Description
First registered 1/ 1/ 1989.
2174 cc. 180 bhp high compression ratio SE (Special Equipment) engine.
0 to 60 mph in 6. 8 seconds, 138 mph, 42 mpg at 56 mph, 20 mpg urban, 42 mpg at 56 mph.
Car Mileage 124, 762. Engine mileage 30 miles since full service and rebuilt engine by Mike Taylor at Lotusbits ltd. 27/ 1/ 2018 to 1/ 8/ 2018 (he took 6 months rebuilding it) for £9, 439.
Club Lotus valuation April 2024 £16, 500.
Original colour and resprayed Calypso Red by Stocks Coachworks, Chelmsford. 27/ 4/ 2007 to 1/ 6/ 2007 Cost £2, 500 (they took a month to respray it. 5 primer coats, 5 base red coats, 2 lacquer coats).
Cream (Magnolia) full leather upholstery with sand coloured carpets.
New high spec. Kenwood digital radio with CD, DAB/ FM/ AM, USB, iPod, Android, Bluetooth, Aux, WAV. Active (powered) antenna for longer range. (Included with manuals and original Clarion radio for absolute original spec.). New Bosch battery, alternator and starter motor April 2024.
On SORN 11/ 11/ 2019 to 4/ 4/ 2024. MoT until 23/ 4/ 2026.
Owned by current owner since 5/ 8/ 1995, always garaged since then if not before. Full set of invoices since then. Insurance record documents prove full no claim bonus held hence no accidents since then if not before. Full MoT record since 18/ 9/ 1992 proves low average annual mileage of 3, 500 miles from first registration. Owner has been a member of Club Lotus since March 1981, originally with a Lotus Elite 503, then an E reg Excel. Institute of Advanced Motorists member.
Four owners from new (from current and previous V5C documents).
Insurance in Maidstone, Kent £196 pa. including broker’s commission and tax.
Stainless Steel exhaust system.
Included: lots of spares, service manual, Club Lotus magazines, Lotus books, all bills since 1992.
Serviced by Barry Ely Sports Cars (Lotus specialist)
VIN SCC 089 912 KHD 12782. Engine DN 912 88 11 25676. The headlining and driver's seat are a bit ropey and there are some front paint chips hence low price.
Excel SE Series 3 features include: 4 -speed heater, air conditioning, power steering, 15” x 7” OZ Lotus embossed alloy wheels with 205/ 50R15 tyres, twin overhead camshaft engine, dual circuit ventilated disc brakes, brake fluid level warning, gas dampers, oil cooler, multipoint central locking, locking fuel cap, electric mirrors, Quartz Halogen headlamps, two speed intermittent control wipers with variable delay, electric windows, air horns, interior light delay, fog lamps front and rear, 5 position steering wheel tilt adjustment, adjustable pneumatic drivers lumbar back support, twin cooling fans, fan fail sensors, ice warning alert, all synchromesh 5 speed gearbox, breakerless constant energy electronic ignition, electronic rev. limiter, heated mirrors, hot start purge pump, deceleration relay, one key locking, laminated windscreen, reclining seats, corrosion warranty, galvanised chassis, full size spare wheel, heated rear window, door opening warning lights, walnut veneer fascia panels, voltmeter, oil pressure gauge, rev counter, water temperature gauge, clock. The following independent motoring enthusiast magazine reviews sum up the car perfectly. “Arguably the world’s best handling front engine car. A joy to drive”. Fast Lane, August 1988.
“has all the right ingredients – balance, fine brakes and steering, eager performance. A fine driver’s car”. Autocar & Motor, 5 September 1990.
“The Excel SE is excellent in performance and handling” Autocar Road Test Yearbook, 17 December 1986.
“Lotus handling and roadholding are legendary and the Excel does not disappoint”. Autocar All-Car Guide, 16 April 1983.
“Very much a delight to drive. The nearest you’ll get to a full Grand Prix car this side of the Esprit Turbo. Most praise must be reserved for the wonderful handling and ride of this machine, stunning traction and grip. It’s quite simply the best driver’s car in this price sector.” Which Car? April 1987.
“outstanding handling, ride, and gearchange, its brilliantly executed chassis dynamics aided by perfect 50:50 weight distribution, making the Excel a hugely enjoyable car to drive for both short or long journeys.” Classic & Sports Cars, April 2022. “best-value all-rounder money can buy”. Classic & Sports Car, April 2003.
“Dynamically excellent…faultless as a driver’s car”. Evo & Octane Magazines, Lotus Legends.
