1981 Lotus Eclat 2.2
Discussion
Update as in not much of an update. The car had its driver's door beam replaced by Lotusbits in April 2018, and since then has been sat in a dry barn while I ponder whether to do it up, or to sell it on as a project. It's engine runs but is smoky (from the engine, not the exhaust). Whether this is because of something minor or something serious I do not presently know. I cannot decide what to do with this car. I could have had it done up this year, but instead bought an old sporty Fiat, so I am still pondering. Head says sell, heart says keep, or is that the other way around?
By the way, after taking the photos above at Hethel in early 2018, driving the car back from Norfolk with its door falling off was a bit of a mission. I ended up with the door sort of lashed on, and had to keep the window open. It was a freezing cold day in February. Luckily I had my ski gear in the boot so suited up in many layers, put the heater on full blast, and arrived home pretty much frozen stiff but just about able to pry my gloved hands from the steering wheel. A bit like motorbiking in winter. No matter how much kit you wear, you get cold.
The door is now fine and sits well, but the car is looking a bit sorry for itself in a dark barn that has too much assorted tat in it. Barn rash includes a dinged side light (my fault). But it could probably scrub up and might well start if jumped
The door is now fine and sits well, but the car is looking a bit sorry for itself in a dark barn that has too much assorted tat in it. Barn rash includes a dinged side light (my fault). But it could probably scrub up and might well start if jumped
The place that you saw was not my place. I am still trying to decide what to do with the Eclat. It is hard to put a price on it as a project car, especially as Covid makes markets for many things somewhat uncertain. I keep spending the money that I should spend on the Lotus buying other cars, and they in turn need their expenditure on fixing and improving. I should probably try putting an ad on PH and a few other places to see if anyone wants it the car as a fixer upper. If no one wants it like that, I suppose that I may eventually get the urge to spend the money and get it fixed it up myself.
It is nearly Halloween, so why not dig up this old thread? The Eclat sits forlorn under a cover in a barn. It last ran in 2018. The Eclat can hear the sound of Italian twin cams being warmed up and cooled down nearby...
Now I am thinking of an engine rebuild or an engine swap, if I can find a good 912 unit. Then get the rear suspension done, and then a retrim the interior in a pale cloth or leather, and then a full or partial respray. Tell me to STOP buying other old cars and DO SOMETHING with this Lotus.
Now I am thinking of an engine rebuild or an engine swap, if I can find a good 912 unit. Then get the rear suspension done, and then a retrim the interior in a pale cloth or leather, and then a full or partial respray. Tell me to STOP buying other old cars and DO SOMETHING with this Lotus.
In car news, a propitious omen has occurred. After looking on eBay on and off for years, I have finally found an Eclat Series Two owner's handbook. Blooming expensive, but hey.
I probably could get the car a bodge MOT, new tyres, and drive it next week in its shonky state, but it would not be reliable, I think, so I will get it done.
Research shows that all or most 912 engine parts are available in new condition. My mechanic is hoping soon to have a secure workshop space at his home in Worcestershire. He rebuilt the engine in his TVR, and I trust his skills. The plan is to get the engine and suspension given a thorough doing next year. The carbs, gearbox, and brakes seem OK. Two years in a barn may not have done the electrics any good, although the barn has mousetraps in it. Trim next, and paint.
So, hopefully on the road next autumn if not earlier, but maybe 2022 before the car is fully ready. My daughter will be eighteen years old in October 2022. I am just saying. The car may when done up be worth a lot more than the case of Chateau Palmer 2004 that I unwisely turned down when offered it for £500 in early 2005 (now worth several thousand). I had in mind that she could at eighteen have sold the case to fund a gap year trip or a car, but I foolishly did not buy it. Maybe instead an A1 Eclat to keep or sell.
(Or I could get her a book token and go for a drive.)
I probably could get the car a bodge MOT, new tyres, and drive it next week in its shonky state, but it would not be reliable, I think, so I will get it done.
Research shows that all or most 912 engine parts are available in new condition. My mechanic is hoping soon to have a secure workshop space at his home in Worcestershire. He rebuilt the engine in his TVR, and I trust his skills. The plan is to get the engine and suspension given a thorough doing next year. The carbs, gearbox, and brakes seem OK. Two years in a barn may not have done the electrics any good, although the barn has mousetraps in it. Trim next, and paint.
So, hopefully on the road next autumn if not earlier, but maybe 2022 before the car is fully ready. My daughter will be eighteen years old in October 2022. I am just saying. The car may when done up be worth a lot more than the case of Chateau Palmer 2004 that I unwisely turned down when offered it for £500 in early 2005 (now worth several thousand). I had in mind that she could at eighteen have sold the case to fund a gap year trip or a car, but I foolishly did not buy it. Maybe instead an A1 Eclat to keep or sell.
(Or I could get her a book token and go for a drive.)
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