Description

The Lotus Excel highlights one of the last evolutions of the now legendary 'wedged' lineup from the marque. Whilst the Esprit understandably stole a great deal of the limelight back in the day, the Excel is becoming a highly sought after collectors piece in enthusiast circles, and for good reason, blending iconic styling with a thoroughly good driving experience.

This 1985 car is an earlier example, hailing from the transition point between the Eclat and Excel models. Emerging from a longer period in storage, it is now being offered to market as a delightful example of the breed that could be simultaneously used and improved as is after a general going over but also lends itself to a more extensive refresh should you want a real stand out showpiece.

Cosmetically the car can be considered OK throughout. Naturally longer term storage has resulted in blemishing and marking to the body in places with some general lacquer peel as is common. This being said we feel it remains a very striking car as is thanks to its black and gold 'JPS' style colour scheme.

The inside of the car is in a similar condition. The seats front and rear appear well but there are some areas of tarnishing and flawing to be seen, including some deterioration to the dash top.

Mechanically the car seems quite well, we have taken it for a short test drive around our farm and it drove very nicely; starting, running, driving and stopping. This being said a good going over is advised before a return to the road following long term storage as we have noticed a small water leak - believed to be from a radiator pipe potentially - and the headlights aren't popping up.