1988 LOTUS EXCEL S.E
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Highlights
- One of only 2,075 initially built
- High compression 180bhp engine
- Toyota shared components
The Appeal
When it comes to classic Lotus, the Excel is often overlooked. However, this car with its low production numbers, links with Toyota and superb 80’s styling make it a one of a kind car that will no doubt grow in popularity as the years roll by.
There’s reports online that of the 2,000 cars produced, less than a few hundred remain, a depressing statement when you consider just how great this car is. The familiar ‘80’s wedge design gives off an almost futuristic feel, while the interior provides ample reminders of an era most of us wish to return to. However, the best bit about these cars is the driving experience. Lightweight, noisey and powerful, just how a Lotus should be.
History & Paperwork
- Original owners handbook
- Rare & Expensive workshop manual
- Service history stamps
- Pages of invoices
Currently residing in a quiet location in Devon, this Lotus was purchased by a self proclaimed Lotus lover and enthusiast who is reluctantly selling to pursue another classic Lotus project. The owner has carried out sizable maintenance work, much of it being preventive maintenance as they had planned to keep the car much longer.
Invoices for some of the work completed is present alongside a very rare and expensive workshop manual. In addition, the original owners handbook is present which contains multiple service stamps by Murrays of Edinburgh the original supplier. Around 3,000 miles have been covered in the stand out motor since being purchased in 2021, with a trip around Cornwall completed and long stints up the motorway a regular occurrence, the car has lived up to its reliable reputation and been nothing short of a pleasure to use but very reluctantly it needs a new home and new adventures.
The Interior
- Suffolk tweed & half leather trim
- Walnut veneer
- Some sign of wear
- Overall very tidy
Inside the Excel you’re embraced by the car's comfortable and commodious layout, it’s 80’s luxury presented with Suffolk tweed, walnut veneer and beige carpet. It’s an exceptional environment and certainly creates a feeling of ease, with only the low seating position and sporty three spoke steering wheel as a reminder that this is a lightweight rocket.
Some wear is present on the car, mainly on the areas of leather, such as the centre console that goes through the whole car and the seats, some small marks are present on the dash too. Overall the interior is good, the tweed looks great and all the gauges and switches are present and operational.
The Exterior
- British racing green
- Fibreglass Body
- Scratches present
Finished in British Racing Green, this Lotus looks magnificent. The wedge design was a fashionable and familiar style in the 70’s and 80’s, but Lotus managed to add a uniqueness and attraction that appears almost futuristic.
The lightweight fibreglass body is in good order but numerous scratches are present on the paintwork, these blemishes however take nothing away from the Excel’s allure and act only as a reminder that this car is to be used, to be driven and to be enjoyed.
The original speedline wheels with matching goodyear rubber are all in great condition, with the full original spare present in the boot. Underneath as you can see its lovely, dry and free from any obvious leaks, a testament to its treatment over the years especially in recent ownership as it’s been cherished and stored inside away from the elements.
The Mechanics
- 2.2L High Compression Twin Cam Engine
- 5 Speed Gearbox
- Electrics all in working order
- MOT until June 2023
During our visit the car was started and manouverd multiple times for the photographer. There was no hesitation from the British 2.2 naturally aspirated engine, it fired up giving off a pleasant roar and sporty note, inducing smiles all round as it ideled comfortably.
The 5 speed gearbox is in fine working condition, no doubt thanks to its Toyota heritage. Toyota also supplied the rear differential and driveshaft amongst other parts during their partnership with Lotus, no wonder these cars have a rep for reliability. We were also lucky enough to see the car on a ramp and talk through some of the work the current owner has carried out.
Much of this work was preventive rather than essential as they had planned to keep the car longer. Some of the work carried out;
- Rebuilt Dellorto Carburettors
- New Cambelt & Tensioner
- New Clutch + Master & Slave
- New Copper brake lines
- Cooling system overhaul - including re-cored radiator, new thermostat
- New adjustable suspension + new springs
- Brake callipers stripped and rebuilt
- New ball joints, bushings & bolts
- New fluids throughout
- New differential output seals
- ignition service carried out, with distributor removed and professionally tested.
As you can see, the car has been extensively cared for and as such the car starts, runs and drives perfectly and should with the right care continue to provide many happy miles.
Summary
This Lotus has lived in the shadow of its brother for years, but with only a couple hundred remaining from that initial low production run its desirability is growing rapidly. Its meticulous care, especially over the last 12 months, has kept the car in fine driving order, with many thrills provided by its superb driving experience. And that's the best bit of this car, how it makes you feel when driving it, its lightweight, powerful and with 50:50 weight distribution it provides enjoyment and joy many cars in this day and age can’t. A true underappreciated legend.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1988
- Make Lotus
- Model Excel
- Colour Green
- Odometer 70,880 Miles
- Engine size 2174
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Devon
- Country United Kingdom
18
bids
- St•••• £8,200 25/07/22
- ib•••• £8,100 25/07/22
- St•••• £8,000 25/07/22
- ma•••• £7,999 25/07/22
- ma•••• £7,900 25/07/22
- St•••• £7,800 25/07/22
- ma•••• £7,700 25/07/22
- St•••• £7,650 25/07/22
- to•••• £7,500 25/07/22
- da•••• £7,000 24/07/22
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