[Racer X]

I am getting a car with the hardtop. So we thought it would be a good idea to get the Lotus hardtop storage bag offered in the accessory catalog. We ordered it without getting a firm price thinking it would be a couple hundred dollars. It came in, it was $317, plus tax at my dealer. The bag is a canvas/ballistic nylon flat bag that is padded on both sides and lined with a soft knapped material on the inside. It has a storage pocket for the piece of trim that apparently has to be (removed/installed?) when putting on the hardtop. It closes with straps that have snaplocks (I don't know what they are called). It has two straps with D-rings that are used to hang on the hooks that are included, to be installed in the wall.

It has "Hardtop Storage System" silkscreen on the bag. It also says Lotus,, but no logo. It is black. I would say, it is a bit expensive for what it is. I would suggest look at the bag that comes standard with the hardtop, before purchasing. Maybe I will be happier with my purchase when I see the included bag, or when I actually have my car and have something to put in it!

I will try to post pictures tonight, if remember and get a chance.

Greg

 

[Racer X]

I just called my sales guy and he looked at his catalog and his price showed $317. Which is consistent with parts department. It is Overseas Motors in Dallas. I now know that I need to go somewhere else for my accessories!

At 207 versus 173 I would say that is a really small markup on accessories, only 16.5% margin. Maybe $207 is jobber price?

Is your bag as I described mine?

How do you like it in practice? Is the fit good? Have you hung it on the wall?

Greg

 

[Racer X]

Don't misunderstand, the quality of the product is fine. I don't know what I thought it would be like. Vinyl would not have been good, as it would retain moisture. If I had paid $207, I would have been much happier with it. Maybe I need to look closely at the construction, it could be very high quality. I also need to see the standard bag, maybe it would have met my needs.

I thought it was interesting that it was a "storage system". It looks like a padded bag to me. What part of it is a system?

The waiting just caused me to be rash. What was I thinking,buying accessories before my car showed up. Next thing you know I will be buyin Dzus fasteners for the undertray and diffuser. And maybe those door panel "buttons" And a car cover. And whatever other thing comes out. I already had the Lotus emblem valve stem caps that need a special tool to remove.

I need my car, before I spend so much on parts that I can't afford the car j/k It is easy to get ahead of yourself... get car then parts!

Greg

 

[Racer X]

Promised pics

The first is the whole bag.... OK I missed the very top Tape measure for scale, about 4 feet wide.

 

[Racer X]

Detail of the closure.

 

[Racer X]

Detail of the material and corner stitching.

 

[Racer X]

With the top open to show lining. The pocket for the trim is flat and just below opening.

 

[Racer X]

Close-up of the lining.

 

[Racer X]

Trying to show the pocket open. It has no lining or padding on the outside.