Description
This lovely Lotus Eclat Excel SE comes with its original paintwork in Steel blue.
The car has been lovingly restored, and previously owned by Lotus Rescue, with extensive work carried out including, replacement of the timing belt, water pump and tension bearing and a full Carburettor rebuild, amongst the things and more recently by myself, with many hundreds of hours carried out to bring it up to its present condition.
MOT until May 2026 with no Advisories, has had a full service at this point, new Toyo tyres, has a stainless exhaust. The interior has been extensively restored and is very close to original.
The car has just over 67, 000 miles on the clock and runs along beautifully and handles just the way it should and I would be more than happy to to deliver the car myself anywhere in the UK.
The Lotus Excel, produced from 1982 to 1992, aimed to combine the precision handling Lotus was known for with the comfort and reliability expected of a proper grand tourer. It may not have had the exotic appeal of a Ferrari, but for many, the Excel delivered a uniquely satisfying driving experience.
Powered by a 2. 2-litre Lotus-developed DOHC engine, the Excel offered strong, linear power and excellent balance thanks to its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The car was based on the earlier Eclat, but improved in nearly every area, including performance, styling, and refinement. Toyota supplied many drivetrain and interior components, boosting reliability.
The design was classic 1980s wedge, but with enough curves to remain attractive. Inside, it was more spacious than earlier Lotuses, with better materials and ergonomics. It was a true 2+2, making it one of the more usable sports cars of its era. Drivers could enjoy Lotus-level handling without giving up comfort or luggage space.
Though often overshadowed by the Esprit, the Excel holds a special place for enthusiasts who value driving purity and practical usability. It’s one of the great unsung heroes of the British sports car scene, offering real-world thrills at a fraction of the price of its more famous contemporaries
