Lotuses the love of their lives

John's toy is a modern-day 2003 Jim Clark Type 25 Lotus Elise, while Paula takes great pride in her classic 1967 Lotus Elan S3 SE Coupe.

Both are in immaculate condition.

The husband and wife duo are both Club Lotus Australia members and love to share the joy they get from their prized vehicles.

"We owned the Elise first and then we got offered the Elan," Paula said.

"We went up to Sydney to have a look about six months ago, we took it for a drive and I fell in love.

"We know that it was originally imported from the UK to Australia in 1982 and was restored in Sydney by a man who was looking to race it.

"It has been restored for historic racing but it has still got the original interior.

"When you take them for a drive, people smile and wave at you and the kids love it too.

"If kids come and they want to sit in them and we let them because we like to share them.

"It is lovely to drive and it just makes me feel fantastic."

John said his Lotus was a special release 12 years ago to commemorate Jim Clark's first Formula One world championship in 1963.

"Four came to Australia and this is number two of four," he said.

"It makes me feel like a Le Mans racer when I climb into it, it has got group C feel about the wrap-around windscreen - it's nice.

"I think Lotuses are renowned for their handling and these are beautiful."

John said cars had forever been a part of their lives with a Triumph Stag, MGs, and a past Adelaide lord mayor's limousine among those formally in the collection.

"My dad doesn't like cars but right from a young age I just tinkered with them," he said.

"I bought a brand new Mini and started pulling it apart straight away in 1975."

Paula added: "Mine came from him, it has just seeped in".

The Barrasses often take their cars on trips around the country with other Lotus enthusiasts.