Description
This 1978 Lotus Eclat Series 1 is a wonderful 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, and the two previous owners to me cared for it for nearly twenty years each.
The car is extremely original, and the half leather and oatmeal cloth interior is absolutely outstanding, with no damage or excessive wear.
The Lotus 907 Twin Cam two litre engine is strong, and free revving, with great oil pressure, and no overheating issues, and has the distintive Lotus raspy exhaust note to be enjoyed.
Prior to ownership, but in the recent past the car has benefited from:
Cambelt Change
Electronic Ignition
New Radiator & Hoses
Clutch Replacement
New Headlining
Brake Overhaul
In my ownership the car has been serviced, including gearbox and Diff oil replacement, as well as some work to the headlight vacuum system (which is still tempramental), wheel cylinder replacement, and replacement bumper seals. As soon as I saw the Eclat, I new it would prove to be a great addition to my small collection, and so it has turned out.
For anyone who enjoys motoring in its most raw and real sense, without any modern gadgets, this may be the car for you.
I problem I have is that I need to reduce my number of vehicles, and the Lotus does not get enough use, so needs to go to a new home where its long life can be continued
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.
Pricipally, 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, moreso in the winter when it is slow to indicate a rise or lowering of speed.
Occasionally the carburettor float chamber sleeve valves stick closed, however a small tap on the side of the 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.
