Lotus Eclat 1977 reg,

[Setione]

Hi
I'm seeking any ideas on the viability of rebuilding a 1977 Eclat. The car has been stood in a garden for approx 5 years under a tarpaulin. I've read as much as possible on the web and the main draw back appears to be the corrosion problems with the non-galvanised chassis. Although I see replacements are availble. My son has been offered the car on a “move it and you can have it basis” as the owner is moving house and needs to shift off site. The only cost of taking over the car would be the moving cost.

Is it a viable proposition? Has anyone any experience of a major rebuild such as this?

My initial view is to walk away but open to other ideas.

While I've built a Robin Hood I've not tackled anything on this scale before

[anonymous-user]

It is of course hard to say without seeing the car, but the project would probably be a major one, and would have to be to some extent a labour of love, as at present Eclats do not attract high prices. You would probably need to fit a replacement chassis, rewire the car, and the engine is probably seized up. If you have somewhere to store the car, maybe take it and see if you have the appetite for the project. If you find that you don't want to pursue the restoration, you can sell the car on. These cars are interesting and rare and it would be good to preserve it, or give someone else the chance to. Also, if you post about the car on SELOC or some other Lotus fora, someone else might want to come and get the car.

There is a reasonable amount of support for Lotuses of that era from parts suppliers and specialist restorers.

[Setione]

Thanks Breadvan. Pretty much as I have read elsewhere. Son is going to check out condition next week. Once I've seen a few photos I'll decide what to do.

thanks again.

[anonymous-user]

Please let us know how it goes. I would love to hear of the car being saved. I almost bought a very low mileage and well preserved Eclat in JPS colours at auction last year, but cashflow said no.