Lotus Elite Eclat And Excel: The Epitome of British Sports Cars

The Lotus Elite Eclat and Excel models are iconic British sports cars that have captivated automobile enthusiasts for decades. With their sleek designs, powerful performance, and rich heritage, these cars continue to be a symbol of British engineering excellence and passion for driving.

The Lotus Elite Eclat: Born for Performance

The Lotus Elite Eclat was introduced in the 1970s as a successor to the Lotus Elan. It was built on a modified Lotus Elite chassis and featured a striking aerodynamic bodywork that set it apart from its competitors. The Eclat was designed to excel in all aspects – from performance to comfort.

Under the hood, the Elite Eclat boasted a range of engine options, including the 2.0-liter Lotus 907 engine and the more powerful 2.2-liter Lotus 912 engine. These engines combined with lightweight construction allowed the Eclat to offer exhilarating acceleration and nimble handling. It was a true driver's car.

Lotus Elite, Eclat and Excel: An Enthusiast's Guide

by Matthew Vale (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	37336 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	147 pages
Paperback	:	236 pages
Item Weight	:	12 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.5 x 9.21 inches

FREE

Inside the cabin, the Elite Eclat offered a luxurious yet sporty experience with plush leather seats, ergonomic controls, and a well-designed dashboard. The car emphasized comfort without compromising on its performance pedigree.

The Lotus Excel: Taking the Torch Forward

In the 1980s, Lotus introduced the successor to the Eclat – the Lotus Excel. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Excel featured a more refined design and improved performance.

With its sleek and aerodynamic body, the Lotus Excel turned heads wherever it went. It possessed an elegant yet aggressive stance, symbolizing the perfect balance between style and performance. The car's lightweight construction, advanced suspension, and precise steering made it a joy to drive on both city streets and winding country roads.

Equipped with a range of engine options, including the 2.2-liter Lotus 912 engine and later the 2.2-liter turbocharged Lotus 910 engine, the Excel offered a thrilling driving experience. It accelerated effortlessly and delivered impressive top speeds, solidifying its status as a true sports car.

The interior of the Lotus Excel was crafted with the driver in mind. It exuded sophistication with its premium materials, comfortable seating, and innovative features. Every detail was meticulously designed to enhance the driving experience and create a luxurious ambiance.

The Legacy Lives On

Even though the production of the Elite Eclat and Excel models has ceased, their impact on the automotive world continues to resonate. These Lotus sports cars have left an indelible mark on the industry and have become coveted classics among collectors.

Their timeless designs still turn heads, and their performance capabilities are admired by enthusiasts from all walks of life. From track days to weekend cruises, the Elite Eclat and Excel continue to deliver exhilarating experiences behind the wheel.

Whether you're a fan of classic cars or a modern sports car enthusiast, the Lotus Elite Eclat and Excel are vehicles that deserve to be celebrated. They represent a golden era of British automotive engineering and embody the spirit of driving pleasure.

The Future of Lotus

Lotus Cars, a company driven by innovation and performance, has evolved significantly since the days of the Elite Eclat and Excel. Today, Lotus boasts a lineup of cutting-edge sports cars, upholding the brand's tradition of excellence.

Models such as the Elise, Exige, and Evora carry forward the legacy of their predecessors while incorporating modern advancements in technology, materials, and design. These cars continue to push the boundaries of performance and offer incredible driving experiences.

As Lotus Cars paves the way for the future, the spirit of the Elite Eclat and Excel lives on in every vehicle they create. The focus on precision, performance, and passion that defined these iconic British sports cars remains at the core of Lotus' DNA.

In

The Lotus Elite Eclat and Excel are more than just cars; they are symbols of engineering excellence and driving pleasure. These British sports cars have left an enduring legacy and will always be considered timeless classics.

Whether it's the sleek design, the exhilarating performance, or the luxurious interiors, the Elite Eclat and Excel have a unique charm that sets them apart. They embody the spirit of British racing heritage and continue to be a source of inspiration for automotive enthusiasts worldwide.

Lotus Elite, Eclat and Excel: An Enthusiast's Guide

by Matthew Vale (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	37336 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	147 pages
Paperback	:	236 pages
Item Weight	:	12 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.5 x 9.21 inches

FREE

Lotus introduced the Type 75 Elite in 1974. Being a full four-seater coupe with an opening glass tailgate, it was designed to carry a family in comfort while retaining Lotus' trademark, excellent road holding and handling. Perhaps most importantly, it was the first - and successful - step in Colin Chapman's plan to move upmarket and away from Lotus' kit car image. The Elite gave rise to two derivatives, the Eclat and the Excel. The Eclat was a restyled coupe version, sacrificing the Elite's unique rear styling and good rear passenger headroom for a more stylish exterior. With its conventional coupe styling, the Eclat was more mainstream than the Elite, and it was in the end the better seller. In turn, the Eclat spawned the Excel, the last of the Elite-inspired family. Matthew Vale looks at the history of these unusual Lotus models, and gives a thorough guide to buying and owning the cars today. Of interest to all motoring enthusiasts and Lotus owners in particular, it includes information on buying and owning the cars today, specifications, owner's experiences and technical information. Superbly illustrated with 130 colour photographs, both period and contemporary.