70s LOTUS good basis for a restomod or nightmare

[legend]

So I'm thinking of getting an Elite or Eclat. Most of the ones in my price range are completely fooked, but really all I'm after is a decent chassis and shell with a view to fitting a more modern engine etc. Does anyone have experience of these and any thoughts?  

[truckdoctor]

I had experience of repairing one and driving it the elite. It was great to drive but but over time proved unreliable. It used as far as I recall Morris marina front suspension , Hillman imp gearbox components a Vauxhall engine and a rear independent axle that had no provision for the driveshaft length changes and used to knacker rear wheel bearings and the headlight pods would rise up overnight. My Mrs hated being a passenger as the wiper blade was right in the line of vision. Apart from all these issues, yes your plans sound like a good idea.

[kevins]

Not a bad car, the engines aren't to bad but very expensive to fix, the maxi derived gearbox is weak and the interior trim very fragile, the rear suspension uses the driveshaft as a upper arm which was ok for it's day but a bit dated now.

The body is a good quality moulding just be wary of one that's been out in the rain for 30 years, chassis wise mainly it's rust but many will have a galvanised chassis by now which is worth searching out.

One re-enigineed with a modern engine/ driveline, some modern electrics and a re-trim would be an interesting project.

[legend]

thanks guys. I'm keeping an eye out for something with a bad or missing engine, but good shell and chassis

[awoo]

There was a really cool lotus on here with a good project thread a while back. He called it the pink Panther or something like that. Well worth a read to get you motivated to buy the soundest decision you’ll ever make.

[Darkspeed]

Always liked the quirky styling of the 501 - especially with an RV8 conversion. Unfortunately no longer as cheap as they once were


Wonder where our man with the Volvo Turbo Excel has got to.


forum.retro-rides.org/thread/215957/lotus-excel-redblock-wedge-shatatatataaa

[horrido]

Sounds like a cool plan. I can't really offer anything as far as practical advice, other than saying that this sounds like the sort of thing I always think up. Would it be interesting to fit the smallest, lightest motor you can find that still makes decent power? That's surely what Colin Chapman would be doing. Even the 1.4 petrol turbo motor in my Passat is quite pokey - there's even a 150hp version, which is the same as the Lotus give or take. I suppose it largely depends on if you want to get knee deep in modern electronics, but it could be all win as far as reliability and even fuel economy goes.

[bmcnut]

Anything with maxi gearbox internals and front sidelight indicator units is awesome. Do it.

[redratbike]

i think a Zetec is the go to engine conversion

[truckdoctor]

Mar 27, 2023 20:51:43 GMT bmcnut said:

Anything with maxi gearbox internals and front sidelight indicator units is awesome. Do it.

Don't forget the Morris Marina door handles.

[bmcnut]

Mar 28, 2023 17:19:20 GMT truckdoctor said:

Mar 27, 2023 20:51:43 GMT bmcnut said:

Anything with maxi gearbox internals and front sidelight indicator units is awesome. Do it.

Don't forget the Morris Marina door handles.

Having googled some images it seems they boast some bl switchgear too, and share maxi pcd. No excuses!

[rattlecan]

Heater vents are also Marina

[horrido]

Not sure where you're based, but....
www.carandclassic.com/car/C1467851

[chandlergti]

I have two, and they suck to find parts for



Found this one for $1200






You have to be able to make stuff to own one

[Dorset_Clive]

I always felt this age Lotus (Lotui?) where crying out for a Saab turbo transplant.

Would an Audi gearbox from a fwd inline engine 80/A4 work?

[v8ian]

I did a bit of research into these, as I had been offered a car that a tree had fallen onto in a storm, the body was shot, car had a replacement chassis and was cheap.... IIRC it did not seem unreasonable to bolt another body on the chassis,
Lotus Eclat 96" wheelbase..........Citroen 2 CV 95" wheelbase........ Mmmmm I will just leave that thought to tumble around........

[legend]

Still pondering this, as they take a zetec well, i'm thinking a rwd transit diesel converted to a manual pump, could be fast, frugal and possibly easy to wire up. hmmm


Although diesels are often disliked, i love the 2.5tdi in my A4 and being able to get 40mpg @90 is pretty cool

[16grit]

I like the idea of one of these, have been trying to persuade a friend of mine he needs one in his life for a few years now.

Engine-wise Subaru would be an obvious choice that works with the bonnet line and design ethos but might be too wide, but what about one of the smaller modern turbo motors? There are a few that might fit the bill but the FIAT 500 Abarth 595 motors are very very affordable, and offer great power and torque as completely standard things (and fuel economy I expect)....

Not that there is anything wrong wth diesels of course.......

[redratbike]

have you ever seen the lotus spine chassis ?

subaru is a no go without a lot of re-engineering probably into SVA territory

[horrido]

I think you might be underestimating the noise of a diesel motor. There'S going to be a big difference between one in a highly insulated, factory installation in a somewhat upmarket Audi, versus a DIY fitment in a lightweight glassfibre car. I remember all the extra layers of sound deadening that the factory fitted even on Opels in the diesel versions.
I admit i've never been a fan of diesels (can't stand the smell), but it's not like you'd need all the diesel torque in a car like that either.
I must say I like the Fiat Abarth motor suggestion. Something small and revvy. You'd easily make 40mpg. Colin Chapman would be smiling down.