My Account
When Mahurangi Matters first spotted Nigel Hayman’s distinctive red 1970 Lotus Elan +2 parked in Warkworth last year, we were keen to quiz him about this classic British beauty. So imagine our surprise when he revealed that not only did he also own a Triumph TR2, but one of his Algies Bay neighbours also owned a pair of Lotus and Triumph sports cars, too.
Nigel Hayman bought his 1954 2-litre Triumph TR2 in 2003 and the 1970 Elan in 2011. Meanwhile, three doors down, Warrick Orr bought his 1961 Series 2 Lotus 7 in 2008 and a 1958 2.2-litre Triumph TR3A in 2014.
Unsurprisingly, both men are passionate about their vehicles and drive them at every opportunity, although Warrick’s Lotus is currently confined to the garage.
“The car rides well, is sporty looking and, being lightweight, has a great performance from its 1558cc, 110bhp twin cam engine,” Nigel says of his Lotus. “I use it on a regular basis and don’t just restrict it to car club events, as it’s such a pleasure to drive.”
Warrick’s Lotus 7 was raced regularly in its day and he says it still responds best when driven at speed.
“It’s not particularly comfortable, for the passenger at least, but it’s great for the driver,” he says.
Being almost a decade apart, the two Lotuses are quite different in style, but the Triumphs share a very similar look, with relatively minor differences.
“The TR3A is a progression from Nigel’s TR2, with disc brakes, different suspension and outside door handles,” Warrick says.
