So, every bit of information about Lotus' seems to start in 1981. I have a chance at what looks to be a 1980 Lotus Eclair, (based on good intel: Eclair)

That said, I feel like this introductory model is a bit of a wild card with the unkown steel and unspecified manufacturer. I see lots of love for the 80's Lotus touring bikes, but I can't find anyone out there with one of these, and I don't know if that love extends to the first production year.

All the very early Lotus appear to have been manufactured by Tsunoda. The serial number will provide verification. The 1980 Eclair had a generic CrMo decal, without mention of butting, so it likely Tange #5 or equivalent.

I don't know about the earlier years, but I had this one, bought new, kept many years:
1984 Lotus Eclair

I rode it fully loaded from Michigan to NJ, 11 days of touring. It was a great bike, very much a touring geometry & ride.

Custard filled?

If your intent is loaded touring, better to keep looking until you find a 1983 or later Odyssey. They come along every so often. Don

It ended up being too small for me and too large for my wife. Looked like a pretty bike, but if it doesn't fit...ya know.