Buy an obscure classic Lotus Eclat off eBay for a song, they said. It will be fun, they said. Actually, FortyOneSix editor Chris-R has plenty of fun with his Eclat, but he'll be the first to tell you it's not easy.
Chris's video, titled "Lots of Trouble, Usually Serious," tells the story of how he came to obtain the Eclat after a £600 (about a grand in U.S. money) winning bid on eBay.
In case you aren't familiar with the Eclat —and it's not the greatest Lotus ever, so you can be forgiven for this — it was a front-engine wedge coupe built from 1974 to 1982. While it put out a healthy 160 horsepower in its day, it wasn't really known for long-term durability.
This Eclat isn't completely falling apart, but it's not exactly in fighting shape. Despite being "a dog," Chris says it's still terrific to drive when it works. When it works.
I think a lot of old car owners will identify with his complicated relationship with this car. I hope he keeps it, personally. The world needs more Eclats running around.
No One Said Owning A $1,000 eBay Lotus Eclat Would Be Easy