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Car Of The Day: February 6, 2008; Tomica '78 Lotus Elite
Topic Started: Feb 6 2008, 06:25 AM (882 Views)
Swifty
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The Mustang II is a Mustang too!
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Today's car of the day is Tomica's Lotus Elite from 1978. A beautiful British car from a Japanese diecast manufacturer. This was supposed to be yesterday's car of the day...

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Wikipedia
 
From 1974 to 1982, Lotus produced the considerably larger Type 75 and later the Type 83 4-seat Elite II.

Lotus' first saloon car was front engined with rear wheel drive. Like all production Lotuses since the Elan, the Elite II used fiberglass for the hatchback bodyshell, mounted on a steel backbone chassis evolved from the Elan and Europa. It had 4-wheel independent suspension using coil springs. Power steering and air conditioning were optional from 1974. The Elite II was the basis for the Eclat, and the later Excel four-seaters.

The Elite II was Lotus' first car to use the "907" aluminium-block 4-valve, DOHC, four cylinder, 2.0 L engine. (The 907 engine had previously been used in Jensen-Healeys.) The 907 engine ultimately became the foundation for the Lotus Esprit powerplants, both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged. Elite IIs were available with a 5-speed gearbox standard; from January 1976 an automatic transmission was optional.

Regarding performance, the Elite and Elite II (and the related Eclat) are notable in that the stock curb weight is not much over 2000 lb (907 kg). Once the motors reach their power band, both acceleration and handling are impressive.


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For more information and pictures of the real car please visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_Elite

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Opening doors! I remember when this was a common feature on 1/64 diecast cars. Tomica's Lotus Esprit even has working pop up headlights!

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Got to love how they cast "L O T U S" and "E L I T E" right onto the front and rear of the car.

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craftymore
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Support your local demo derby.

I've never seen that casting in person, but from the pics the detail looks outstanding for a casting that is 30 years old. Really like out he letters show up on the hatchback and the front of the hood. It even has opening doors which is rare by today's standard.
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james_autos
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Minivan
That's a great model Sean! B)

Playart did an Elite as well, but I'd say the Tomica version was nicer.
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jedimario
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RAWR
Great model, love the Tomicas!
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Swifty
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The Mustang II is a Mustang too!
Ten years ago I had never seen a real one. Now, I have:

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Dean-o-mite
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Muscle Car
I have yet to ever see a real one. I would enjoy the opportunity at some point.

When I was a young kid, I found a Playart Elite at a local street fair, and not knowing what this car was (and not knowing how to read the base, apparently), I thought it was supposed to be a Gremlin. I guess the hatch style and the rear window shape triggered that thought in my young mind.

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pjedsel
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Muscle Car
This was a very nice casting from Tomica - at one time had both the blue and the white version shown. :o
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atombaum
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The Quest Continues
Most Tomicas I have crossed paths with have been special. Nice feeling in the hands, and they give me that 100% reliable feeling in both summer and winter. :D
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juantoo3
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

:thumbup: A bit odd looking and quirky...right up my alley!
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Pegers
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Pony Car
really nice..
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Bison Eye
Compact
Great car!

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Edited by Bison Eye, Jun 1 2018, 11:10 PM.
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