1980 Lotus Other

GT Coupe

Rover 3.9 V8

5 Speed Tremec

80010140U

Clear

Gasoline

Introduced in late 1975 a year after the polarizing Elite, (The British version of the AMC Gremlin) the Eclat was designed to be a less weird looking car, and in the era of the “Wedge” it was far better looking. But it was still a wedge. Now most folks diss the wedge era just as they diss Nehru jackets and bushy haircuts from the late ‘70’s. And they may be right but just as wide ties made another run, it’s likely that the wedge era will find a new following. It also truly has the undeniable look & sound of an ‘80’s supercar, bearing a strong resemblance to the wedgy Ferrari 308 GT4 or Lamborghini Urraco. Don’t believe me? Google them! Is it gorgeous? Not even close, but on the other hand, the gorgeous ones are almost guaranteed to be really high maintenance. Not only expensive, but moody, demanding, petulant, and always needing the right accessory. You will always be subordinate to her wherever you go; men will be gawking and asking all about her, and at some point your heart will be broken because some rich dude is always on the prowl for the perfect trophy display and will take her away. Most guys I know don't want to live like that, so they find an attractive mid-hottie who displays a great sense of fun and adventure and plays well. Then they treat her well but don’t worry about some aging or cosmetic issues. Well, that is what we have here! A true long distance GT, I drove it from New Hampshire where I bought it, to my home through 14 states the first week of September 2012 and averaged over 22 miles per gallon! The car sounds like a NASCAR stocker and pulls as strongly as it sounds. It cruised at about 2,650 rpm in 5th at 80mph and has plenty of grunt to accelerate at that speed. It handles like a Lotus should, and it rides and drives comfortably and straight. This Lotus Eclat VIN #80010140U is one of only 20 imported to the USA in 1980. Rolls Royce the importer for Lotus in the USA in that year didn’t even sell all of them due to its $30,600 sticker price. The Eclat is perhaps the least common of any Lotus today with fewer than 500 ever imported during its eight year production run. This car’s original four cylinder engine was replaced after a stuck throttle grenaded it. As the engine bay was originally designed to take a doubled version of that engine, a Rover 3.9 V8 fit perfectly and actually weighed just over 30 pounds more than the four. When I bought it I was impressed with the story told by the seller of how he built up the car after grenading the engine and thought it would be the perfect counterpoint to my older smaller Lotus cars. I really have enjoyed the power and cruising ability of the car. I even think her looks are growing on me. So why am I selling? I downsized to a home with a much smaller garage. I only have room for my Seven and Elans. The reality is I haven’t driven it much, it is the biggest Lotus I have and so with no storage space it is the one that has to go. In the interest of full disclosure here is the not so good news: The AC was working perfectly until the blower fan just stopped and now it doesn’t blow hot or cold. I am not an automotive electrician and the wiring no longer matches the diagram so it will take a good diagnostic person to solve the problem. Since it happened suddenly, it seems logical that once diagnosed it will be a simple fix, though I have no way of really assuring that. The power steering rack has a slow leak. The driver’s side mirror is broken and needs replacement. The rear speakers are "laid" in place recessed into the rear side map pockets but they are not "professionally installed". Even with these shortcomings the car is still very usable and all these things are repairable by a good home mechanic except possibly for the A/C issue. The extra parts I am including are: A second set of original Lotus rims, Eclat Windshield (in the bubble wrap in the right seat), Used power steering rack (in the brown paper in the boot for buyer to have rebuilt), and brand new bumper covers (not pictured). These parts are worth over $2,000.00 together and I have no interest in selling them separately as I know the car needs them. She is a feisty redhead that will give you a memorable ride so what is it worth to you? The last “Barn Find” clapped out Eclat on eBay sold for over $1,500 with nothing working and a four cylinder engine that may not even turn over. This is a running, driving car that really is a hoot to hoon around in. This car is a great deal for anyone who is mechanical and has time to work on it. I wouldn’t hesitate to drive it back across the country today so bid away as I will sell it this time even at the opening bid. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE