Alfa, Lotus, Miata

[David Ziglin <davidz@domain.elided>]

I hope this will not be considered off topic, but since all things 
are connected, some comments.


I have a great deal of trouble accepting the Miata; this despite the 
fact that the Miata is fun, is based on the Elan, handles well, and 
is proving itself on race tracks.  (How can one argue with a Spec 
Miata which does not require track tools race after race after race 
and wants to rev then shift at 7K forever?)


However - and this is where some commentary would be appreciated - I 
do not like them and would not own one unless given to me for free. 
(I'd sell it for another GTV)  I find that I am much more enamored by 
the first generation RX-7. (not to mention the 3rd gen which my wife 
drives and is passionate about)  I have to wonder how much of my 
feeling for the Miata is subjective and how much objective.


When we were first married, we did an absurd thing; we bought a used 
Elan S-2 for too much money and ate beans and used plastic for years 
to pay for it.  I had no choice; the PO gave me a ride around the 
block.  We had to have it.


Simply, we fell utterly in love every single time we drove it. Janice 
commuted 100 miles per day to work in the Lotus.  To this day she 
finds no car to be as enticing and wonderful to drive as the Lotus. 
We never had electrical problems.  The water pump was delicate and 
required normal humans to remove the head to replace; I never did 
this.  Lest I miscommunicate :  we are nuts about the Duetto and 
beside ourselves with enthusiasm about our 750F and GTV. We race the 
Duetto but would accept another for the street in a heart beat.   But 
that Lotus ...................   Chapman's genius was everywhere on 
the car.   IMHO, the S-2 is the prettiest of the Elans.


We are now nearly ready to launch our second Elan S-2 on the road and 
track.   Our first burned in an inexplicable fire coming back from a 
Brooks Stevens car show in the late 80s.   Oh, did that hurt.  Out of 
desperation - we were so depressed and despairing -  we found and 
purchased - for much too much money - the second S-2.   It is set up 
as a 26R - racer - and will surely be sensational when finished.  The 
fellow who is detailing the finish of the car is a retired Lotus guru 
who - GET THIS - owns 3 of Jimmy Clark's race cars.


Contrary to what I read earlier in this forum, the Elan weighs 1350 
LBS.   Best recalled best time was 0-60 in 6.8 seconds.  105 HP. 
Because of the rubber donuts in the rear suspension, few people could 
drive the car well without experience and touch.  One could easily, 
if not finessed, allow the donuts to wind up, release, wind up 
release, wind up .......................


Do you think any of this has an influence on my Miata attitude?


I want to like the Miata; my brother races one.   However, 
.............    maybe too many woman have have expressed in my 
presence a draw to a  kind of "cuteness" factor which has also 
prejudiced me.


Thanks for listening.

Alfa Romeo forever!

David


Thanks for listening,


David
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