Lotus Eclat

The Type 76 and Type 84 Lotus Eclat, built from 1974 to 1982 by Lotus Cars, was a front engine rear drive coupe. It was based on the Lotus Elite but had a fastback body style which offered more practicality with storage in the boot, albeit with less headroom above the rear seats. The car was initially to be called the "Elite Coupe". The Eclat Series 1 used a 1973 cc 160 hp Lotus 907 Slant Four engine. Later cars used a larger 2174 cc Lotus 912 engine, however, because of emission regulations modifications it still only produced 160 hp. It did, however, produce more torque and thus improved the car's performance. Both were versions of the Lotus 900 series engine series, which was also used in naturally aspirated and turbo charged versions in the Lotus Esprit. Early cars either had a four speed Lotus gearbox or the five speed gearbox derived by Lotus from Austin Maxi components. Later cars used a Getrag five speed gearbox. Some cars were fitted with three speed automatic gearboxes. The Eclat had disc brakes at the front, and inboard drum brakes at the rear. Air conditioning and power steering were offered as options.