[{"id": 2079406, "authorName": "ChattanoogaJSB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chattanoogajsb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "To start off comments I wanted to introduce myself as the owner of the Lotus and say as a longtime watcher on BaT I'm hoping to have fun with this and send it on to a home where it will get built. I see it as an easy restoration project owing to how complete and straight it presents. \r\n\r\nBefore the day is over I'll be submitting a quick walk around of the car and I also wanted to show the door fits- no sag, they close and latch with a finger and can be shut by a push with two. \r\n\r\nI'm not a Lotus expert, but I do have experience working on a variety of classics and have restorations under my belt so if you have a question I'll do my best to explore it thoroughly.", "likes": 8, "timestamp": 1520960653, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079413, "authorName": "ChattanoogaJSB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chattanoogajsb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Also- if it isn't clear in the description the original color was Lotus Yellow, though it's obviously been repainted. The floors look awesome and the only repair I see showing is on the hood as photographed.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1520960766, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079415, "authorName": "WAGONBOYTD", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagonboytd/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Has to to be somewhat of a unicorn in the LOTUS world to have a love child of a Gremlin and a Maserati.. It got me to click on a car I normally wouldn't have. INTERESTING to say the least. very cool to see here on BaT GLWTS", "likes": 11, "timestamp": 1520960854, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079432, "authorName": "YellowFlash", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/yellowflash/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "WOW! Stunning! With this yellow Elite and the yellow DeTomaso. we need a YELLOW CAR SHOW!\r\n\r\nYellowFlash", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1520961218, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079438, "authorName": "TJP_77", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tjp_77/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The best one in the world is worth about $16k -- in pristine original concours condition. \r\n\r\nThese are very cool, interesting classics and are a lot of fun to drive. I own an old Esprit and have encountered the Elite at Lotus events and it's a very cool car in person, and their owners love them.\r\n\r\nWith that said, any restoration here would have to be a labor of love as there is not and will never be a financial upside. Which is a shame because these cars do deserve to be properly restored and enjoyed.\r\n\r\nOn a positive note, Lotus parts are nowhere near as expensive as people imagine and these cars are dead-simple to work on, as long as you're generally comfortable mechanically.", "likes": 11, "timestamp": 1520961391, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079449, "authorName": "David_C.", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/david_c.-user/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This car is so cool. It looks like it drove straight off the set of a 1970s sci-fi movie. Of course, the only title that comes to mind is \"Honey, I Shrunk the Gremlin\" .", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1520961607, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079456, "authorName": "Mike_Breinin", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mike_breinin/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Two words you don't want to hear in the same sentence, \"Lotus\" and \"Project.\" Still, I bet someone with the patience, wallet and know how can get this back to its glory. Bring a Leisure Suit.", "likes": 9, "timestamp": 1520961727, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079492, "authorName": "porkpiehat", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/porkpiehat/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The 907 is an interference engine, and the early iterations leaked oil (redesigned later and fixable for early units). They don't command the same money as an Elan but are reputedly fun drivers. I hope she goes to a loving home.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1520962396, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079499, "authorName": "masernut", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/masernut/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Rear inboard drum brakes, not all Lotus engineering was brilliant.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1520962491, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079506, "authorName": "georgewny", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/georgewny/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Two comments hit home for me\r\nCould not stop laughing \"Honey, I shrunk the Gremlin\" - that is exactly what I thought to!\r\nand\r\n\"Two words you don\u2019t want to hear in the same sentence, \u201cLotus\u201d and \u201cProject.\u201d \"\r\nThough I've never had a Lotus, I've had many many many British cars, and if Lotus uses Lucas electronics... UGH... bad bad memories as we called Lucas electrical \"The Prince of Darkness\", because that is where the Prince always manages to leave you...", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1520962570, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079497, "authorName": "ChattanoogaJSB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chattanoogajsb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "It definitely has some '70's Kitsch. The gremlin similarity wasn't lost on me, I didn't think to compare it to a Maserati. I found to be the love child of a night of passion between a gremlin and a very drunk and vulnerable Espada.", "likes": 14, "timestamp": 1520962735, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079538, "authorName": "Batman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/batman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "\"very drunk and vulnerable Espada\"\r\n\r\nbrilliant.\r\n\r\nGLWTA!", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1520963558, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079545, "authorName": "lotharamc", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lotharamc/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Winterbottom... Oliver Winterbottom", "likes": 7, "timestamp": 1520963664, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079546, "authorName": "craZee", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/crazee/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Watched an old Top Gear episode this week and Clarkson said Lotus stands for Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious.\nCool time machine however\nGLWA", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1520963693, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079563, "authorName": "RBBGroup", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rbbgroup/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Gremlin for the Elite !", "likes": 10, "timestamp": 1520963951, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079567, "authorName": "Fez", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/fez/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "We are living in a far off future where we laugh at this futuristic car!??!\n\nSeller; I appreciate your preparation for the peppering of humor and non constructive lambasting. Mario Andretti drove one of these for a while, although likely under the same sort of terms that landed Tiger Woods in a Buick Rendezvous commercial.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1520964128, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079585, "authorName": "ChattanoogaJSB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chattanoogajsb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I was wondering- has anyone noticed the rear end resembles a Gremlin? Is it just me?\n\nYes, I'm totally prepared for the humor. The humor is why I love the site!\n\nI thought this would be neat entry into wanky British cars and the eccentricity of Lotus. But I've got several sporty American cars at home and after buying the Lotus a Porsche 914 project came my way. I had to take it, and something had to give which is this car.", "likes": 8, "timestamp": 1520964372, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079594, "authorName": "unclewill", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/unclewill/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "OK, I'll bite...", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1520964419, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079595, "authorName": "unclewill", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/unclewill/", "bidAmount": 1000, "content": "$1,000 bid placed by unclewill", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1520964428, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2079603, "authorName": "djimbe", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/djimbe/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Colin's Ugly Duckling. Will be interesting to watch this one. Some days I think this design looks oddly compelling, and other days I'm all \"Nope. Couldn't do it. So ugly it's Fugly\". Somebody that wants it is going to get it, that's for sure. Good on ya seller for making a NR auction", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1520964523, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079613, "authorName": "tonyola", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tonyola/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Those headlights - obviously something startled this car awake.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1520964591, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079598, "authorName": "Brian_M", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/brian_m/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Two unnecessary comments already, one mentioning Lucas, one coughing up that hoary LOTUS cliche, ideally that will be all we have to read.\n\n\nI had one of these albeit one with a very well engineered turbo and it performed almost flawlessly until the idler pulley lost a couple of bearings, went silly and flopped the belt, resulting in 12 bent valves.\n\nWhile that being expensively repaired I removed the turbo and put the engine back to normal aspiration - I was lucky enough to find a couple of Dellortos/manifold so that part was relatively easy and cheap.\n\nSo, engine rebuilt etc and then the true nature of the car was revealed, much slower than with the turbo, obviously, but at least the brakes could now cope - with the turbo the stock brakes were not quite good enough.\n\nThe lack of torque with the turbo removed was also evident but that just meant more revving and more gear changing and the handling remained as it always was, flat, linear, predictable and very easy to drive through bends etc.\n\nSadly, the Elite/Eclat will never command the prices of those which came before and those which came after, they are the orphans of the Lotus world.\n\nA well designed true 4 seater but that rear end design let the whole car down.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1520964622, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079624, "authorName": "unclewill", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/unclewill/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Any car with a \"Rear Wipe\" button is good with me.", "likes": 21, "timestamp": 1520964647, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079689, "authorName": "Rrrockhound", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rrrockhound/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "It's always jarring to look at one of these 70s-era Lotuses. The looks say tech-forward, sophisticated, even futuristic, but the mechanicals seem to be a generation or two behind the styling, almost like two different car companies were collaborating. The Saab Sonnet and the Triumph TR7 were sort of in that same boat too.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1520965073, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079701, "authorName": "marauder", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/marauder/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I'm not too sure I would want to drive one of these in any condition, but it does occur to me that the body would make a terrific 'billboard car'; like you used to see Messerschmidts on poles in front of salvage yards. \n\nGLWTA", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1520965323, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079727, "authorName": "ChattanoogaJSB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chattanoogajsb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Unclewill- thank you for the bid! The real labelling genius isn't the \"rear wipe\" for me it's the \"Cigar\" lighter. That sends the message! This little devil is a mans car. Cigar. Yes!\r\n\r\nSorry I haven't figured out how to quote posts in replies. I'll learn.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1520965528, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079733, "authorName": "Wagon_the_dog", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wagon_the_dog/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Winterbottom really nailed the Rear End design.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1520965620, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079749, "authorName": "ChattanoogaJSB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chattanoogajsb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Brian- thanks for the insight on owning and driving one. I think I'm in for a week of people telling me how they couldn't own it, peppered with some legitimate wit. \r\n\r\nRrrockhound, considering the general malaise of the '70's I don't feel it's mechanically behind it's styling. The little 907 was developed by Lotus and also used in Jensen Healeys. The fact that the rear brakes are drums point toward it being built to a price but the inboard system for reduced unsprung weight is cool (I know, Jaguar did it long before) and the Lotus spine frame is always a point of intrigue to me.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1520965895, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079815, "authorName": "HusbandFoundDead", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/husbandfounddead/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Watch it @unclewill, you may have to take that sitting down! Don't forget about the ('Included with Rear Wipe Package') 'Rear Wash' button as well.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1520966701, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079820, "authorName": "Max", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/max/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Love child of an Lamborghini Espada and an AMC Pacer. (that aint half bad)\n\nI predict that the future owner has a great sense of humour and will spontaneously grow a moustache within 5 minutes of closing the deal.", "likes": 8, "timestamp": 1520966788, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079866, "authorName": "nednash", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nednash/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "What I find interesting is that the exterior is so polarizing, so attractive to comment, that no one has mentioned that interior. Zowie. That is some fabric.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1520967180, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2079995, "authorName": "wtberks", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wtberks/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "OK, I am sure I will take some heat for this, but I like the styling. But then, in my defense, I own a Jensen GT, another car with a 907, Lucas electronics, back seats and a rear wiper switch.", "likes": 14, "timestamp": 1520968489, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080019, "authorName": "JiminRichmond", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jiminrichmond/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@masernut: What is bad about the rear inboard disks? They lower the unsprung weight. I think the E-type, the GTV6, and of course the 2CV (ok - I looked on Wikipedia for that last one), all sported inboard disks. I guess it is a pain to change a disk, but the pads are not that bad. Just more evidence of the racing bonafides of this Lotus.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1520968685, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080044, "authorName": "H20cycle", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/h20cycle/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Too bad I know nothing about these motors or a viable swap because this would make a great tourer for a family of four. Wood steering wheel, paint it silver, close the lights, and then break them so they never, ever open again. Nighttime be damned.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1520968885, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080051, "authorName": "Fez", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/fez/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I'd keep the motor @H20cycle parts are available, as they were also used in the Jensen Healy convt. that isn't exactly rare.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1520968970, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080059, "authorName": "Keith_T", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/keith_t/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Yellow with a tan interior, very 70's but that fabric, I'd expect something more akin to Burberry plaid rather than this light beige velour with burnt orange and avocado lattice pattern. And off white corduroy on the door insets. I actually like the car but I don't get the interior. Guess you had to be there.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1520969121, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080077, "authorName": "bmwtmw", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bmwtmw/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Reminds me of the post apocalyptic cars in Mad Max. Something the Goose would drive when it's raining.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1520969334, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080091, "authorName": "djimbe", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/djimbe/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The cloth ain't half bad, though it is worn some. I think we all know it could have been like this:\n\nhttp://www.coachtrimmer.co.uk/ourwork-esprit.aspx", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1520969533, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080102, "authorName": "Brian_M", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/brian_m/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "JiminRichmond \"What is bad about the rear inboard disks?\"\r\n\r\nThey are drums and are a total pain to work on, if/when the seals leak your easiest method to fix is to drop the whole axle, ditto for working on the handbrake.\r\n\r\nUnsprung weight is great but they could/should have at least gone with disks.\r\n\r\nAlso bear in mind that the design of this car was to allow easy access to the rear for the golf clubs, the shotguns etc as this was essentially a 'shooting brake' in typical Chapman form the car had two rear seats which were enough to keep the wife happy that the kids could be bunged in the back even though this was rarely the case.\r\n\r\nThe same rationale as ACBC had with the Plus 2, a man with growing family needed more seats than the Elan could provide, so buy a Plus 2 (and never actually use the rear seats).", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1520969669, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080108, "authorName": "johntennyson", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/johntennyson/", "bidAmount": 1974, "content": "$1,974 bid placed by johntennyson", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1520969798, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2080112, "authorName": "johntennyson", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/johntennyson/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I'm totally out of room, but I really dig the european-spec S2.2 bumpers and front spoiler!\r\n\r\nAnd the color!", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1520969857, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080116, "authorName": "Omnivore", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/omnivore/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Interesting that Mario Andretti drove one. That I would like to see:\n\n\u201cMama Mia when is the turbo gonna kick in? What? No turbo? Ay Caramba! Can we drop a DFV in it?\nMichael get out you\u2019re weighing me down! And cut back on the pasta!\u201d", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1520969948, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080114, "authorName": "georgewny", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/georgewny/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@wtberks, Jensen's are hot looking cars, I had a few years back. They like this Lotus everyone to turn heads when they go by. \nAnd I had many \"Wedges\" aka Triumph TR-7 and TR-8's and (Brian_M you may wish to not read this ) the dreaded Lucas Electronics ... Loved the 70's wedgie cars even had an Fiat X19 but never a Lotus. And after all the issues I've had with all my Triumphs and over 80% of it was electrical and every time I see the Lucas emblem I just just get this feeling that, Not if that component will fail, but when and how many times. Cant even remember how many Triumph ignition ballasts I had to replace. So to me, I would be very hesitant to take on anything from the '70's that runs on Lucas. I don't know if Lotus uses Lucas or not, suspect they do, but I don't know... Hope Lotus didn't. Any Lotus experts out there that know?\nWhen I was younger, I didn't mind as much having my car not running and needing a repair, thought it was kinda fun to do and learn. Now, I don't see any enjoyment on a nice clear sunny day to be in my garage replacing Lucas parts when my other non Lucas cars are heading for curvy roads. Needless to say, no more Brit / Lucas cars in my garage anymore. Still love the way they look! Hot looking and they are not seen very often.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1520969955, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080165, "authorName": "Mr.Jingles", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mr.jingles/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I have always like the Elite. The Eclat' is a beautiful car as well but to my 10 year old eyes when these were new... the Elite just looked like a dart when it flew by you on the street. Elites and Espadas share a commonality and that is while they may look so-so in pictures... when you see one in the flesh they are very attractive.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1520970367, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080181, "authorName": "NICEGUY", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/niceguy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@georgewny\r\n\r\nI just sold my Elite. Plenty of Lucas electronics. The door motors are AC/Delco. That was the upshot.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1520970540, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080195, "authorName": "Fez", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/fez/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePWebZdW0s8\r\n\r\n\r\nmight help bidding... looking for the clip I swear I saw of Mario", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1520970667, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080233, "authorName": "rodan32", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rodan32/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I love the look, man, everything. It's so loud and weird. I know it's kind of heretical, but I keep wondering if you could stick, say, a B16B in there instead of that 907. Although I guess a Toyota motor would be more appropriate in a Lotus.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1520970936, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080334, "authorName": "ChrisCushing", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chriscushing/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I've heard from several people that these ride like a luxury car, though I have not driven one so I cannot verify. They certainly have comfortable looking cabins.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1520971672, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080449, "authorName": "Brian_M", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/brian_m/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "BattleRabbit, the ride in these was indeed far from that of other sports cars and was much more like a GT but in typical Lotus fashion, that relatively smooth ride did not compromise the handling.\r\n\r\nI did quite a few longish trips in mine and I actually remember them as being comfortable (unlike my Esprit which was the opposite!)\r\n\r\nOne thing missing from this (may have been an extra or only on the later cars) was the microphone - you could dictate/record your words of wisdom on the Philips stereo cassette - something which I used to just for a laugh.\r\n\r\nMy experience with the turbo in mine , which gave an estimated (never measured it) 220- 230 hp and similar torque has me convinced that had the car had an engine providing this kind of output, sales would have been significantly better as would engine reliability.\r\n\r\nBut we shall never know.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1520972535, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080526, "authorName": "pacotaco", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pacotaco/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Had a 74 in the early 80\u201d$ and was fun to drive comfortable for a 200lb 6.2 person but reliability and quality wasn\u2019t great and not easy for a rear seat pax to get in and out of good handling and with battery in the boot made for a long cable. Had the Weber\u2019s for a little more hp think that if under 2500 buyer should be ok as values aren\u2019t that high", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1520973350, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080577, "authorName": "JiminRichmond", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jiminrichmond/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Brian_M: thanks. I had no idea it was inboard drums. Sounds like a Chapman solution.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1520974106, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080692, "authorName": "ChattanoogaJSB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chattanoogajsb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I love witty banter but I would appreciate people not saying how cheap they think my car should sell - I wouldn't come tell interested buyers how little I thought your car was worth on the field. Please show me the same courtesy.", "likes": 25, "timestamp": 1520975269, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080819, "authorName": "rbcnewfield", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rbcnewfield/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Very cool car in my opinion. Not sure it is fortunate or unfortunate for me that I currently have no room and too many projects. Just got my recently purchased 73 Jensen Healey running after sitting idle in dry storage in Utah since 1985! I replaced the timing belt and idler bearing as recommended before firing it up. I must say a very straightforward job as compared to new cars. There is plenty more to attend to and then it is off to my 60 TR-3 and eventually the 80 TR-7. Anyone know if the Chrysler alternator was original to these? the 907 in my Jensen has a GM appearing unit. GLWTA", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1520976386, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080824, "authorName": "ChattanoogaJSB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chattanoogajsb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I believe manual says Chrysler alt from an ac equipped car so sort of stock.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1520976467, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080872, "authorName": "NS400Randy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ns400randy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Incredibly unique design, and to clear up any rumors, Captain Scarlett did drive one when he was 'off duty'. GLWTS", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1520977488, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080883, "authorName": "ChattanoogaJSB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chattanoogajsb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Johntennyson thank you for the bid!\r\n\r\nTo someone else that commented, yes the upholstery is funky and cool. There's a light staining on the corner of the drivers seat but otherwise it's actually tidy on the seating surfaces and console as shown. The drivers seat could possibly be cleaned to match by a good detailer.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1520978006, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080915, "authorName": "JBBearcat", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jbbearcat/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I've a l ways liked these much more than the Eclat, and even more than the Esprit.\r\n\r\nI understand from reading a UK classic car magazine that values on on their way up. That's to be expected as they age, when I lived over there in the late 80s, these were just \"used cars\" and they could give them away.\r\n\r\nI wish I was a better DIY mechanic, I'd be all over this.\r\n\r\nSeller...\r\n-is the dash cracked?\r\n-would the (presumably original...and hard to replace) cloth clean up?\r\n\r\nI know the mechanical bits are what's important, but with something this rare, the soft trim is probably harder to find than the mechanics.\r\n\r\nGood luck with the sale, it will be fun to see what it goes for.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1520979362, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080921, "authorName": "Brian_M", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/brian_m/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "seller \"I would appreciate people not saying how cheap they think my car should sell\"\r\n\r\nUnfortunately you/BaT have no control over such things and while it is a negative for you/BaT, some - those who really don't know the 'value' of the car - will see this as a benefit or guide.\r\n\r\nIt, this off the cuff valuation (and the lousy jokes/cliches) is a function of the system here...which is why I would never put my car up for auction, here or anywhere else, without a reserve.\r\n\r\nYour car is in decent shape, inside and out but the fact that it does not run - making it a project - will always negatively affect the value.\r\n\r\nWhy not see if you can actually get it to run - they are not complex motors and then post a video?\r\n\r\nAnd you might want to 'present' that engine bay a little better, remove the leaves etc - just trying to help here.", "likes": 7, "timestamp": 1520979488, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080922, "authorName": "NICEGUY", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/niceguy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@rbcnewfield\r\n\r\n The Lotus Club keeps a spreadsheet of the source of parts: \r\nhttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Dl6NNMkE13QQGbQfun8DgEumyGQh358etpCn9v88Xo0/edit?usp=sharing\r\n\r\nFor those interested, I have a very good handle on parts availability, including what's impossible to find, what's easy to find, etc.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1520979502, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080952, "authorName": "NICEGUY", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/niceguy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@rodan32\r\n\r\nSome people fit Rover V8s, although the air intake has to be modified, or the hood has to be modified. The low, raked hood was possible due to the slant 4's size. It's the hood that limits what you can do.\r\n\r\nI've seen one converted to electric, which the builder uses as a daily driver.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1520980654, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080957, "authorName": "ChattanoogaJSB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chattanoogajsb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Bearcat- I'll reply in full this evening on the dash. I'll check the photos and see if I have more to add. If not I'll take some. \r\n\r\nI think I already answered your question about the cloth interior which I think is actually very presentable and would likely clean.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1520981128, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080961, "authorName": "ChattanoogaJSB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chattanoogajsb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Brian- I'll totally take your advice. Shots on the value go in with all the other funny shots in the future. \r\n\r\nAs far as the engine goes- you can see the fuel system is in need of total clean and rebuild and I haven't begun to get to the distributor under the intake. Honestly I have friends who, like you, want to see it run but in my mind it's a real Project. I have three classics and two little kids. I'm comfortable for no reserve for once in my life. I get what you're saying about more underhood work and running condition but it's not mean to be with my workload.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1520981339, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2080972, "authorName": "Brian_M", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/brian_m/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Respect that, seller - been there!\r\n\r\nI wish you the very best with this - as I said the body and interior are as they should be so I hope that someone with a little vision and a little more money will invest in this.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1520982129, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2081022, "authorName": "ChattanoogaJSB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chattanoogajsb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Bearcat- the one photo of the dash shows it to be nice I'm sorry I didn't see others in my files. I'll post some more up tomorrow afternoon. The car is stored a little way away at a friends house so I'll plan on making visits to it as the auction runs to keep people caught up on anything they want to see closely. \r\n\r\nIf BaT allows (and I presume they do) I also invite anyone to inspect it or have it inspected.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1520984682, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2081130, "authorName": "RevSome", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/revsome/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Please gentlemen. This auto is properly pronounced Litus. Now there's a good chap.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1520989569, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2081138, "authorName": "ChrisCushing", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chriscushing/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Given the hood line, this could be one of the only vehicles in the world where a 944 engine swap is appropriate.\r\n\r\nNot that I\u2019m suggesting anyone go that route, but given the similar packaging constraints it would be appropriate.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1520990081, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2081143, "authorName": "bringatrailer", "authorUrl": "", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Two videos have been added to the listing.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1520990421, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2081176, "authorName": "San_Jose_Scot", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/san_jose_scot/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "As a teenager rode in the back of one. You had to twist around a bit. Once in the seats were comfy. \r\n\r\nImpressive was the way it went around corners. Could carry a lot of speed with two adults and two teens. \r\n\r\nSound was unimpressive which was disappointing. \r\n\r\nThere were lots of issues with the car. Those are well documented and can be found with a google search. What is not as well documented are the solutions and workarounds. Agree that it would be a labor to get this puppy as reliable as a few I\u2019ve seen and had the pleasure to drive. I am sure it would be love when driven.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1520991864, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2081200, "authorName": "Kollins", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kollins/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Yes, the Chrysler alternator is oem. I had one of these some years ago. The rear brakes are Inboard drums = labor hours. Fun car to drive.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1520992951, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2081205, "authorName": "Ed_L", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ed_l/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "\"I understand from reading a UK classic car magazine that values on on their way up.\"\n\n... if for no other reason than it would be impossible for them go down.", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1520993154, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2081469, "authorName": "voiture", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/voiture/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I believe the upholstery pattern is correctly referred to as tattersall. One of my favorite shirt patterns, in fact! Lotus interiors from the mid-70s do not disappoint.\r\n\r\nThe interior looks really nice, actually. It's probably a better situation than if it were shredded and the mechanicals were good. \r\n\r\nLotus Europa/Elite/Eclat/Esprit strike me as some of the few remaining values for pedigreed classics. As an ex-Elan owner, sure, they aren't as robust as a Corvette or 911 but Loti certainly have earned their place in the pantheon.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1521028474, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2081470, "authorName": "georgewny", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/georgewny/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@rbcnewfield\r\nHi RBC\r\nYou wrote \"then it is off to my 60 TR-3 and eventually the 80 TR-7. \"\r\nI have many TR wedge parts in my garage from days when I was into these beasts.\r\nHeads, ECU for fuel injected TR-7, original spider / TR8 rims, brand new header for 7, and many many many other parts. I am out of dealing with these cars from across the pond and want to sell it all off. If you are interested or know others drop me a line\r\ngeorgewny at optonline dot net", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1521028539, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2081696, "authorName": "951ltwt", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/951ltwt/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Here's a datapoint and a look at what this car could be with some sweat and love. \r\n\r\nMy 1977 Lotus Eclat, which is a sister car to the Elite (same running gear and interior , less the body shape difference). What a nimble awesome four seater. I miss that car! \r\nhttps://bringatrailer.com/listing/1977-lotus-eclat/", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1521036628, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2081714, "authorName": "mcaden", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mcaden/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "It looks like the love child of a Lotus Espirit and AMC Gremlin.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1521037078, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2081842, "authorName": "JTW", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jtw/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "If my name were Oliver Winterbottom, and I was an automobile designer, the name of my company would be \"Cool Ass Designs\".", "likes": 10, "timestamp": 1521040098, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2081975, "authorName": "RickFried", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rickfried/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Having owned not one, but two of these. The first one was totaled when a Honda rear-ended me; the husband kept repeating to his driver wife, like a mantra, \u201c You had to hit a Lotus, not a Chevy\u201d The second one was purchased with the insurance proceeds. The big issue, was valuing the totaled one, the insurance company adjuster threw up her arms and finally asked me what I\u2019d take. I gave her a stupid number, and she just wrote the check to get rid of me. As far as the seller not being happy with folks discussing values (or lack there of) Buck up Buckeroo, you should have known. These things are only worth what one is willing to pay, and a non runner, not much.", "likes": 11, "timestamp": 1521042449, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2082175, "authorName": "Satch_Carlson", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/satch_carlson/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "A yellow Elite?! I had to log in just to see if it was the Yaller Dawg, the car I drove for several years (in Alaska, no less!). Interference engine? Um, yes, it is, actually\u2014and there's nothing holding the timing belt on the cam sprockets (I had some flanges machined... after the horses had left the barn, of course).\n\nWith cams and a couple of Dell'Ortos, the engine could be made to hustle. And as for handling, the Elite was a great GT mountain runner\u2014and yes, human beings of a reasonable size could ride fairly comfortably in the rear bucket seats, once they performed the Secret Pretzel Ritual to get in there.\n\nThe lights are funny. They operate on a vacuum system\u2014which means that when the car is parked, the vacuum slowly diminishes, and the lights... come... up... but they do not pop open, they rise slowly, unsynchronized, like somebody coming off a Dilaudid high, one eyelid at a time (and one never fully opening at all).\n\nThe Esprit featured electric motors to raise the lights, which reinforced every Lucas stereotype in the book (and it's a fat book). Fortunately, the fuse block for the lights is in the glovebox, where it's a good idea to carry half a dozen spare fuses.\n\nOh, and Mario drove an Esprit\u2014I do remember that from a television piece on him (maybe 60 Minutes?). I don't know if he ever drove an Elite, but David E. Davis had a brown one.", "likes": 8, "timestamp": 1521047073, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2082284, "authorName": "USA64", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/usa64/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Satch_Carlson please go back to Autoweek and teach them to write! The trouble with a car built by a race car company is that they think tearing a car down after a weekends drive is normal. I would love to buy this but I have too much invested in my marriage. The rear drum brakes would seem to answer the problems with the Elan rear brakes. Off now to work on my Elan rear brakes!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1521049842, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2082416, "authorName": "ChattanoogaJSB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chattanoogajsb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Rick- thanks for the kind words about your Elite ownership! As far as value statements go, I'm on board with whatever comes out in the comments. I bought the car as a nonrunning project and am selling it the same way, it's all good. \r\n\r\nPeter Egan said many years (and inflation-adjusted dollars) ago- no car worth less than $100,000 deserves to be truly restored. I paraphrase but that notion always struck me with projects of all types as being...true.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1521051320, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2082787, "authorName": "bringatrailer", "authorUrl": "", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Additional photos are up in the gallery.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1521054029, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2082942, "authorName": "dtl2000", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dtl2000/", "bidAmount": 2250, "content": "$2,250 bid placed by dtl2000", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1521055367, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 2082970, "authorName": "ChattanoogaJSB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chattanoogajsb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thank you dtl for the bid! Thanks to BaT for getting the dash photos up in response to an inquiry", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1521055677, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2083002, "authorName": "johntennyson", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/johntennyson/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thank you dtl2000! I thought I'd bought a car for which I have no room!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1521056061, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2083034, "authorName": "MiketheBarbarian", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mikethebarbarian/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I think it must be the very definition of \u201cproject car,\u201d when the description says \u201csome\u201d of the electrics are said to work, and a high point of the car\u2019s condition is that the doors open and close! \r\n\r\nBut IMHO this is a project worthy of some love, and I hope it goes to someone who will be able to bring it back to life. I\u2019m sure when seller @ChattanoogaJSB bought this, he fully intended to be the one! And must be disappointed that he hasn\u2019t. But life happens!\r\n\r\nGLWTA!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1521056450, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2083058, "authorName": "dtl2000", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dtl2000/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "You're welcome @ChattanoogaJSB, I've always liked these cars and would be interested in a project like this (although I probably need my head examined for even thinking about it). I know for a fact this is going to be a real tough project but I'm consoled by the fact that the car appears to be complete so I guess it may be a labour of love versus any kind of investment. I've been known to take on these sorts of cars before (like the 1974 Austin Marina that I had sold to Monte Shelton a few years ago and bought back a few weeks back). Let's see where this one goes.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1521056624, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2083064, "authorName": "xtype", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/xtype/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Lovely Lotus! Well preserved, even if it does look like a Gremlin grafted to the back of an Esprit. I really like the interior and, from in there, you and your passengers (if you actually managed to convince anyone to get into that thing) would hardly care what the rear-end looked like.\r\n\r\n@ChattanoogaJSB, How to wear a 5-ring strap: https://i.imgur.com/j8itpgp.jpg It isolates the watch head (and spring bars) from tensions to the strap, entire the purpose of the extra ring! http://lmgtfy.com/?q=5+ring+zulu+strap+site%3Aforums.watchuseek.com\r\n\r\nGood luck with the sale, -x", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1521056715, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2083079, "authorName": "johntennyson", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/johntennyson/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Honestly, the real problem is that I already have a '75 Elite sitting in the back of the garage awaiting its turn in the project queue for a restomod job, and I'm excited about getting going on it.\r\n\r\nIf you're OK with slightly weird-looking cars (I am) and you look more closely at it, it just gets more and more fascinating: hinged steel door beams latch to the roll bar giving the fiberglass body good enough crash protection to win the Don Safety Award, while seating four in a car that weighs as much as a Miata. The first mass-produced all-aluminum 16-valve twincam took me home from LA to SF getting 24 mpg on 101, despite one of the quarter windows falling out. The separate chassis and low unsprung weight keep the ride so good that you wouldn't believe it was sold as the same time as a GTV. Conversion to rear discs looks to be really feasible, since the diff is basically as really narrow live axle bolted to the chassis, with the half shafts bolted where the road wheels go on lesser designs.\r\n\r\nThe old saying is that \"Lotus doesn't have customers, it has test drivers\" is true here, and probably makes sense for a company which makes only 50 cars a week.\r\n\r\nThese things are a collection of great ideas which weren't particularly well executed. Kind of the anti-Porsche, which makes it a perfect candidate for a restomod.\r\n\r\nAlso, I like the looks!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1521056854, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2083101, "authorName": "Slider172", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/slider172/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I have owned one of these for a while that runs , drives and the AC even blows cold.\r\nMy wife hate s it so much I have had it \u201cFor Sale\u201d most of the time I\u2019ve owned it. \r\nIt is fun, my kids ask to ride in it and people flock to it every where I go. A LOT of fun for little money!", "likes": 7, "timestamp": 1521057004, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2083125, "authorName": "johntennyson", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/johntennyson/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Also, if the buyer ends up being a Californian, a) it doesn't have to pass smog tests and b) PM me if you need an engine, since my nicely running 907 isn't part of my plans for the car.\r\n\r\nAn Alfa V-6 is...", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1521057233, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2083312, "authorName": "NICEGUY", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/niceguy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Slider172\r\n\r\nI have bookmarks dedicates to Elites for sale. Do you have a link?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1521059052, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2083436, "authorName": "porkpiehat", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/porkpiehat/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Satch Carlson Any pix/diagrams of your 907 cam tensioner mod?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1521060980, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2083601, "authorName": "ChattanoogaJSB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chattanoogajsb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@xtype - fascinating! Now I'll be fixing the watch band! An unexpected bonus from BaT.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1521063197, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2083680, "authorName": "Slider172", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/slider172/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Niceguy The irony is that I\u2019m getting a divorce so it isn\u2019t for sale right now. I can\u2019t sell anything until it\u2019s final.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1521064945, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2083711, "authorName": "lotiguy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lotiguy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "that's the BEST looking interior I have seen on these Elites. Usually they disintegrate to shreds. someone has spent a lot of money on this car. too bad it has been neglected and now needs a complete mechanical going over, especially the fuel tanks!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1521065569, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2083802, "authorName": "dtl2000", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dtl2000/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I have to ask @johntenneyson exactly what kind of resto-mod he is considering? In particular, are you thinking of a particular type of drive train? Although I have been told that the original engine in these is quite reliable, I may consider the possibility given that I expect this car will require a complete dismantling to be done properly. In the alternative, II would like to speak to you about the engine you have that is apparently surplus to your needs. Again, assuming I wind up with this project in the end.\n\nTo @Slider72 I offer my condolences in regard to the divorce proceedings. I have been married over 33 years now... on average 11 years per marriage! The one advantage of being a serial monogamist is that half of a half of a half is a lot less painful then the first half. That being said, my current wife (oops! Freudian slip?) has told me I'm going out of this marriage in a box; I don't doubt her. I also know that if we divorced she would probably miss me; she is a terrible shot! Okay! Okay! One more: do you know why divorce costs so much? Because it's WORTH it! Good luck with the process but on a serious note, if you've got kids make it as amicable as you can for their sake. \n\nGetting back to the auction, I appreciate the comments and experiences being shared as the only information I have had is a comment from my English buddy who has repeatedly stated these are nightmare vehicles to own. I take that with a grain of salt as i have owned British cars for over 40 years and have had my share of difficulties but these have always been more than balanced out by the experience of getting the car running and meeting people who share your passion or are just curious about old spors cars.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1521068776, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2083945, "authorName": "EJM", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ejm/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@RickFried that's funny not that you got hit but what the wife said to the guy that rear ended you. I guess he should have said to his wife \" I did not Notus the Lotus\".", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1521072821, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2083994, "authorName": "chrisawyer", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chrisawyer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I highly recommend Ollie Winterbottom's n=book, \"A Life in Car Design\" (http://www.thevirtualdriver.com/lifestyle/2017/6/9/road-read-a-life-in-car-design.html). The Elite was never going to be beautiful, but it could have looked much better. And the heavy handed chrome trim was Chapman's addition, not his. Nor was the interior, which Chapman insisted be done by Giugiaro, and which turned out to be one of the most expensive parts of the car.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1521074425, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2084077, "authorName": "ChattanoogaJSB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chattanoogajsb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@chrisawyer - what a neat book based on the review. If the auction leaves me with enough cash I'd love to order a copy!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1521077395, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2084098, "authorName": "ChattanoogaJSB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chattanoogajsb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The only thing more addictive than watching auctions on BaT is watching your own auction! \r\n\r\nI need someone to offer another 356 shell lashed to a wooden dolly to give me some more diversion! Maybe a Subaru-swapped 912...", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1521078384, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2084111, "authorName": "dtl2000", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dtl2000/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thanks for the reference to the book by Winterbottom @chrisawyer; it explains why I have an affinity to this car as I already own a mid eighties TVR Tasmin 280i. I guess it must be a familial connection. Having had experience in servicing the TVR, I'm less concerned about having to tackle this potential project, or example, installing something as an exhaust manifold gasket on the passenger side requires multiple ratchet extensions, and various u-joints to get to the last flippin' bolt... it's always the LAST bolt!. That being said it's not a car you see everyday and it is fun to drive with the same 2.8 ltr. Ford V6 that I have in my 78 Capri Ghia. Is it my imagination or is there a six degree of separation thing going on with my car choices? \r\n\r\nThe fact that the interior was designed by Giugairio is also no surprise if you are familiar with mid to late 70s AMC products (like the Pacer currently on BaT). \r\n\r\nThis stuff is never boring.\r\n\r\nI also have to agree with the seller, these auctions are addictive.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1521079064, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2084134, "authorName": "NICEGUY", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/niceguy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Slider172\r\n\r\nI'd be interested when it comes up for sale, again. My wife has me on permanent Lotus ban since selling my Elite two weeks ago, but surely her idea of \"permanent\" is measured in 'weeks' or 'months'?\r\n\r\n@dtl2000\r\n\r\nGenerally speaking, they fail consistently at the same points: Felt Line rusts. Shock towers rust. Door beams rust. The fuel tanks rust. The vacuum hoses leak. The cross member rusts. The concept of a bonded windscreen confuses everyone who then pound the windshield trim back in place. The windshield fasteners are nearly impossible to get unless you know the 2 people who still have them. Window trim is nearly impossible to find. The rear hatch glass cables always break. They have a tendency to overheat. The door alignment needs to be shimmed over and over. The belts need to be changed of the interference engine eats the valves. The fuel senders go. \r\n\r\nThat being said, to my eyes, they always represented the quintessential 1970s design, taking the flat, angled design as far as it could go, and the idea it was designed and engineered by a small team in England in the 70s adds to the charm.\r\n\r\nThey can be sorted, it's usually just a question of the condition of the chassis.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1521079968, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2084145, "authorName": "Slider172", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/slider172/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Niceguy I will be interested to see where a non running example lands. \r\nI\u2019m hoping to have this whole messy Divorce wrapped up in a few months , so if this one brings anything at all I will probably put mine on here to pay lawyers.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1521080356, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2084254, "authorName": "JPSO86", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jpso86/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Of course it won't start.\r\nThe coil isn't hooked up!\r\nOverall this doesn't look too bad.\r\nYEAH BABY!!!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1521085783, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2084437, "authorName": "ChattanoogaJSB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chattanoogajsb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@jpso86 thanks for the kind words! Regarding the coil- had it out prior to the photo and it tested ok, was reconnected later.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1521111235, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2084530, "authorName": "Rudernst", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rudernst/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "What could possibly go wrong......", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1521118366, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2085047, "authorName": "2hecknback", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/2hecknback/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The brightwork on these cars is stainless steel (as are the wheels), in this case painted black. The orig corduroy cloth upholstery is evident on the door inserts. The Tattersall replaced the oem corduroy on the seats. The Euro spec bumpers/spoiler are a def improvement over oem USA spec. To say these cars will never appreciate is an assertion that can only be proven over time. These cars are rare, fragile, relatively cheap and typically unloved. However, it's hard to beat them for the driving experience and sensational look for the price. In 1974, the Elite was a stand alone model. The Eclat was a restyle that came later. How many times do we have to read comments about Gremlins (and Pacers re the Jensen Interceptor)? It's been beaten to death long ago. Comparing Detroit econoboxes to Euro GT's doesn't really make any point at all. The only people who have to like this car's styling are the ones who bid on it. Can we go on?", "likes": 7, "timestamp": 1521131697, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2085080, "authorName": "Satch_Carlson", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/satch_carlson/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "To @dtl2000: I am reminded of the comedian's line, \"I'm never going to get married again. I'll just find a woman who hates me and buy her a house.\"\r\nI have used that line many times, usually substituting car for house.\r\n\r\nIn fact, my Elite\u2014the Yaller Dawg\u2014was on consignment with the late (and much lamented) Stan Huntley, who eventually convinced me to swap it for a red Bugeye Sprite, which I presented to\u2014you guessed it\u2014my then-fianc\u00e9e. Who soon morphed into my ex-fianc\u00e9e, of course, retaining the Bugeye.\r\n\r\nOh, to whoever asked about the flanges I had machined for the cam sprockets: Sorry, but I don't remember who did them for me.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1521132573, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2085090, "authorName": "ChattanoogaJSB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chattanoogajsb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@pfshoen we should have a beer. Probably one at room temperature and probably on a stereotypically British rainy afternoon. Thanks for the post!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1521132680, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2085141, "authorName": "roverguy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/roverguy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@JiminRichmond \r\n\r\nMy 71 Subaru FF1 wagon had inboard drums on the front. And they were aluminum with steel inserts; what a B$%tch to work on right up against the tranny. \r\n\r\nIt was pretty advanced for a little Japanese econo car. It was running like 10:1 CR and a little 1300 boxer motor with a Japanse copy of a Weber; it would scream. We called it the flying f#$k 1.\r\n\r\nLittle did I know that 40 years later i'd own another car with a Boxer motor; my 82 911!\r\n\r\nPaid $100 for it, put in $100, drove it for 3 years through college and junked it for $50.\r\n\r\nI thought the motor looked familiar, Jensen heh?\r\n\r\nGLWTA", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1521133666, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2085213, "authorName": "NICEGUY", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/niceguy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@pfshoen\r\n\r\nI regretted selling mine when I saw it loaded into the trailer; the angled 1970s styling and low roofline, sitting in sharp contrast to everything around it.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1521135198, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2085216, "authorName": "Brian_M", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/brian_m/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Some of the commenters here should have spent more time writing to Dear Abby than posting on BaT.\n\nSmall muse here, chop the top, do something with that rear end to hide the top and make it look more presentable than it does at present, throw in a drivetrain from an S2000 (it may stick up a little!) and you are good to go.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1521135245, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2085630, "authorName": "San_Jose_Scot", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/san_jose_scot/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I happen to like the look of these. One of my bucket list cars. \r\n\r\nCorrelating the fragility with the good handling. You can get 4 adults in this and when compared to a 911 of the same vintage it is 5 inches longer, 2 inches wider, 3 inches shorter, and weighed less. Impressive engineering in my book.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1521138836, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2085842, "authorName": "Kie", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kie/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "\"Sweetie! The Lotus seat covers are buggered and need recovered. Bollocks!\"\r\n\r\n\"Not to worry my luv. Remember when we cleared out mummie's summer cottage by the lake in 1975 or so? I'm just certain there was some spare cloth for the picnic table top that was new and fresh as a daisy's blossom.\"\r\n\r\n\"Thats a grand idea... why didn't I think of it? Top shelf!\"", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1521140752, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2086033, "authorName": "GlenK", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/glenk/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Having an MG Midget of the same era, I found that the unleaded gas finally cracked and eaten away the rubber including the rubber in the carb. replacing all that and cleaning all the electrical connections, and gas tank (neck too) plus the carb I think she would run. Being of British the connection might need cleaning as well. One must remember that it is a glass body car grounding is to the right spots is critical. In fact I would love to tackle this project, but my better half does not want another adventure south to get another none runner.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1521142388, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2086212, "authorName": "NICEGUY", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/niceguy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "\"Dear Abby. My wife tells me not to buy the non-running Lotus, but if she really loves me, surely she'll understand when she comes from work to find it in the driveway. If our love can't survive this project, then it wasn't meant to be, right?\" Uncomfortable in the West", "likes": 10, "timestamp": 1521144086, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2086761, "authorName": "Tyracious", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tyracious/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "NICEGUY, NICEGUY\nYou have no complaint\nThe car don't run\nAnd it ain't what it ain't\nSo listen up buster, and listen up good\nStop wishing for bad luck and knocking on wood\n\nSigned Dear Abby\n(Apologies to John Prine)", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1521151286, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2087067, "authorName": "nobrakes", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nobrakes/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This is sort of the Pacer of British sports cars.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1521162607, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2087171, "authorName": "JPSO86", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jpso86/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Get a spark, rebuild the carbs, duct tape a gas can to the roof, run a fuel line......\r\nand pump the brakes.\r\nBob's your Uncle!\r\nC'mon guys!\r\nInterior's good.\r\nExterior's good.\r\nSo, brakes and engine and you are good to go.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1521166743, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2087174, "authorName": "ChattanoogaJSB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chattanoogajsb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@jpso86 -\"Bob's your uncle!\" is a guaranteed smile. I've been trying to use it once a week myself mixed appropriately into conversation. Well done.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1521166899, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2087231, "authorName": "we_prefer_panasports", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/we_prefer_panasports/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "We know someone who has 2 of these. One is for parts. What was the original color? Bumpers should be black, right?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1521170731, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 2087263, "authorName": "ChattanoogaJSB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chattanoogajsb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "We_prefer - original color was Lotus Yellow. Unsure of bumpers, some other commenters have called these euro type/s