23rd Nov, 2021 13:00

November 2021 Classics Auction

 
  Lot 45
 

1976 Lotus Éclat
Complete with hand book signed by the cars designer Oliver Winterbottom and photo of him with the car *** NO RESERVE ***

Registration - RJH 829R

Chassis No. - 031ZD7910

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 58,804

This very original-looking Éclat is finished in red and trimmed in beige cloth/PVC. Remarkably clean inside and out it is regarded by the vendor as being ‘good’ in all major respects, and displays an unwarranted but highly credible total mileage from new of just 58,804. Such early examples were equipped with either a four-speed Ford gearbox or five-speed one developed from Austin Maxi components. ‘RJH 829R’ began life with one of the latter, but at some stage it has been replaced with the superior five-speed Getrag unit, that was standard fit on later versions of the model. The Lotus is now offered at No Reserve, complete with a ‘good’ set of tyres, comprehensive history file and two links to the model’s designer, Oliver Winterbottom – a signed photo of him with ‘RJH 829R’ and his signature on the front cover of the operating manual. A rare opportunity to acquire so tidy an example of one of Lotus’s lesser-known models.

The 2+2 Éclat model was effectively a Type 75 Elite with fastback styling and the practicality of a separate boot area, and the lower half of the fibreglass body was in fact identical to that of its sibling. Production ran from 1975 to 1982, during which around 1,500 examples were produced. The chosen powerplant was a development of the Vauxhall Slant-4 unit of which Series 1 cars were fitted with a 1973cc version, while Series 2 versions built from 1980 onwards featured a slightly torquier 2174cc variant. The Éclat was well received by the motoring media which, as with most Lotuses, praised the handling and grip. They also found it to be more economical than most of its multi-cylinder rivals.

In summary:

  • A notably tidy-looking example of a relatively rare model
  • Just 58,804 indicated miles
  • Comes complete with items signed by the Éclat’s designer, Oliver Winterbottom

 

'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following;  Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'

 Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.

 

Sold for £6,075

(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)


 

Auction: November 2021 Classics Auction, 23rd Nov, 2021

This auction of classic cars, motorbikes, registrations & automobilia will take place in the Concorde Hangar at Manchester Airport's Runway Visitor Park.

We are delighted to be running this live event in the shadow of Concorde, without doubt the most iconic passenger aircraft in history.

Free parking for auction attendees.

As with all Hampson Auctions there will be a fantastic and varied mix of lots to reflect both the individual interests of collectors whatever stage of the collectors journey they are on. 

If you wish to consign your vehicle to this auction, you can request a valuation here or by calling on of the team on 01606 828124

Viewing Days:
Monday 22nd November 12pm - 7pm
Tuesday 23rd November 9am - 1pm
 

View all lots in this sale

 

Please click on the image below to discuss finance options with the Apollo Capital team led by Andy King and David Moss, experts in luxury, supercar & hypercar finance for more than 25 years. Before you bid, you must make sure you have the funds ready or have approved finance in principal with Apollo.

 

Fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch with a no-obligation valuation. We will also take you through the consignment and valuation process, to enable you to make an informed decision.

If you prefer to contact us directly please call 01606 828 124 or email info@hampsonauctions.com

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