1979 Lotus Eclat V8 'Spyder Donington' Coupé
Registration no. XCE 656T
Chassis no. 7811/1364A
Odometer reading: TBC
MoT expiry date: exempt
*3.5-litre Rover V8 engine
*Built in 1990
*Used in Spydersport's publicity material
*In storage since 2000
*Offered for re-commissioning
Built by Spydersport Ltd, the Spyder Donington was a conversion kit for the Lotus Elite/Eclat consisting of a rolling backbone chassis designed to accommodate the 3.5-litre Rover V8 engine, replacing the original Lotus frame and 2.0-litre 16-valve four. Lotus themselves had built a Rover V8-engined Elite prototype, only for the project to be vetoed by Colin Chapman who was intent on using only Lotus's own power plants. The Spydersport chassis was rust and corrosion inhibited and the Rover five-speed manual gearbox was specified. The Spyder Donington could be ordered with power assisted steering and air conditioning, while other noteworthy features included a Jaguar XJ limited-slip differential with inboard disc brakes.
This Eclat-based Spyder Donington was last on the road in 1999 and has been in storage since 2000. The car was converted in 1990 and used in Spydersport's publicity material (see file). Previous owner I P Morrison clearly found driving the Lotus a daunting prospect: "Lotus V8 too fast for me. Please buy it before (a) I kill myself or worse still (b) I lose my licence!" Lotus style with British Power - Excellent!
Saleroom notices
- Please note this is an 'Elite', not 'Eclat' as catalogued.
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