Lotus Eclat - 40th anniversary
Discussion
That one is an Excel. Excels are classed as Eclats by DVLA (Lotus saved money on type approval), and early Excels were badged as Eclat Excels. Compared to the Eclat, the Excel has a slightly different chassis, a different gearbox and brakes, revised rear suspension, and a different exhaust system. The panel is slightly revised, and the body is different, notably at the front and at the window behind the A pillar. Later Excels have a power boost from 160 BHP to 180 BHP.
Breadvan72 said:
Another way to spot an Excel is that it has 15 inch wheels. An Eclat has 14 inch wheels. The Eclat is more pointy and wedgy than the still wedgy but slightly more rounded Excel.
Early Excels (1982-84) were on 14" wheels and didn't look hugely different to the Eclat.15" appeared on the 85MY version.
This is the first Eclat Excel
and an Eclat for comparison
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