The Lotus Grand Tourers

The last of the 3 pre-production éclat Excels, chassis1148 coming up for auction, and not that far from me.

A few inaccuracies in the listing -

There were only 2 prototypes and 3 pre-production, not the 4 they reference

Make reference to the body coloured bumpers - as we know that wasn’t until 2nd year of production.

Other than that it looks in pretty good condition.


https://www.carandclassic.com/auctions/ ... f-4-8bD6yn

Alan,
Do you have 1145? If so do you have a brake G Valve fitted? Cheers Col

Hank wrote: Wed Feb 04, 2026 01:27 Alan,
Do you have 1145? If so do you have a brake G Valve fitted? Cheers Col

Yes, I have 1145 and it has the brake proportioning valve mounted on the right hand inner wing as per production cars.

Thanks for your response, I acquired 1144 in 2024 and it was apparent that it had a number of standard bits missing including the Brake G valve, and so was curious to see what the other prototype had or didn’t have, and I had previously deduced that you probably was its owner. If you want to have a chat and compare notes then give us a pm or call anytime.Cheers Col

You can see the right hand inner wing below link;
It’s from the 2015 auction pictures.

https://www.iconicauctioneers.com/1982- ... 276-1-1115

I know yours has many differences from the production cars. I’ve chatted to Brian who restored it and he had a list of the differences.
Mine appears much closer to the production cars, except for the interior cloth part of the seats.

Which part of the country are you based?
Would be good to possibly meet up and see the car.

It would be interesting to see Brian’s list. And It certainly would be great to meet up -I’m in Potters Bar. I’ll pm over my number and maybe we can sort something out a bit later when it stops raining, and after its rebuilt engine is re-fitted which is estimating for about May. Engine currently up at M.Taylor’s.