1979 LOTUS ECLAT SPRINT

KEY FACTS                                                                                       

• A very good example of the classic sports car, with a striking JPS-style black and gold colour scheme. 
• Under the bonnet is the 160hp 2.0-litre Lotus ‘907’ inline-four, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission.
• It was acquired by the vendor five years ago and has been very well maintained.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• A 521 ‘Sprint’ variant, but refinished with a JPS-styled exterior, it features black paintwork and gold 14-inch wheels.
• The Sprint package added an oil cooler and twin exhaust system over the standard car. In ‘521’ guise, it featured a 4.11:1 final drive and five-speed gearbox.
• A Pioneer stereo has been installed in the cabin.
• Its original workshop manual and sales brochure will be included.
• There is a spare JPS wheel in the boot, a four-season protective car cover, and spare door seals included in the sale.

CONDITION

• No known bodywork damage.
• Its black paintwork and gold pinstripe livery is in excellent condition, as shown in the photo gallery below.
• Inside, some creasing and slight discolouration can be seen in the red leather seats, which are believed to be wholly original. Some minor marks are also present around the centre console and other secondary trim.
• The horn is inoperative, the electric windows are slightly uneven in movement, and the vendor also notes that there is an issue with the cooling fan when the car is running stationary for long periods of time, which can cause the engine water to overheat.
• The most recent MOT test was on 30 January 2020 at 48,953 miles, which was a pass noting only a deteriorated offside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover, and a missing timing belt cover, which are cheap and simple fixes for the next owner.

SERVICE HISTORY

• Its most recent service was in December 2019 at 48,951 miles, where technicians at Shaw & Wright Ltd in Lancashire replaced the front brake discs and pads, the brake cable, the brake fluid, the offside front upper ball joint boot and an orange bulb.
• Prior to this, a new SU fuel pump was fitted, along with a glass fuel filter, new fuel hoses and a new battery.
• In 2016, technicians at Park Lane Auto Sales Ltd in Poulton-le-Fylde installed new engine and gearbox mounts, front brake discs and pads, axle bushes, headlamp vacuum pods, HT leads, a new alternator and a replacement water pump, along with new K&N air filters, a three-piece clutch, an electronic ignition, an engine dress kit, a stainless steel exhaust and specialist headlining. The original wheels were refurbished and powder coated.

SUMMARY

This Lotus Eclat Sprint is a very good example of the classic sports car, which has been refinished in the iconic JPS colour scheme and has low mileage for its age. It now presents in generally superb condition, retaining its original interior, and would make a charming addition to a collection of British classics.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.