The Eclat won't win any beauty contests - but it does have a good funky 70s vibe - and a nice fastback rear end with plenty to room to store your Eclairs. The hood seems to be up in most of the photos and the seller recommends that the car be purchased by someone with 'greater mechanical ability'. An omen or would you pop the hood at every traffic light to show off the engine too?
Normally an Eclat would be powered by a 2 liter 4 cylinder engine - but that has been replaced with an all-aluminum Rover 3.9 liter V8. The Rover V8 was evolved from a 60's Buick design - but this engine is not stock at all and likely makes quick a few more ponies than the 190 horsepower it originally came with. We expect it would only add a few pounds to the Eclat's 2300 lb curb weight and would be an absolute blast to drive around.
Inside the Eclat is a sensible dark Brown on Tan interior - but the seller does say that it has some issues with the heater fan and headlights - but with wiring by Lucas it should be really easy to figure out what is wrong...since Lucas is the Prince of Lightness...or am I getting that wrong..? Regardless of potential electric problems with car is equipped with the original Lotus 4-wheel independent suspension and Spax adjustable coil-over shocks.
It should seriously concern us that the hood is popped in all of the photos - but for some reason once we start thinking about driving this glassfiber rocket ship around - we really want it. Its rare, its cool, its got a Rover V8 - what else does it need? A new driver - is it you?
See another Elite/Eclat/Eclair for sale? Email: tips@dailyturismo.com
~ if this was originally an aluminum four cylinder that would make one of the few transplants in which the weight did increase with the Buick/Rover 215-3.5.
ReplyDeleteskip breakfast and you're back to the baseline.
Apparently, there is something wrong with me. I like the Eclat. It has a great 70's style design (if there is such a thing as "a great 70's style design"). The interior? Well, it's somewhere between 70's Buick and kit car.
ReplyDeleteDespite the appealing period-appropriate engine swap, there are many "Danger, Will Robinson! Danger!" items potentially lurking here. I'm pretty sure the $4600 (or whatever it takes to hit reserve) is only the beginning of the new owner's investment. Assuming they don't get frustrated and just walk away, they'll be rewarded with a very cool and unique car.
~ nothing wrong, Larry. the Elcat may be only slightly less attractive than Esprit or some of Colin's other blossoms. there may be issues to resolve but the result, i'll use your quote, 'they'll be rewarded with a very cool and unique car.'
ReplyDeleteis it me or dose the dash/console look like a piece of furniture...?
ReplyDeleteThe only thing more heinous than an Esprit interior is an Eclat interior.
ReplyDelete