Highlights
- Rare 521 Series 1 in stand-out yellow with optional 5spd gearbox
- Recent cambelt change, new radiator and replacement clutch
- Brake overhaul plus engine, gearbox and diff service since 2024
- Only three keepers over last 42 years
- Garaged throughout this period
- Original Lotus plaques are still fitted under the bonnet
The Appeal
There’s so much to appreciate about the Lotus Eclat – one of the Norfolk manufacturer’s lesser-known models, yet one of the most pleasant to sit in and drive. Effectively a more practical version of its Elite sibling, the Series 1 occupied five of the Eclat’s seven-year production run and was powered by a two-litre engine generating 160 hp. Lotus offers the option of four or five speed gearbox - this car has the desirable latter box.
This well-preserved yellow Series 1 showcases plenty of period design details, including pop-up headlamps and a single central wiper blade, alongside a light and airy cabin where sitting in the back feels like an upgrade rather than a demotion. The interior is dominated by half leather and oatmeal cloth seats and doorcards. Heavily sculpted lounger-style rear bucket seats make sitting back here feel bright and airy, in tandem with those era-specific deep side windows. The dashboard simply couldn’t be any more Seventies, while six-dial instrumentation sits behind a timber and metal three-spoke Mountney steering wheel and below a new headlining.
On the move, this car’s Lotus 907 twin-cam two-litre engine is described by its current owner as being “strong and free revving”, with that distinctively raspy Lotus exhaust note. There is information from previous owner about the following changes, but no official documentation; including a cam belt change, a new radiator and hoses, a replacement clutch and a brake overhaul. Since acquiring the car in 2024 the vendor has undertaken an engine, gearbox and differential service plus other repairs detailed below.
Having been garaged for the last 42 years, it promises many more years of elegant Seventies motoring.
The vendor says:
"This 1978 Lotus Eclat Series 1 is a wonderful unmolested survivor from the iconic 1970`s sports motoring scene, and is a testament to how it has been cared for by only three owners in over forty two years,."
Having been garaged for the last 42 years, it promises many more years of elegant Seventies motoring.
The vendor says:
"This 1978 Lotus Eclat Series 1 is a wonderful unmolested survivor from the iconic 1970`s sports motoring scene, and is a testament to how it has been cared for by only three owners in over forty two years,."
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 3rd August 1978
- Eight keepers from new
- Three keepers since 1984 we are told
- Original Lotus plaques are still fitted under the bonnet
- 521 badges atop the B-pillars
- Original oatmeal-and-leather interior
- Mileage reported as just over 80,000 but not verified
Note from the seller:
"Like all cars of this era, it is always work in progress, and I believe that it is better to be as honest as possible, as what goes around comes around, and there are some small issues to address. Principally, the headlight vacuum system needs further work, some pipework has been replaced to reduce the number of joints, and the one way valve has also been renewed. I believe further investigation at the front actuator end is needed. The speedo is a bit wayward, more so in the winter when it is slow to indicate a rise or lowering of speed. The fan motor can be a little noisy, depending on the temperature. There are some very small micro blisters in some areas, but they can hardly be seen, and do not detract from the overall excellent presentation of the car, virtually all fibreglass cars of this era seem to have similar to one degree or another. Occasionally the carburettor float chamber sleeve valves stick closed after period of non use, however a small tap on the side of the float chamber is all that is needed, but a clean out would be beneficial, and was a job for this spring if I was keeping the car."
"Like all cars of this era, it is always work in progress, and I believe that it is better to be as honest as possible, as what goes around comes around, and there are some small issues to address. Principally, the headlight vacuum system needs further work, some pipework has been replaced to reduce the number of joints, and the one way valve has also been renewed. I believe further investigation at the front actuator end is needed. The speedo is a bit wayward, more so in the winter when it is slow to indicate a rise or lowering of speed. The fan motor can be a little noisy, depending on the temperature. There are some very small micro blisters in some areas, but they can hardly be seen, and do not detract from the overall excellent presentation of the car, virtually all fibreglass cars of this era seem to have similar to one degree or another. Occasionally the carburettor float chamber sleeve valves stick closed after period of non use, however a small tap on the side of the float chamber is all that is needed, but a clean out would be beneficial, and was a job for this spring if I was keeping the car."
The Condition
- Lotus yellow paint and extensive chromework
- Engine bay appears to be in very good order
- Recent new headlining
- Very well preserved and unmodified Oatmeal fabric interior
- Fibreglass bodywork shows small micro blisters
- Wear around the door locks and along the rubbing strips
- Interior described as being in “absolutely outstanding” condition
The Mechanics
- 1,973cc Lotus 907 inline-four engine
- Five-speed manual gearbox
- Twin K&N air filters fitted
- Engine described as revving freely and running smoothly
- Reportedly has great oil pressure and no overheating issues
- Work recently carried out on the wheel cylinder and bumper seals
Recent work advised by seller:
- Cambelt change
- Electronic Ignition
- New radiator & hoses
- Clutch replacement
- Brake overhaul
Work since vendor acquired car in 2024:
- Engine service
- Gearbox service
- Differential oil replacement
- Headlight vacuum system repairs (vendor states still temperamental)
- Wheel cylinder replacement
- Bumper seals
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