Description
Supplied by Bell & Colvill Ltd, Surrey on the 28th May 1985, to a Mrs Broadie, Surrey this sensational Lotus came ordered with the following specification:
- Excel spec
- 2. 2 litre 16 valve engine - 912 engine rated @ 160bhp
- 5 speed gearbox - W58 transmission
- Glacier Blue metallic exterior
- Blue 1/ 2 leather interior
- Power steering
- Electric Windows
- Optional 15" Speedline alloy wheels
- 3 spoke Personal design leather steering wheel
With just 5 former keepers, the last two being friends (one of them a serial Lotus collector... he has 7!) and their keepership spanning 31 years back to 1993 we're delighted to offer this exceptional 1985 Lotus Excel (occasionally referred to as the Eclat Excel), the car showing just 76, 600 miles, with just 3k miles driven in the last 15 years.
Taking a moment to admire and then tour around this Excel we feel most would regard her as a very special car indeed! The body work remains in simply stunning condition, the Glacier Blue metallic exterior has a wonderful finish, just the odd minor mark spotted on this 39 year old classic, by the most the hyper-critical eye (it's what we do!), we feel this classic Lotus would stand centre stage in many a display / collection. All the rubbers / trims / lens / glass / decals remain in superb condition and are free from any damage and from delving into the comprehensive history file we note that the optional 15x7 Speedline alloys where fully refurbished by a marque specialist, GST Performance, just 800 miles ago, with new Toyo tyres fitted too. A remarkable and highly original example in every way it's hard to believe that this Excel has just turned 39 years old, she exudes a real sense of understated 'cool' and makes for a real alternative to the far more common place classics of the era.
Opening the door and the quality continues. Fitted with her blue 1/ 2 leather interior, blue carpets and blue leather bound dash this cabin feels both classic and stylish in equally measure. The seats remain in excellent condition, firm, yet comfortable and supportive! The rest of the interior also remains in lovely condition; the headlining perfect (re-trimmed recently), the condition of the leather covered sections on the door-cards, centre console, dash etc all remain in great condition and with the drivers seat adjusted the three spoked Italian design 'Personal' steering wheel sits perfectly to hand too. A 2+2 by design, the front seat passengers will never lack for space, it makes for a great 'touring' classic and whilst we can't say we've tried the rears for size, we can image that any 'junior' passenger will be properly ensconced due to the rear seats 'bucket' design..... perfect if enjoying a passenger ride on a spirited drive.
Having recently offered another stunning Excel we were keen to drive this one too, a back-to-back as it were .... and 'Wow', this 1985 Excel 2. 2 doesn't disappoint either, the type 912 motor also found in the Esprit. From cold the two 45mm Dellorto carbs burst into life and for a moment we just leave her to settle, throttle feathered and fluids circulating. Depress the clutch select first gear and we're off. On our preferred test loop we would certainly say she's a drive 'par excellence'. The drive is a delight; well balanced steering, a positive & tight gearbox, great brakes and an engine that's as 'sweet as a nut', full of character, roarty when offered some revs, good torque low down and quiet when at cruising speed .... a well sorted and well cared for Lotus is a truly wonderful classic, forget the cliche!
A cherished example this Lotus Excel comes with a wonderful comprehensive history file. With invoicing (circa £9k) spanning 20 yrs, notable works include a comprehensive recommissioning in 2018, after a period of storage, by Lotus specialist GST Performance, for £5500! Further invoicing by GST and specialist suppliers etc support the 18 service stamps within two service books, the most recent service, 2023 and 500 miles ago, including Cambelt, plugs, oil and filters. MOT's run back to 1993, this documenting periods of storage 2010-18, '18-23, with the car now having a valid MOT until April 2025! She comes with 2 complete sets of 4 keys (Ignition, Filler, Glovebox, Doors / Boot), new front mats, her dealer book pack and even a period correct 1985 issue Tax Disc.
A remarkable example, this 1985 Lotus Excel 2. 2 is an absolute gem, a complete delight to drive and with just 76k miles, supported by her detailed history file we feel she's one of the best examples available, she's a real eye full and we think if you see her, you'll be left wanting more & more!
