Lotus Elite, Eclat and Excel: Illustrated History Books & Guides

Lotus Elite : Colin Chapman's first GT Car

The Lotus Elite, first produced in the late 1950s, marked a significant change for Lotus. It transitioned the company from making small racing cars with limited road use to producing advanced road and race cars. With its fiberglass monocoque body and Coventry Climax engine, the Elite had the potential to be a world-class competitor.

This book explores the reasons behind the Elite's creation and its importance in Lotus' history, particularly in developing lightweight, innovative vehicles. Through interviews with Elite owners, the book provides a detailed look at the ownership experience, highlighting the car's unique characteristics, as well as its excellent handling, road performance, and reliability.

Featuring numerous color photos and period advertising, the book offers valuable insights into owning, maintaining, and racing one of Lotus' iconic cars.

Product details

Author:	Matthew Vale
Details:	176 pages, 9.8 x 9.8 in (25 x 25 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	250 b&w and color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2021)
ISBN:	9781787115170

Lotus Elite, Eclat and Excel - An Enthusiast's Guide

In 1974, Lotus introduced the Type 75 Elite, a four-seater coupe with a glass tailgate. Designed for comfort while maintaining Lotus' renowned handling, it marked Colin Chapman's first step toward a more premium image, moving away from the brand's kit car origins.

The Elite led to two variants: the Eclat and the Excel. The Eclat, a sleeker coupe, sacrificed the Elite's distinctive rear styling and headroom for a more conventional design, making it more commercially successful. The Excel, derived from the Eclat, was the final evolution of this lineage.

Author Matthew Vale explores the history of these unique Lotus models and provides a comprehensive guide for prospective buyers and current owners.

Pages of the book "Lotus Elite, Eclat and Excel - An Enthusiast's Guide"

Product details

Author:	Matthew Vale
Details:	144 pages, 9.7 x 7.5 x 0.39 in (24.5 x 19 x 1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	120 color photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	The Crowood Press Ltd (GB, 2016)
ISBN:	9781785000782

Lotus Elite & Eclat (1974-1982) - Brooklands Portfolio

The 1974 Elite 4-seat hatchback was the first of three larger and more expensive Lotus models intended to replace the Elan and Europe. The cheaper Eclat fastback was based on the same chassis.
This Brooklands Portfolio book celebrates the Lotus Elite types 75 and 83, S1 and S2.2 Along with the Eclat / Sprint types 76 and 84, S1 and S2.2 from the years 1974-1982.

• The articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.
• Offers also advice for the purchase of a pre-owned Lotus Elite or Eclat.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Details:	160 pages, 11 x 8.25 x 0.43 in (28 x 21 x 1.1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	300 b&w photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 2011)
Series:	Road Test Portfolio
ISBN:	9781855209176

Lotus Excel (1982-1992) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring 4-zits Lotus Excel sports cars from the years 1982-1992, which the Eclat vervingen. Describes the Lotus Excel, SE and SA.

• The period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.
• Offers also advice for the purchase of a pre-owned Lotus Excel.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Details:	160 pages, 11 x 8.1 x 0.43 in (28 x 20.5 x 1.1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	300 b&w photos
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 2011)
Series:	Road Test Portfolio
ISBN:	9781855209183

Lotus Elite (1957-1964) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Lotus Elite sports cars from the years 1957-1964.

• The period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

More information about Brooklands Portfolio books

Product details

Details:	92 pages, 10.6 x 7.9 x 0.28 in (27 x 20 x 0.7 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	150 photos and drawings
Language:	English
Publisher:	Brooklands Books (GB, 2000)
Series:	Limited Edition
ISBN:	9781855205475