*** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT C insurance loss in 08/1999 ***

Highlights

Exceptionally rare and early SA model
‘Red Top’ 180bhp 2.2litre Lotus Type 912 engine
Recent £7,500 interior retrim
Less than 60,000 miles from new
Long MOT to June 2025
Smart and very usable classic 2+2 GT

The Appeal

The Esprit may have grabbed the headlines, but in the 80s there was nothing quite like the Excel. Developed from the wedgy Eclat with updated styling, the Excel was the coupe with the engineering and provenance that many of its rivals lacked. That came from two illustrious firms - Lotus and Toyota.

They were rare too, between 1,485 and 2,500 built of which only a handful are believed to have been ‘SA’ cars like this one with the ZF automatic gearbox and uprated 180bhp ‘red top’ engine. Ticking that option eased into the Excel’s role as a luxurious GT.

This car pushes further into that zone with its sumptuously retrimmed cabin, exhibiting a pleasing mix of high quality leather and smart veneers. The silver metallic bodywork is also well kept, the fibreglass in good order and the car retaining its original fittings such as the distinctive Lotus alloys.

The vendor reports that it runs and drives very well, turning heads as it goes. A long MOT to June 2025 means that this extremely rare British 2+2 GT is ready to go.

History and Paperwork

First registered 1st May 1985
Very early ‘SA’ model with 180bhp engine
Always garaged by current keeper
£7,500 interior retrim with details below
Some spares included as shown in photographs
Previously painted black which was changed in April 2010
V5C in current keeper’s name
Revised 1985 car with updated arches, larger boot aperture, VDO dials and fog lights
MOT to 12th June 2025 with 59,871 miles showing on test and advisories to note

£7,500 interior retrim including:

Fully stripped and renewed
Replacement head lining
New carpets
Insulationa and underlay replaced
Two front seats stripped and re-leathered

The Condition

Repainted in silver metallic in 2010 and remains very presentable
Updated 1985 aesthetics and remains in factory-stanrdard condition
Paintwork shows localised and generally light signs of use in photographs
Fibreglass bodywork is well kept with straight panels and no obvious damage
Underside looks solid in photographs but advisories to note on current long MOT
Lotus factory alloy wheels with matching spare
Recently fitted Nexen tyres showing decent remaining tread
Retrimmed interior in light brown leather at cost of £7,500
The cabin presents very well with high quality finish to dashboard and seats
Luxury Excel interior with wood veneers to dashboard
Wood veneers and switchgear are in very good condition
Fitted with a period correct Goodnam stereo

The Mechanics

HC High Compression ‘red top’ 2,174cc Type 912 Lotus 180bhp engine
4spd ZF automatic gearbox
Features reliable Toyota running gear
Reported by vendor to be very good mechanically with no issues
Starts first time and said to drive nicely
Recently fitted new battery
MOT advisories to note on current test

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]