Highlights
- ‘Ultimate’ SE model with high compression 180bhp 2.2L engine
- Recent major service including cambelt and idler pulley
- Carburettors stripped and cleaned and steering rack reconditioned
- Large history file with continuous servicing and maintenance
- Low mileage of under 80,000 in 36 years
- Very tidy bodywork and luxury blue leather cabin
- Long MOT to June 2025 with no advisories
The Appeal
The Excel SE is the ultimate version of a car that was continuously evolved from its Eclat origins. Mixing Lotus innovation with Toyota durability, these final cars are sought after by collectors yet rare finds on the market.
This low mileage SE has a desirable 5spd manual box and is finished in a fetching combination of silver metallic over blue leather. The well kept condition is a testament to its three keepers over 36 years. The history file reveals regular maintenance and improvements such as a new headlining and retrimmed sun visors.
The car has recently been recommissioned after dry storage. This has included a full service, four new tyres, new cambelt and idle pulley and a reconditioned steering rack. The differential pinion seal was replaced and the carburettors have been stripped and cleaned. There is also a fresh MOT to June 2025 with no advisories.
The Excel is the wedgy cousin to the Esprit, a GT that offers more practicality and space but a similarly engaging driving experience. This is a great example of a rare and very capable British sports car.
History and Paperwork
- First registered 8th September 1988
- Only three registered keepers
- Original service/handbook whicih has been water damaged
- Replacement book from Lotus Cars also included
- 15 old MOTs to verify low mileage
- Large history file with 30 service and parts receipts
- Purchased by the seller last year and kept in dry storage
- Recently recommissioned with summary of work below
- MOT to 26th June 2025 with no advisories and 76,970 miles showing on test
- Now showing 76,972 miles
Recent recommissioning within last year:
- Four new tyres
- Full service
- New cambelt and ilder pulley
- Reconditioned steering rack
- New differential pinion seal
- Carburettors stripped and cleaned
The Condition
- Smart lightweight fibreglass bodyshell finished in silver metallic
- Paintwork is well kept and appears to be mostly original
- The paint may have received localised refreshing as shown in photographs
- The vendor advises a small area of slight crazing to offside rear quarter panel
- He also advises some minor stone chips and age-related marks typical of a 36 year old car
- Factory alloy wheels in very good condition showing only light edge marks
- Matching spare wheel included
- Recently fitted with four new Nankang tyres
- PNM LED headlights fitted in 2022 to improve nbigh driving
- Very well kept blue leather luxury wood-trimmed interior showing few signs of age or use
- Headlining and sun visors retrimmed by previous keeper
- Later car with adjustable steering column and VDO dials
- Fitted with a period-correct Clarion radio cassette system
- Underside presents very well with no structural advisories on last MOT
- Due to the age of the car buyers should check the photographs carefully and expect some aging
The Mechanics
- Type 912 Lotus 2.2litre ‘HC’ high compression 180bhp engine
- 5spd manual gearbox
- Vendor reports that the car runs and drives very well with no known issues
- Fitted with K&N air filters
- Original airbox is available if the next owner wants to revert to standard
- Much of the running gear and switch gear sourced from Toyota so reliable
- Extensive recent work including full service and cambelt
- Full list of recent work detailed above
- Well maintained car with thick history file
- Reported to drive very well with plenty of power
- 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 of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s 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 and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ 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]
