Any info on Lotus Excel gratefully received

[crofty1984]

Posted in the Lotus section, but thought I'd chuck it in here too for a bit more traffic. Hope that's OK.

Hi All,
There's a small chance I could aquire an Excel from a friend for a very reasonable price.
I'm going to assume it's been sat in a field for a few years.
I'm not intending to sell it on at a profit - it's just an interesting resto project that I can't turn down.
It may need a new battery, fresh fuel and a polish, or it may be completely knackered. I believe it drove to where it's been parked up, so no con rods sticking out the block. But that's all I know.

Any info/advice on anything, spares (I think the GBox and some other parts are from a Supra?), what to look out for, common faults, clever fixes, your experiences owning one, MPG, Power, Tuning potential, improvements, etc. would be really appreciated.
Thanks very much,
Dan

[98elise]

Whatever happens, post the rebuild.

I'd love to get an excel fitted out with modern running gear.

[anonymous-user]

You say the car's been sat in a field, well once an Esprit or Excel has got tatty it's essentially a write-off. The interior is particularly monstrous to do anything about once it's gone West.

I hope it's not an Excel SA (the automatic) which should IMO be avoided like the plague. If the engine and gearbox are in reasonable nick then you might be able to get it driveable but beyond that you're staring at a serious money-pit. Even a full overhaul of the brake system could get pretty exciting in the wallet.

Certainly a "project" though.