LotusElan17

The silver Riviera hasn’t been advertised, not aware of any other ones that have recently been listed apart from the black “is it or isn’t it a Riviera” that was sold at auction last year.

Not too far, will let you know when the Riviera is available, will you be selling your Eclat?

The red Riviera was sold onto a fellow forum member, awaiting full restoration. The problem I am finding at the moment is no one is prepared to pay what a restored car is worth, refurbished a white Eclat S2 in December, with labour probably owes me in the region of £20K including many new parts, low mileage and one of the best available yet had zero interest for nearly 4 months advertising at what I considered a very reasonable £12K, if it wasn’t for the scammers contacting me I would be feeling rather paranoid!!!!!! They will be appreciated one day, trouble is I have been saying that for 30 years and have been only proved partially right, maybe another 30 years. if you are interested in the silver Riviera I will introduce you to Alister at some point, I am in the middle of moving house at the mo but can arrange a meet in the not too distant future, he is not far from Cambridge.

Hi Brian, I refurbished it over a period of a year for a friend of mine, Alister still owns it but I believe he is ready to sell, he has given me first option on the Riviera and if I sell one of my collection I will probably own it at some point, I have no doubt that it will be a highly collectable model at some point in the near future, convincing other people to give the Elite/Eclat/Excel the respect they deserve is proving rather difficult at present, regards David

Thanks Ant, my intention is to use as much as possible. All S2 Elite/Eclat models had the spare wheel hanger, the Eclat S1 arrangement with the spare hidden in the boot is a much better solution imho.

Yes Mike I believe it did.

Rest assured it will be used and enjoyed, should make an appearance at Castle Combe in May and then as many Lotus events as possible until the snow starts again, so probably mid August. Rare indeed, the certificate of provenance shows that it is in fact unique, only Riviera in Silver Diamond with red leather/cloth interior and manual steering. There were 67 domestic Eclat Rivieras produced and 13 export, I was always under the impression that the total was 78 but clearly it is 80, of which I have had four. Not been in my possession for 25 years I hasten to add, I have been conducting a thorough refurbishment for the past 11 months. The tax disc shows 1994 so the previous MOT was probably 1993. Many will remember my black/gold Riviera that I sold about 4 years ago, that was stunning and I bitterly regret selling it, I would say that this one is every bit as good.

Passed with flying colours, MOT tester loved it, he is also a Lotus owner and enthusiast.

Won't be displaying the Elite but I hope to be attending the show, will look out for you, friend Alister is keen to chat with you more about your hybrid conversion as both he and I will get around to it one day.

Fine pair of Elites in contrasting colours, and that's you lurking in the background in your hi viz if I am not mistaken, can't believe it was 2 years ago on the LotusExcel.net stand at the NEC, are you displaying this year Richard? (the car that is!). Few more pics of my Elite in a video I posted in 2015. Regards David

907 2 litre has a stroke of 69.2 mm, the 912 2.2 litre has a stroke of 76.2 mm so a 7mm difference which is obvious when measuring, 76.2 mm is equal to 3 inches so you definitely have a 2.2, the 907 engine number merely means it started life as a 2 litre, very easy to retrofit a longer throw crank when rebuilding so it is not that unusual. David

Hi Tony I will have several Elites and one Eclat Riviera coming up for sale soon. Altair Green Elite S2.2. manual, ex Roger Makhlouf car, maintained meticulously, literally no expense spared (£40K invoices to prove). Light blue Elite S2.2 automatic, ex Mark Britton (LooseCannon), will be re-commissioned fully before sale. Silver Elite S1 502, air con, manual steering, 5 Speed manual gearbox, registered 1979 T reg, grey marcasite/black cloth interior, 59K miles, will be re-commissioned fully before sale (undergoing presently). Elite S1 501, W reg 1980, will have an Excel chassis, power train to be determined, colour to be determined, can be built to taste. Eclat Riviera in Carnival Red, will be completely rebuilt top to bottom, won't be started until next year at the earliest. Yes I am a dealer and an enthusiast, been involved with Lotuses in one guise or another for best part of 40 years, you are welcome to visit Enfield and see the projects in person and discuss requirements, if interested you can contact me on 07914830140. Regards David