HIGHLIGHTS
- 1989 facelift model
- Legendary Lotus handling and performance
- Private registration number included
- Genuine mileage and service history
- MOT until March 2023
THE APPEAL
Manufactured between 1982 and 1992, the Lotus Excel benefitted with investment from shareholders Toyota and utilised Supra and other Toyota-derived parts, particularly for the drivetrain. The Lotus-designed 912 2.2-litre twin-cam engine also offered great performance.
With 50:50 weight-distribution and weighing in at 1,100kgs, this later facelift model encompasses the perfect combination of legendary Lotus handling and Toyota reliability and continues Colin Chapman’s mantra of “simplify, then add lightness”.
With less than a few hundred left in the UK, this Lotus Racing Green Excel really is a rare sight. The owner describes this exquisite Sports Coupe as “better than the average one” and should only go up in value.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Only 3 former owners
- Good service history
- Current MOT valid until March 2023
First registered on the 9th March 1989, this rare and distinctive Lotus resided in the Birmingham area until 2001. The third owner acquired it on the 13th July 2001 and subsequently took it to France with him until returning to the UK in 2011. The 2011 MOT indicates a mileage of 86,019 at this point in time.
An comprehensive amount of maintenance work was also carried out by GTP Cars in Solihull at this stage of the Excel’s life to keep it on top form.
The current owner is reluctant to sell this beauty but appreciates that it needs to be driven more than he has time to do.
The original service book contains 15 stamps from specialist workshops such as Paul Matty Sports Cars and other independent garages up to 1999/78,642 miles.
The private registration number will be included in the sale.
A good selection of paperwork comes with this Excel, including:
- The V5 (in the previous owners name)
- MOT valid until the 23rd March 2023
- Previous MOT’s going back to the first one in 1992
- The tax status is ‘untaxed’
- Servicing invoices from the 1990’s
- Original ‘Service Notes’ folder
THE INTERIOR
- Fantastic ’80’s styling
- Great condition
- Functioning electrical equipment
This facelift model incorporates an abundance of leather throughout the four-seater cabin. The complimentary half green mink leather and beige cloth seating is accompanied by tan carpeting and a light headlining. The whole interior is very presentable with just the smallest of age-related marks and scuffs.
The original Lotus steering wheel, VDO instrumentation, switchgear and controls are in good order and are said to function correctly. The facias are covered with a new carbon-fibre look covering and a Blaupunkt cassette/radio sits in the centre console.
Creature comforts include central locking and electrically operated mirrors and windows, and interestingly, pneumatic lumbar adjustment for the driver.
The fully carpeted boot space is exceptionally clean and unmarked and contains the full size original spare wheel with a usable Pirelli tyre, the battery, and tool kit.
THE EXTERIOR
- Superb body and paintwork
- Good fittings and trim
- Original OZ/Lotus wheels
The classic wedge-shape of the Excel is very reminiscent of other prestigious sports car marques of the era. The external styling of this later model included a new bonnet design, new front and rear spoilers and updated wheels.
This resin-injected body is in great condition, with no signs of damage, and is mounted onto a galvanised steel chassis. The suspension wishbones are also galvanised, so structural rust shouldn’t be an issue. There are one or two minor cracks in the gel-coat, but nothing that detracts from the beauty of this desirable performance car.
The Lotus Racing green paintwork is a rare colour option on the Excel, and in this case, is glossy and even with no detectable scratches or resprayed sections. There are some inevitable scrapes to the underside of the front bumper.
The pop-up headlights (with reliable Toyota motors) work perfectly and the aerodynamic mirrors, door handles, windows, trim and lights are in good condition. We did notice that the front nearside spot lamp lens is cracked.
Original 15” OZ/Lotus alloy wheels finish the car of a treat and are in excellent condition with no significant kerb damage. Four Toyo Proxes 205/50 R15 tyres (with plenty of tread) are fitted.
THE MECHANICS
- Factory specification
- Good service history
- Low recent mileage
Lift the bonnet and we discover a very clean and original-looking engine compartment housing the reliable 180bhp high compression Lotus 912 2,174cc 16v twin-cam slant-four engine.
Two correct 45mm Dellorto carburettors are fitted and the 5-speed Toyota-derived gearbox, driveshafts and rear-differential should offer precise acceleration. Factory figures suggest a 0-60 time of around 7 seconds with a top speed of 134mph.
50:50 weight distribution and Lotus-engineered suspension will undoubtedly offer poise and predictable cornering at speed, helped by the variable-ratio power steering, servo-assisted vented front disc brakes, and rear discs.
Reassuringly, the low mileage, regular service history and previous specialist maintenance makes this Excel a good long-term proposition. The cambelt and tensioner were changed by GTP Cars, Solihull, in July 2011, just over 1,000 miles ago, along with a long list of other new parts (see photo).
The current owner has recently given the car a thorough check-over, attended to any servicing requirements and confirms that it starts well, sounds great and “handles superbly”.
SUMMARY
Jumping into this stunning and well-preserved 1980’s sports car is a joy. The low seating position and long nose ahead offers a ‘proper’ performance car feel, and once you open that throttle, it should run and handle brilliantly.
This Excellent! Excel is sure to turn heads, and for a fair wedge, should only increase in value.
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