Lotus Eclair – Too Fat To Race<\/p>\n
Most Lotus enthusiasts are aware that the 1970’s Elite
\ntook its name from the original Elite of the late 1950’s, but
\nnot many realise that the Eclat derives it’s name from a much
\nearlier model – the Lotus Eclair.<\/p>\n
The exact origin of this tasteful little sports racer is
\nunknown. Thought to originate from the Betty Crocker design
\nschool, several rather advanced features were included: The
\nyeast-west mounted engine, rack and rolling-pin steering and
\ncoil-over choc absorbers made the Eclair a very popular little
\nnumber in its day.<\/p>\n
The road version of the car had a beautifully flexible
\nlittle ohc (over-head cream) 600 mil engine developing a
\nwhopping 215 calories, while the works race version had double
\noverhead cream and an even greater 250 calories (one problem
\nbeing that it tended to run a bit rich.)<\/p>\n
One particularly notable example was quite successfully
\nraced by the great Gordon Bleu. He put alcohol in the mixture
\nfor an even more potent result, but it also made the vehicle
\nless predictable. (A large squirt away from the line and the
\nwee Lotus simply did donuts.) Bleu’s first attempt at racing
\nwas abysmal – well into the race he overcooked it and had a
\nmassive melt-down. He was lucky to escape with only burnt
\nfingers. <\/p>\n
The second time out, however, things began to go right.
\nIt was the Meal Miglia and weather conditions were not favourable
\n(the Lotus may have been superb in the dry, but in the rain it
\nhandled like a wet sponge), but in spite of severe icing Bleu
\nfought on and successfully creamed the opposition. <\/p>\n
Unfortunately from there it was all down-hill. Gordon
\ndesserted Team Lotus and claimed he could privately eat anything
\nthat would care to take him on. This he did, and was several
\ntimes disqualified for breaking weight restrictions.<\/p>\n
With the demise of Gordon Bleu’s racing career the little
\nEclair, sadly, was doomed and the model that we photographed is
\nthought to be the only one left. (The rest having decayed or
\nbeen eaten away.) Restoration is not really a practical
\nproposition, so the only hope is that another well preserved
\nspecimen may surface.<\/p>\n
Until then we are very grateful that we were able to get
\na taste of such a car, magnificent with its cream stripe and
\nreal chocolate upholstery.<\/p>\n
Technical Data:
\nMake: Lotus Price: $3.95
\nModel: Eclair Engine: SOHC 600 mil
\nBody type: Choux Monocoque Output: 215 calories
\nSteering: Rack & Rolling Pin
\nSuspension: Gas Shocks at rear (caused by too much alcohol)
\nMax Speed: Over 200 mph (Air New Zealand in flight catering)
\nStanding 1\/4: 1 min 15 secs (with fruit & causing indigestion)
\nSitting 1\/4: 2 min 45 secs (Ahh – much more comfortable, thanks)
\n0-60 mph: 6.7 secs (Balanced on lap whilst driving a Europa)<\/p>\n
Phil Quagg.<\/p>\n
—————————————————————————–
\nDonated by Phil Quagg for the library of:
\nThe Banana Republic BBS & El Presidente (Sysop)… Thanks Phil!
\n—————————————————————————–<\/p>\n
