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.

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