LotusElan17

SOLD to the first viewer, many thanks for all the interest.

Yes I am aware the aftermarket sunroof will upset the purists, I am not a purist as I fitted a Honda K20A engine into a Exige S1, I also fitted a Spyder chassis and Zetec into an Elan +2, notwithstanding that I have glassed in two sunroofs that were hideous, one Elite and one Eclat, simply because they were ugly, badly fitted and leaked. A sunroof on an Esprit is my preference, it makes the cabin less claustrophobic and brighter, also gives me a bit more headroom, three of my four Esprit have had sunroofs, the only one that didn’t was the Essex for obvious reasons, always found that I had a massive build up of static from my hair brushing the nylon roof.

Mine now for sale and listed on the Forum, offers invited, will be on EBay next week and likely to go to auction at Duxford whenever their next sale is on, September I think, viewings welcome. regards David

Painting the petrol caps is my list of things to do, I’ve replaced the Stevens steering wheel with the Giugiaro wheel shown in the first pic, I have a new Momo Turbo steering wheel to fit but don’t have the crash pad, if anyone knows of one for sale I would be interested. Leather was faded and cracked when purchased so that has been re-connolised.

It is indeed a PPW reg, it’s on the dry sump database. Here are a few more pics.

That too, every Lotus needs threatening with a hammer from time to time, it’s a language they understand. Also prevents it rolling down the gradient from my garage as I have to pull it out and push it in, need a bigger garage.

Hi Bling I have a 1981 Dry Sump Turbo Esprit, Calypso Red, mustard leather, split rim Compomotives, engine rebuilt. I may be selling in the near future, you are more than welcome to come and see it anytime, I am 2 miles from the old Lotus factory in Cheshunt, Goffs Oak, easy to find. I can’t use the messaging system as my inbox is over capacity so if you want to contact me send me an email to [email protected] Regards David

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.