Highlights

Well-kept SA car in black with tan leather
Believed one of only 93 UK-market SAs built, with few surviving
Comprehensive £25,000 rebuild since 2017 using S J Sportcars Lotus parts
Suspension rebuild, differential overhaul, servicing and other work since 2017
Engine rebuilt with racing upgrades by specialist Eamon Swords at Rapier Services
Current keeper since 2017 with only two former registered keepers
Accompanied by the original owner's handbook and an extensive history file
Current MOT valid to November 2026

The Appeal

It took a while, but with Toyota investment the Excel finally gave Lotus customers the reliable, dependable 2+2 grand tourer they always wanted. Nicely balanced and with that race-derived Type 912 twin cam under the chiselled nose, the low volume Excel had few obvious peers in the 1980s.

The SA arrived in 1986. Equipped with the four-speed ZF auto box. It was an obvious evolution of the car’s touring potential, yet just 93 found buyers in the UK. Of these few survive and of those, we suspect few have the condition and provenance of this car.

It is one of 50 sold in the UK in 1987 and has had just three keepers in the intervening 49 years. The current one bought it in 2017 and is largely responsible for the impressive condition you can see in the photos. That is the result of a £25,000 investment, documented in invoices and covering mechanicals as well as cosmetics. The full list of work is provided below and includes a differential rebuild, engine work, a suspension rebuild, a brake overhaul and electrical renewals.

The car’s 2.2L engine was rebuilt in the mid 90s by specialist Eamon Swords at Rapier Services. This work, we’re told, included a number of race-derived upgrades. It was rolling-road tested at 166hp in 2020.

The current MOT runs to November 2026 with minor advisories to note. Rare and ready to go, this is a very smart example of one a classic Lotus gem.

The vendor says:

“The car is in beautiful condition and runs flawlessly…No overheating, no hot

starting issues…”

Key Information

Mileage: 88,571 miles
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: valid to 22nd November 2026 with advisories (eligible for Historic Vehicle status from 1st April 1988)
Technical specs: 2.2-litre four-cylinder petrol, four-speed ZF automatic transmission
Paperwork: original owner's handbook with service stamps and an extensive file of parts and service invoices

Work advised by seller since purchase:

Upgrades Highlights

New custom interior including headliner, carpets, etc…
Engine – Complete refurb – see below
Transmission – all disposable items renewed
Front and Rear Suspension – Complete rebuild
Cooling System – Complete rebuild
Brakes – Complete rebuild
Electrics – Major overhaul to entire system
A/C – System upgraded with custom condenser, and piping (Note – A/c not currently functioning – Needs recharging)
Differential – Complete rebuild

Engine:

Timing Belt – Replaced and new cam belt tensioner installed
Belts and pulleys – All items replaced
Alternator – Rebuilt Unit installed with new belt
Water pump – Rebuilt unit (from Australia)
Fuel Pump – New unit installed
Power Steering pump – New unit installed with new belt
Distributor – Cap and rotor/Oil seal – Replaced with new (Engine
electronically tuned)
Spark plugs – Renewed with Lithium compatible plugs
Cam Covers removed / repainted / resealed with new gaskets
Air Box – Filter / Rubber Seal / Air hose – Replaced with new
New latch at bottom
Thermostat – New gasket installed
Temperature gauge sender – new unit installed
Fuel filter – Replaced
Full tune up with CO2 test
Coil replaced
Carburettors – Rebuilt
Windows and window frames - Replaced

Transmission:

Kickdown Linkage rebuilt
Sump bung replaced
Full Transmission Service
Gear Shifter – Replaced with new unit

Radiator:

Cooling Fan – Right unit replaced
New expansion tank
Cooling Fan switch – New unit installed
Rebuilt Radiator – Installed
All hoses/clamps renewed

Front Suspension:

Complete dismantling and rebuild including

New Linkage
New Springs
New Dampers
New Bushes

Rear Suspension:

Complete dismantling and rebuild including:

New Springs
New Dampers
New Bushes
Ride Hight Adjusted

Differential Unit:

Complete breakdown and professional rebuild

Brakes:

Complete rebuild of Front and Rear brake systems, including:

New discs
New callipers
New pads with front pad fitting kit
Brake fluid renewal

Miscellaneous repairs:

Interior dash dimmer switch – repaired
Wiper arm and wiper blade replaced
Washer bottle and accessories replaced
Speedo cable adjusted with new grommet
Heater fan switch – Replaced
Wiper motor parking switch - Replaced - not currently functioning
Wiper delay switch
Antennae – new unit
Bonnet Gas strut – Renewed
Body Bolts – Rear vertical bolts accessed and tightened
A/C – Custom Condenser Unit Installed
A/C – Recharged
Washer Jets
Waist Trim
Gold Pin Stripe
Post finisher and foam insert
Door Handles – Replaced
Front and rear tyres – replaced
Wheels - refurbished

The Detail

Well-presented car in black with gold pinstripe and beige leather interior
Some light points to note to paintwork and interior as shown in photos
Beige leather interior with walnut veneers in good order with some light marks
Interior features CD player, Excel branded mats and VDO Tempostat cruise control - not currently operative as the mechanical actuator unit of the CC has been removed
Refurbished factory alloys in good condition as shown
No structural advisories on MOT
Engine rebuilt with racing upgrades by Eamon Swords at Rapier Services in mid-90s
Produced over 166 HP at the rear wheels on a rolling road test in 2020
Extensive list of renovation work detailed above totalling £25,000 since 2017
Various interior switches repaired or replaced including dash dimmer, heater fan, and wiper controls

BEFORE YOU BUY

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