Close window
Print details

Lotus Eclat V8

Lotus Eclat V8

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

Lotus Eclat V8Lotus Eclat V8Lotus Eclat V8Lotus Eclat V8Lotus Eclat V8
Lotus Eclat V8Lotus Eclat V8Lotus Eclat V8Lotus Eclat V8Lotus Eclat V8
Lotus Eclat V8Lotus Eclat V8Lotus Eclat V8Lotus Eclat V8Lotus Eclat V8
Lotus Eclat V8
Lot number 14
Hammer value £2,600
Description Lotus Eclat V8
Registration UBU 262X
Year 1981
Colour White
Engine size 3,500 cc
Chassis No. SCCBB52A1AHD10975
Engine No. JJB5D105071993

Built from 1974 to 1982, the Oliver Winterbottom designed Type 84 Lotus Eclat was a sister car to the Lotus Elite. Being marginally lighter, the Eclat offered slightly better acceleration and, despite appearances, a larger boot. Both provided legendary levels of handling and were true, if expensive, driver’s cars. 

Originally designed to take a quad-cam V8 engine, due to the fuel crisis of the time the decision was taken to fit the Lotus 907 engine. In 1980, the S2 version was launched with the 2.2-litre 912 engine, Getrag gearbox, and the all-important galvanised chassis.

Dating from October 1981, this S2 was bought in 1990 by the previous owner but it wasn’t long until the original Lotus 2.2 engine put a piston through the block. Inspired by a magazine article (included in the history folder), he decided to undertake a conversion to the far more reliable, and powerful, all-alloy Rover V8. Unlike some, this professional conversion kit (by SW Davies of Anglesey) avoids the need for an unsightly bonnet bulge so in appearance it still looks like a standard Lotus Eclat S2.

Mated to the Rover five-speed gearbox is a fully rebuilt 3.5 litre V8 which has been uprated with Stage 1 gas-flowed cylinder heads, fast-road camshaft, stainless steel tubular manifolds, Offenhauser intake manifold, Holley carb, and electronic ignition. This produces far more reliable power and torque than the Lotus engine yet weighs just the same, keeping the wonderful balance of the car.

Ill health meant that for the past ten years the car lay dormant in a garage until the current owner acquired it early 2013. Due to work commitments (and too many classic cars), recommisioning has been a slow process, but has so far comprised: engine service; removal, flush and clean of the fuel tank; rebuild of the fuel pump and carburettor; rebuild of the front suspension and steering (including new trunnions and bushes); refurbishment of the brakes; a replacement wing mirror; new rear tyres and battery.

Having thoroughly assessed the car, the present owner feels that with the carburettor correctly set up, there would now be very little to prevent it from gaining an MOT. He also reports that on a brief run on a private road, the engine gives plenty of power and the car would be for neither the inexperienced nor timid! The galvanised chassis and glass-fibre body are described as being in fine condition and the interior very tidy. The car also comes with substantial history folders, also detailing the engine conversion, and a Lotus factory manual.

This will make a rewarding project for an enthusiast, resulting in an effortless grand-tourer with legendary Lotus handling and is offered with no reserve.
 

Close window
Print details