Lotus Eclat S2

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 Produced from 1975 until 1982, the Lotus Eclat was a 2+2 fastback version of the Elite, replacing the latter's sawn off rump with a more sporty and attractive sloping rear that provided two extra seats and a generously sized boot. 

The Eclat was continually improved as time went on, culminating in the 2.2 litre Series 2 which came out in 1980 and an example of which you see here. Better built than its predecessors and with a 5-speed gearbox, it also benefited from a galvanized chassis which, allied to its fibreglass bodywork, made it more or less immune to the rust problems which blight so many classics. 

The 2.2 litre engine produced 160bhp, sufficient to propel the relatively lightweight machine to 127mph, and to 60 in just 7.5 seconds.  However, as with any Lotus, it is the superb handling and chassis balance which really define the driving experience, making most other cars feel barge-like by comparison.

This lovely example was first registered in January 1982, to a Mr McFayden of Linlithgow. There is not much history on file covering its early life. We know in 1985 it had covered 17,619 miles, by 2011 this had risen to 18,336 so perhaps it had spent some time in storage? An advert on file from January 2012 Classic Car Mart shows it for sale at £3999 with 18,000 miles and it is thought that this is when the Vendor purchased the Eclat. On the day of our visit the odometer read just 18,475 miles!

Offered here from a period in storage it started and ran well when we took the photographs, but will require a degree of recommissioning before taking out on the road. The body and interior are both in excellent condition for its age, and as you can see from the photographs this Lotus presents really well but she should - she’s travelled less than 20,000 miles!