1988 Lotus Excel SE

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

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