Éclat or Excel ?

Around 1982/83 when the Excel was introduced there seems to exist a hybrid model known as an Eclat Excel. In fact this is just another example of Lotus finding loopholes in the law. Just as earlier models were offered as kits to avoid purchase tax, Lotus put forward the Excel as an improved Eclat. The reason was to avoid Type Approval which every new model must endure. To complete the illusion Lotus roled over the name and the first Excels were badged Eclat on the boot, Excel on the rear wings. After a short while the Eclat badge was dropped and by late 1983 the Excel was home and dry. Even so, like me you may find your logbook telling you that you own an Eclat when you know you definitely have an Excel in the drive. A word of caution at this point, whilst you may loudly protest that yours is most definitely not an Eclat, Insurance companies have been known to imply that you never owned the Excel you insured in the first place.

So what were the differences then between the later Eclats and the early Excels? This is best illustrated by looking at the two side by side. Eclat is on the left in its latest form, Excel on the right.

At first sight they do look very similar but take a closer look at the rear side windows, the bootlid cut-off, decoration behind the doors, fuel filler position, front & rear spoilers, door handles, mirrors and window shape in the doors. The louvres in the bonnet were also significantly different. Under the skin there were also big differences. The Excel was given Toyota Supra gearbox and final drive. The chassis was galvanised and modified at the rear with wide based lower wishbones. The brakes had previously been inboard drums at the rear, discs at the front. The Excel was given outboard ventilated discs all round with the handbrake operating on small drums inside the rear disc hubs. Power assisted steering was initially offered as an extra together with a three spoke steering wheel. The interior remained much the same.

The point here is not how much better the Excel is. Both cars should be seen as two distinct models in their own right. The Eclat has its own beauty, if you are in any doubt then look at this yellow example which can still hold its head high against the much later Excel.

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