1977 Lotus Eclat S1 520

Description

• UNSOLD at auction May 2023
• Garage stored since 2015
• It will need some recommissioning
• Irish registered
• NOVA fees paid

A rare hidden gem. A Lotus Eclat. Accurate and responsive steering. Proper brakes. Hugely practical. The package allows you to make the most of the best part of any Lotus, that thrilling engine.

Lotus founder Colin Chapman could never be accused of lacking ambition. In 1970, he outlined plans for a new range of cars. The stylish fastback Lotus Eclat was a result of that ambition. Final production numbers were below Chapman’s expectations. Today these now rare, stylish cars are available at very tempting prices.

Outside

The unique wedge-shaped design to the Eclat was way ahead of its time in the mid-70s. The long low bonnet, sloping roofline, and a short rear end that gives the car a sporty and aggressive look. The Eclat has the usual fiberglass body, which was a common material used by Lotus during this era.

At forty paces the Eclat looks smashing. Get very close up and our vendor advises there is some age related deterioration, not uncommon in classics of this age. The Eclat is usable as is (once the recommissioning  has taken place) or the areas of blistering etc can be rectified if the lucky new owner wanted to.

The windscreen has cracked and started to become opaque so that will need dealing with.  Paul our vendor says that overall the Eclat is “generally in good condition”.

Mechanicals

The Eclat is powered by a 2.0-litre inline-four engine, which produces 155bhp horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a four-speed manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. The Eclat will fly from 0 to 60 mph in under 8.0 seconds. Expect it to run out of puff around 120 mph. The Eclat’s handling is exceptional, thanks to its lightweight construction, low centre of gravity, and precise steering.

The five matching ‘slots’ are in ‘good condition’. Critically, Paul tells us the ‘chassis is solid’

We’re advised that the car had just one owner from 1977 to 2015 when it was then put into dry storage. The car runs but it will need some mechanical and electrical recommissioning as it’s been stood a while and obviously the brakes will need a service before use too.

Inside

As well as looking great, thanks to the pen of talented designer, Oliver Winterbottom, with its 2+2 seating layout and glass hatchback, the Lotus Eclat is also very practical. Space in the back is a bit tight though and adults probably wouldn’t have wanted to spend much time there!

The inside of this Eclat is, interesting! It is extremely period and very original. As such, it is showing its age now as you’d expect. The saying that they are only original once is never more accurate than in this Lotus.

Sitting close to the floor in comfortably reclined and bolstered seats, and faced by an imposing dashboard, the view out through the steeply raked windscreen to the low, low nose is pure sports car. Just what a Lotus should be.

Our view

Owning a Lotus is all about the driving experience, with the marque a byword for superb handling. These front-engine Eclat’s don’t disappoint.  The Lotus Eclat was designed as a more practical and spacious alternative to the Lotus Elan, while still retaining the sporty driving characteristics that Lotus was known for.

It is a rare and very affordable classic. It turns heads wherever it goes. Estimates suggest only 1,500 were built. The Eclat is a hidden gem for any classic car enthusiast looking for something special.

Good luck bidding! Please remember, our site uses anti-sniping software which ensures fairness to all bidders. So, if a bid for a lot is received in the last minute, the auction will go into a 2-minute overtime period for each subsequent bid.

Vehicle Location: Darlington, Durham DL3– it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Have a question about this Lotus Eclat 520? Please contact the Evoke team at auction@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

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