Shipping & Logistics: For UK-based buyers, the vendor has secured competitive, fixed-rate shipping via VA Auto Traders: £1,295 for cars and £595 for motorcycles. This offer applies to all vehicles sold by this vendor during the current ‘Blaauwbank Collection’ auctions.
Global Shipping: International delivery options are also available. Please contact info@vaautotraders.com for a bespoke expert quote.
Highlights
- Rare range-topping 524 specification with electric windows, air conditioning, and power steering
- Spent its entire life in Johannesburg's temperate climate
- Low mileage example with minimal previous ownership
- Period-correct Wolfrace alloy wheels with new tyres all around
- Recently serviced and tuned twin cam engine
The Appeal
This 1978 Lotus Eclat 524 Auto forms part of the carefully curated Blaauwbank collection that includes an eclectic mix of multi-generational cars, a selection of rare and interesting vehicles, carefully stored in purpose-built, climate-controlled dry storage hangars, located in the arid climate of Central South Africa.
The Lotus Eclat represents Sir Colin Chapman's vision for Lotus' future in the 1970s, offering a sleeker alternative to the Elite while maintaining the brand's winning formula of a steel backbone chassis with lightweight fibreglass bodywork. Sleek, wedge-shaped styling, an impressive interior and, of course, top-notch handling. As you'd expect from any of Hethel's products, the car was a performance-oriented masterstroke.
This particular 1978 Eclat 524 2000LT is especially desirable as it features the premium specification package, combining the potent 2.0-litre twin-cam engine with luxury appointments including electric windows, air conditioning, and power steering. Finished in striking Lotus Yellow with a distinctive green-and-grey velvet-and-suede interior, this well-preserved example benefits from a life spent in Johannesburg's favourable climate.
The Lotus Eclat represents Sir Colin Chapman's vision for Lotus' future in the 1970s, offering a sleeker alternative to the Elite while maintaining the brand's winning formula of a steel backbone chassis with lightweight fibreglass bodywork. Sleek, wedge-shaped styling, an impressive interior and, of course, top-notch handling. As you'd expect from any of Hethel's products, the car was a performance-oriented masterstroke.
This particular 1978 Eclat 524 2000LT is especially desirable as it features the premium specification package, combining the potent 2.0-litre twin-cam engine with luxury appointments including electric windows, air conditioning, and power steering. Finished in striking Lotus Yellow with a distinctive green-and-grey velvet-and-suede interior, this well-preserved example benefits from a life spent in Johannesburg's favourable climate.
Key Information
- Mileage: 81,185 miles (indicated, unwarranted)
- Country of registration: South Africa
- Technical inspection status: offered without inspection
- Technical specs: 2.0-litre twin-cam four-cylinder petrol with twin carburettors, three-speed Borg Warner Tri-Matic automatic transmission
- Paperwork: offered with limited documentation
The Detail
- Recently serviced and tuned
- Lotus Yellow paintwork that presents well
- Pop-up headlights reportedly lifting correctly
- The vendor states the engine is very lively in the upper rev range
- Three-speed Borg Warner Tri-Matic automatic transmission
- Equipped with power steering
- Period-correct Wolfrace alloy wheels fitted
- New tyres fitted to all four wheels
- Interior features green-and-grey velvet-and-suede upholstery
- Woodgrain steering wheel
- Equipped with electric windows and air conditioning
- Dry stored in a custom-built, climate-controlled facility in Central South Africa
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