Highlights
- Only 44,283 miles from new
- Very well kept, factory-standard car
- Well maintained car with recent servicing
- MOT to April 2025 with no advisories
- Only four registered keepers from new
- Great example of these highly regarded 2+2 GTs
The Appeal
Pivoting a car company best known for small, light sports cars into a purveyor of luxury GTs was a bold gambit. The new Elite and Eclat were wedgy in the de-rigeur 70s style and light too, which made them agile and tactile in a way their competitors from Coventry and Maranello couldn’t quite match.
The Eclat got a new name and much more in 1982. Thoroughly reworking and re-engineered, it became the Excel, which retained the original’s qualities - and its revvy Type 912 multivalve motor - but added much-improved quality.
These later cars are the hidden gems of 80s classic motoring. Beautifully balanced, distinctive and stylish and just great to drive, they make a compelling alternative to more common coupes and sports cars.
This one’s bright paintwork draws the eye, but it is the very good condition that demands further attention. It is a low mileage, low keeper example that has clearly been cherished. Inside and out there are barely any signs of its near 40-year existence. It is pleasingly factory standard - only the Lotus gear knob deviates - and in fine fettle. That’s a point underlined by the MOT, which runs to April 2025 without advisories.
The Excel is one of our greatest home-grown GTs and this one must rank as amongst the best available.
History and Paperwork
- First registered 25th March 1986
- 4 registered keepers
- Current keeper since November 2021
- Service history for early and later part of car’s life according to seller
- Maintenance records show regular attention from 2020 to present
- Stored in a secure, professionally managed facility since 2021
- MOT valid until 25th April 2025 with no advisories
- 44,222 miles showing on MOT test and on 44,283 miles in photos
- HPI clear
The Condition
- Smart red paintwork in very good overall condition
- We are told the car was resprayed prior to the current keeper acquiring the car
- Minor marks to note in paintwork such as stone chip to front offside corner
- Stone chips also visible to front offside wing at base
- Other minor marks to note in photos but not unsightly
- Straight bodywork with good panel fit and no accident damage reported
- Factory alloy wheels in very good condition with few signs of age
- Matching spare wheel in aged condition
- Fitted with quality Pirelli tyres which appear to be in good condition
- Underside presents well with no structural advisories on current MOT
- Smart, factory-standard interior in very good order with few signs of age
- Rare and unusual beige fabric 2+2 seats with even driver’s side presenting well
- The driver’s seat shows the faintest signs of bolster wear but barely visible
- Carpets in good order with some staining and wear to driver’s footwell
- Beige leather dashboard and trim in very good, lightly marked condition
- Door cards in good order with some wear to driver’s side to note
- Switchgear and trim present well with no reports of malfunctions
- Gear knob is a Lotus one but not original
- Headlining in good order with no obvious marks or stains
- Boot carpet presents well with usefully sized storage space
- Headlights appear to be upgraded units as shown
- Fitted with Pioneer CD player as shown
The Mechanics
- Lotus Type 912 4cyl 2,174 cc engine
- Desirable factory 5spd manual gearbox
- Well maintained with good service history since 2020
- No reported running or driving issues
- The vendor informs us that it is in excellent mechanical condition
- We are told the car is fantastic to drive, being responsive and direct
- Sparing use in recent times but regularly serviced
- No mechanical or running gear advisories on current MOT
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 fee. 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.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
