Lotus Elite, Eclat and Excel: Books - History

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

Lotus introduced the Type 75 Elite in 1974. Being a full four-seater coupe with an opening glass tailgate, it was designed to carry a family in comfort while retaining Lotus' trademark, excellent road holding and handling. Perhaps most importantly, it was the first - and successful - step in Colin Chapman's plan to move upmarket and away from Lotus' kit car image.

The Elite gave rise to two derivatives, the Eclat and the Excel. The Eclat was a restyled coupe version, sacrificing the Elite's unique rear styling and good rear passenger headroom for a more stylish exterior. With its conventional coupe styling, the Eclat was more mainstream than the Elite, and it was in the end the better seller. In turn, the Eclat spawned the Excel, the last of the Elite-inspired family.

Matthew Vale looks at the history of these unusual Lotus models, and gives a thorough guide to buying and owning the cars today.

Lotus Elite : Colin Chapman's first GT Car

The Lotus Elite was a turning point for Lotus. First produced at the end of the 1950s, it marked Lotus' transition from a maker of small racing cars, which had limited utility on the road, to the producer of a highly sophisticated road and race car.
In the Elite, Lotus exploited its knowledge of new technology and racing pedigree to produce a car which, with its glass fibre monocoque and Coventry Climax engine, had the potential to be a world beater.

This book gives an insight into the reasons the car was produced and its importance in Lotus' history, especially in the production of lightweight innovative cars. Through interviews with Elite owners, first hand accounts provide a good overview of owning one of these iconic cars, covering its foibles and quirks as well as its exemplary roadholding, handling and performance.
Illustrated with many colour photographs, along with period advertising material, the book provides a valuable insight into owning, running and racing these iconic cars.

Lotus Elite (1957-1964) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about Lotus Elite models from the years 1957-1964.

• 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.

▶  More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

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 on the Brooklands Portfolio books

Lotus Esprit - The Complete Story

NEW

The Lotus Esprit, launched in 1976, served as the company's flagship model for nearly three decades, remaining in production for over 25 years. The car underwent several updates, first to its original design by Giorgetto Giugiaro and later, from 1987, to a version by Peter Stevens. These changes helped the Esprit stay competitive in its market segment.
Often compared to top German and Italian sports cars, the Esprit excelled both on the road and the race track. It achieved success in international GT racing, competing with brands like Ferrari and McLaren, while being sold at a much lower price. The Esprit's legacy is evident in modern Lotus models, which continue to prioritize exceptional handling and precise steering.

This book, featuring over 300 images, including professional photos, factory archives, and specially commissioned artworks, also includes interviews with key Lotus personnel involved in the Esprit's production, making it a fitting tribute to this iconic sports car.

Lotus Esprit

First launched in 1976, the Lotus Esprit was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and based on a Lotus Europa chassis. The following year, the car made its debut in the Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me, where, after a car chase, it metamorphosed into a submarine.

In this comprehensive book, the authors use their first-hand knowledge from twenty years of ownership to cover essential information such as how to buy, own and keep a Lotus Esprit as well as unpublished research and history of the various models, including the original "Essex" turbo models.
They describe the development of the new designs for the Esprit in 1987 by Peter Stevens and in 1993 by Peter Thomson. They also explore the story of the Bond film cars, both terrestrial and aquatic, and where they are now.

The book explains how to maintain an Esprit on a budget and also lists the suppliers, businesses and clubs that can help keep an Esprit on the road while also adding a social dimension to ownership.
Packed with original illustrations, this book is a must-have guide to one of the Lotus company's most famous models.

Lotus Excel (1982-1992) - Brooklands Portfolio

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

• 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 Excel.

▶  More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books