The Elite and Eclat Register

[Doris the dog]

I’ve just purchased a 1976Elite that’s been off road for around 12 years.  Hopefully be road ready this summer. 

Here is a photo of it used by Lotus in add campaign. 

[Tony D]

Dunc

Is this register still live? 

Where can it be viewed. Pretty sure I gave you details for my car a couple of years ago, but interested to see fuller picture. 

Tony

[CoffeeHeretic]

Good day to everyone. I am a new owner of a 1978 Eclat. The car was on Bring a Trailer about three years ago and I just purchased it from the gentleman who won the auction. The bumpers have lost their exterior molding. Thinking of redoing them with a Rinoliner type product as used in truck beds. Anyone try this? 

[EXCEL V8]

Beautiful-looking car Mark 😎.  Do you have to retain the "federal" bumpers over there?  Could you just replace them with UK-spec items?  Maybe use the original to create a mould to have a new one made in fibreglass.

Pete

[CoffeeHeretic]

It isn’t required that we have to maintain the Federal spec bumpers. My first intention was to source euro bumpers from Lotusbits. Looks like for now I will see how the truck liner method will look. There are a number of different finishes and I think I can just tidy it up. 

Otherwise the car is quite stunning. The previous owner maintained a meticulous log of all the work done. I feel really lucky that I found one in such condition as most of these models died horrible deaths here in the states.

[EXCEL V8]

When making "bucks" to make fibreglass moulds I've used a product called "Pattern Coat" from Easy Composites (something similar will be available over there).  It's available as a "primer" and "High Gloss".  It's basically an easy-sanding resin system for creating a really smooth, glossy surface on patterns - often made from polyurethane block - which looks similar to the front of your bumper?  Just a thought.  You could then paint it or just leave it polished.

I think the only problem with using the Rhino paint will be splits in it from any minor contact.  How hard is the material on the front of the bumper?

Pete

[CoffeeHeretic]

That sounds an excellent idea. What is present currently is the expose polyurethane material. My understanding with the Rhino liner is that it can be applied in varying thicknesses, perhaps thick enough to create a hardened layer. This is merely hypothetical at the moment, will know more after meeting with the providers.

Your solution is a much better permanent one. I would still like to have the look of the UK cars. I wonder if the material on this car could be cut down to a similar size. 

Mark

[EXCEL V8]

How deep are those recesses for the side/indicator lights?  Are the lights the same as used on UK cars - ie Mini Clubman?

Pete

[CoffeeHeretic]

It appears that the hardened foam material is simply bonded on top of the molded end. The turn signal indicators are recessed into the molding and the foam extends from there creating a 4 1/2” deep recess. The only way you can see the indicators working is from straight on! I now am thinking that I may try to remove the foam material and refinish the molding. It looks to be very similar to the UK size bumper, especially in the rear, with the shape modified to fit US style license plates. 

I recall seeing an Elite Riviera here a couple of years ago at the English car meet we have each September. I have reached out to the local club to see if they have contact info as I don’t see the car listed in the roster. It would be nice to see another example. 

[EXCEL V8]

Removing the bonded-on foam sounds like a good plan!  You may even find that the fibreglass underneath is OK just to sand and paint.  Let us know how you get on.  If you need any photos of an original bumper mine is off the car up in the loft at the moment - wouldn't take long to get it down.

Pete

[CoffeeHeretic]

Okay, here is the result. The rear was nice and easy, the front had these awful brackets that held the foam in place that had to be ground off. The body shop guy then added a little lip to the front so it wouldn’t have such a slab look.

 

[EXCEL V8]

It looks a bit slab-like as it doesn't have the aperture for airflow to the radiator like the "domestic" version.  You could fit a number plate to the front.   Does it have a "lip" spoiler at the bottom of the car as well?.  Does it cool OK?  It would be interesting to see a front photo from road level.  He's made a good job of it!

Pete

[CoffeeHeretic]

The temperature has been spot on, no issues there but I did notice that it is missing the lip spoiler below. Was that for airflow for cooling then? I assumed it was for aerodynamics. I have only had the car up to about 80mph so haven’t noticed any lift at speed. 

[EXCEL V8]

It helps guide air in towards the radiator.  The series 2 design is supposed to be more effective, but your car seems OK without either a lip spoiler or front "hole" in the bumper, so maybe people who have had problems with cooling in the past have had other unknown issues with the cooling system.

[zagatoes30]

Hi Dunc

Elite 503 in Ireland I have emailed you for the form and I will complete and return

 

Cheers Andy

[jep]

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/13102468

What a beauty.

Justin

 

[LOTUSMAN33]

Agree Justin, that’s one of the smartest Elites I’ve seen and it looks good in that scheme which isn’t something most would think without seeing in the flesh.

Good Price considering the work which has been applied.

 

Dave  

 

[jep]

Even the retrim is acceptable, not quite right but good.

Justin

 

[Gazm]

I passed the brown Elite (above) on it’s  transporter  heading south on the M6, looked lovely. I now see it’s sold, that was quick and good news for owners, it’s about time the Elite was more appreciated.

I need to get my gear lever sorted out so I can enjoy my stylish four seater again. 

[jep]

Sold. 

[JMarkusic]

Just joined.  I currently own three type 75 elites.  Two 1974  502's (45 & 149) that are running, driving projects and one 1975 503 (452) which is really just a parts car at this time.

[jep]

Welcome. Keep us posted by keeping posting 🙂

Justin 

[Gazm]

Just had new tyres fitted with the elusive V speed rating. 
I got them from Longstone tyres in the U.K. £82.97 Inc VAT

https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/tyres/205-60-14/205-60r14-galaxy-formula-x.html

[jep]

Martin Buckley of Classic and Sportscar fame has bought a wedge Elite and is writing about the restoration in the magazine. Old news as he bought in Dec 2022 but I hadn't picked up on this.

His first Lotus. 

Justin 

[Slotus]

New here 😊

Where can the register be viewed please?

Steve