http://seattle.craigslist.o.../cto/2343006041.html

[This message has been edited by Boondawg (edited 04-23-2011).]

Go for it, I hear they have Lotus suspension.

Talk about loss of value..
Originally over 28k.. for an underpowered euro car.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_Eclat

The Type 76 and Type 84 Lotus Eclat, built from 1974 to 1982, 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 (trunk).

The Eclat Series 1 (1974–1980) used a 1973 cc 160 hp (120 kW) Lotus 907 Slant Four engine. Later cars (1980–1982) used a larger 2174 cc Lotus 912 engine, however, because of emission regulations modifications it still only produced 160 hp (120 kW). 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.

Chassis:
The original mild steel chassis fitted by Lotus supported the glassfibre body at the rear by sandwiching a strip of felt, which fitted between body and the steel crossmember of the chassis. In damp climates, the felt became a water trap and caused structural corrosion, resulting in a crumbling rear chassis. Chassis replacement is not cost effective on these vehicles (Elite and Eclat) and by consequence resale values suffered hugely. Series 2 cars were fitted with a galvanised chassis as standard and a large number of series 1 vehicles have had replacements fitted, which are usually galvanised. The tainted reputation of these vehicles caused by rotting chassis (and other minor irks) has made surviving cars one of the best UK exotic sports car bargains, especially the S2's (or S1's which have been loved enough by a previous owner to fit a galvanised chassis).

[This message has been edited by Boondawg (edited 04-24-2011).]

I owned a 76 Elite...RUN, dont walk, away from that thing. Ya know why it has so many new parts listed ???...cause ya cant drive the thing for more than 1/2 an hour without something breaking !!!

quote Originally posted by Boondawg: In damp climates, the felt became a water trap and caused structural corrosion, resulting in a crumbling rear chassis.

It never rains in the Pacific Northwest. This car will be fine.

good luck finding parts for it when it breaks..... Again.

quote Originally posted by Jonesy: good luck finding parts for it when it breaks..... Again.

Oh, parts are easy at least in Canada...go to Albert Marschal Motorcar in Pickering, Ontario....pay 2 children, left testicle, wife, mistress and 4 years earnings for one brake pad. Wait up to a year for the parts to arrive since he only orders from the factory once every 6 months and its a 6-month delivery time.

Remind me to detail the pain of a $5k Lotus clutch job one of these days.....in 1994 dollers.

[This message has been edited by MidEngineManiac (edited 04-24-2011).]

quote Originally posted by FriendGregory: Go for it, I hear they have Lotus Fiero suspension.

Fixed it for ya.

Jim

I mean didn't pretty much all cars ever built in the 70's sucked?

quote Originally posted by Wichita: I mean didn't pretty much all cars ever built in the 70's sucked?

There were a few good ones, but they all rusted.