>
13:13 (2 hours ago)

Hello tut,

Thank you for your E mail, apologies for replying with such a brief note after such a wonderful E mail from you.

You are an inspiration for me to get out in my 'new' car. I bought the last of the RHD Elise's in 2000 new from the factory but have to confess to not really enjoying it. Every time I washed the thing I was reminded of some compromise or battle with the development of the car that annoyed me. It was also just as the S2 had come out and everyone was raving about that.

Fast forward to today and after 15 years of bouncing about in company Jaguar's and Range Rover's and following a couple of features in the Classic car mags, I really thought I should have one again, so with Geary's help I now have the 160.
Its great having the car but almost as much fun is hearing from people like you, who though a bit barmy(!) are so enthused by the car after all these years. I can't believe how many rattly bone shaking, draughty miles you have completed- you are a legend!

As for your brakes, hold onto them, they'd only lose them back at Hethel!

Thanks so much for your enthusiasm and devotion over the years,

All the best,

Julian

[j2 lot]

That's what makes Lotus ownership special compared to other more popular marques, I can't imagine the designer of many cars taking time out to e-mail any mad old fool that contacts them about owning one of their products. Even less likely that they would know of the reputation of the old duffer

[hendeg]

Unbelievable! Imagine calling you "a bit barmy".

[robin]

To be fair he could have said "fookin' lunatic" and we wouldn't have batted an eyelid I remember Richard on that first Stelvio trip - just!

[C7Steve]

Nice story Tut, but what did your email say?

Steve.

[pete]

Great story.

[mwmackenzie]

Cool, what did you send him? The reason I love Lotus is the performance, handling, economy and smiles to the mile.... But most of all the community!