LOT 33

1979 Lotus Eclat V8 'Spyder Donington' Coupé Registration no. XCE 656T Chassis no. 7811/1364A

Sold for £11,812.50 inc. premium

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Lot 33

1979 Lotus Eclat V8 'Spyder Donington' Coupé
Registration no. XCE 656T Chassis no. 7811/1364A

Bonhams MPH March Auction|20 March 2021, 13:00 GMT|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

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!

Footnotes

Vendor Score Total: 64/100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 15/25
Body Work: 3
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Glass: 3
Paint: 3
Wheels/Tyres: 3

INTERIOR TOTAL: 12/20
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 3
Headlining: 3
Seats: 3
Trim: 3

ENGINE TOTAL: 14/20
Mechanical components: 4
Running: 3
Starting: 3
Under Bonnet: 4

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 15/20
Axles: 4
Brakes: 4
Gearbox/Clutch: 3
Suspension: 4

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 6/10
Ancillary components: 3
Main components: 3

Car History File: 2/5

Saleroom notices

Please note this is an 'Elite', not 'Eclat' as catalogued. To view a video of this lot please click here

Additional information

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