Lotus Elite, Eclat and Excel

An Enthusiast's Guide

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Transportation, Automotive, Antique & Classic
Cover of the book Lotus Elite, Eclat and Excel by Matthew Vale, Crowood
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Matthew Vale ISBN: 9781785000799
Publisher: Crowood Publication: February 29, 2016
Imprint: Crowood Language: English
Author: Matthew Vale
ISBN: 9781785000799
Publisher: Crowood
Publication: February 29, 2016
Imprint: Crowood
Language: English

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.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

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.

More books from Crowood

Cover of the book The Value of Weeds by Matthew Vale
Cover of the book Mercedes W113 by Matthew Vale
Cover of the book Taekwon-Do Patterns by Matthew Vale
Cover of the book Artist Blacksmith by Matthew Vale
Cover of the book Wing Chun Kung Fu by Matthew Vale
Cover of the book Practical Introduction to Digital Command Control for Railway Modellers by Matthew Vale
Cover of the book Painting Clouds and Skies in Oils by Matthew Vale
Cover of the book Modelling Signal Boxes for Railway Layouts by Matthew Vale
Cover of the book 100 Walks in Cheshire by Matthew Vale
Cover of the book Vintage Hair Styles of the 1940s by Matthew Vale
Cover of the book From Musket to Metallic Cartridge by Matthew Vale
Cover of the book Directing for the Stage by Matthew Vale
Cover of the book Modelling Railway Scenery Volume 2 by Matthew Vale
Cover of the book Classic Jaguar XK by Matthew Vale
Cover of the book Avonmouth Line by Matthew Vale
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy