"LOTUS" missing from 907 casting - why?

[williamtherebel]

Hi, When I purchased my federal 1977 Lotus Esprit S1, the first thing I noticed was that the word "LOTUS" was missing from the middle of the cam covers. (photo 1) Any idea why that would be? Many years ago, I purchased an Eclat to use as a donor car to keep my Eclat on the road. I noticed that instead of the casting saying LOTUS on the cam covers it had a thin piece of metal shaped to fit the oval with the word "LOTUS" printed on it in the same font as the usual casting. It was blank underneath, so Im wondering if my Esprit had the same thing but the metal is missing. Any ideas?? Anybody else seen this.

I am currently taking the engine out to do various jobs, and am going to change the cam covers for a spare pair I have that say "LOTUS" on it. 2nd photo shows the replacement cam covers in the process of cleaning and painting.

[LOTUSMAN33]

Some had decals instead 🙂

[omegaman]

Yes my 77 Federal has decals. 

[williamtherebel]

Yes!! @LOTUSMAN33. That exactly what the Eclat had. I wonder why though??? A mate of mine thought the lack of the 'Lotus' lettering might have something to do with Jensen using the 907 engine before Lotus. However, Jensen had their own name cast into the cam covers so I dint think it can be that.

[LOTUSMAN33]

No idea Lez, I thought they were odd when I first saw them but looking at yours in wrinkle paint they are quite smart as is. 
Mind as you’re converting to U.K. spec fitting the lotus embossed ones will be better.

Did your car have the emissions set up with air injectors? 
 

Dave  
 

[williamtherebel]

Hi Dave, No there are no injections but there are spaces for them I think. Yes, still working away to get it back to Euro spec. Ive sourced another exhaust system so I can get rid of the catalytic convertor.  Apparently, beside the weight (4 kilo's !) I get an extra 20 bhp by getting rid of the cat. Or so it is said!