This month we will finish the "video vault" segment, and get hack to my passion (dare I say weakness?)- models. (Perhaps we should rename my column as "Man's Madness" ?? Off we go...
Jeremy Clarkson is a hit of a legend in the UK. as both a bonafide car nut, and one who actually drives the cars to the limit. He is host of a program called "Top Gear", of which a magazine now exists of the same name. Both these DVD's "Top 100 Cars" (of which includes the Esprit. Elan and Europa) and "No Limits" are region coded for the UK, meaning you will need a region free player to watch them. Great fun!
Another compilation from the Top Gear series, is this "Best of" DVD, appropriately titled "Back in the Fast Lane". In this DVD, we get to see Jeremy Clarkson try and put an Elise through it's paces ... only to have a Lotus test driver put him to shame! Again, this is a UK region coded DVD.
Continuing with the UK DVD's we have two that include some F1 footage of the Lotus 49, 72. 78 and I believe the 79. The first DVD is called "Grand Prix- The Golden Years", and is narrated by John Watson, an F1 driver from 1982. The second is "Murray Walker's Fl Greats". Those familiar with F1 may know that he was a regular commentator for Fl races and still contributes magazine articles from time to time. On this DVD, Murray picks his top ten racers (and yes, Lotus is in there!) from F1, and also does a lap with Martin Brundle in a special McLaren two seater F1 car!
This next DVD is one that hopefully all Lotus-philes already own.. it's from the Best of British series, and concentrates solely on - - Lotus! This documentary charts the path for Colin Chapman's beginnings up to the current Elise S2. It is produced by Duke Video, so you know the quality is up to snuff. I purchased mine a few years ago, from the UK, but I believe that one can now purchase a DVD that will play on the US pluyers. Can't stress enough.... get this one!
Finally, another gem that is a bit hard to track down, but worth it none the less, is this 2 video set called "Elise - The inside Story" "An exclusive behind the scenes look at the development, testing and production of the world's most exciting new sportscar". This was a 2 1/2 hour documentary that was produced by the Discovery channel (in the UK, I believe) that focused on how the Lotus Elise came to be. They go inside the drawing rooms, board rooms, production lines, etc. to show how the car developed into the best seller that it is today. The video is a bit outdated, as they stop with the S1, and there is no mention of the Exige, but still great footage to own! Happy Hunting!