Lotus Excel SE

[Amateurish]

I'm reliving the 80s with my recent purchase of a spiffing 1987 Lotus Excel SE. I drove it back from the North West on Saturday and it appears in fine mechanical condition. The 2.2 slant four makes a wonderful noise towards the top of the rev range. I also particularly like the bespoke retrimmed interior with light blue alcantara seats matched to black leather trim with red stitching. Very kitsch.







I haven't taken photos yet, so these snaps all belong to the seller.

[falkster]

A friend of mine had one, in red, about 15 years ago and I just remember thinking that must be how a racing car took corners!!
Nice colour you've got, you going to get some interior pics up?

[marshalla]

[anonymous-user]

Me likee! I just used my 1990 Excel as a camper truck for the Latitude Festival. It's a Tardis!

[Amateurish]

Like yours too, sir. I also enjoy the pop-up headlights.

Interior pics to follow.

Exterior is a bit tatty in places, crazing and scratches in the fiberglass. I'm also not a fan of the black Lotus badges, like this:



I may switch for the more modern green and yellow version.

Edited by Amateurish on Wednesday 18th July 08:31

[anonymous-user]

Those badges are cooooooooool! Very JPS. Keep them - they are periody.

Badging - were Lotus paranoid about identity, or what? My Excel has a Lotus badge on the bonnet, another on its bum, and one on each B pillar, as well as one on the steering boss and one on the gear knob, depending on which one is fitted (it currently has an unbadged black one, as the wooden Lotus one needs fixing). I have added seat belt pads with Lotus in large letters and Lotus badges. Despite this, I still overhear people say that the car is "some sort of Ferrari"

I note also that there are three or four different versions of the rear "Excel" badging or decals, often regardless, apparently, of model year. Mine says "Excel" on small Times Roman style lettering. People still call it an Esprit or "that car that was in that Bond film".

Ace Cafe tonight?

[marshalla]

Breadvan72 said:

People still call it an Esprit or "that car that was in that Bond film".

I just tell them that Q kept the Excel for himself - because it has room for 2 more "assistants"

[Amateurish]

Ace Cafe? A quick Google reveals a Lotus night, shame I'll be Oxford way tonight. Which of your cars will you be taking?

[anonymous-user]

I was thinking of taking my Excel, but the weather is a bit rubbish, so I shall probably stay in and watch some really bad episodes of Star Trek instead.

[anonymous-user]

Meanwhile, here is what gave the Excel its robust gearbox and drivetrain, but is much less classy:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1985-Toyota-Celica-Supra...

[TheHeretic]

Less classy? They are lovely things!

[anonymous-user]

I'm not sure that I'd go as far as lovely, although they have a certain charm. Are they any good?

[Marf]

I think it's lovely too, nice example.

[theholygrail]

I had the same car many years ago and to this day I haven't come across steering that even comes close. SUCH a nice interior too. Enjoy.

[Amateurish]

Interior pics as promised. Pretty loud!













Even the ashtrays have been trimmed.

Edited by Amateurish on Saturday 21st July 16:05

[interloper]

Now that's a proper interior . I was looking at Excels last year had a poke around one with a womb red (gone pink in the sun!) interior, sadly was outbid on ebay. I have put off Excel purchasing until my finances are a bit stronger, assuming I don't get my heard turned by something else in the meantime...