One providing lift in a car, stolen perhaps, lacking number (9)
I believe the answer is:
escalator
'one providing lift' is the definition.
'escalator' can be an answer for 'lift' (I've seen this before). I am not certain of the 'one providing' bit.
'a car stolen perhaps lacking number' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'a' is present in the answer.
'car' could be 't' and 't' is located in the answer.
'number' could be 'l' (L is an example) and 'l' is found within the answer.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).
'in' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for escalator that I've seen before include "effortless steps" , "Moving staircase" , "it moves up and down" , "Carol eats (anag.)" , "the easy way up" .)