Lotus Excel SE £7000
Strong mechanicals and a thorough history overcome cosmetic flaws to make a compelling driver’s car, says Emma Woodcock
A1986 SE model, this Excel is a survivor with the paperwork to match. The folder includes photos from the car’s earlier life, full service history which confirms an odometer reading of 105,751 miles, and every MOT. Before its most current certificate – issued in July 2019 – the Lotus was last tested in 2014. There’s also a workshop diary from a previous owner, explaining that the sills and both bumpers were resprayed in their current custom silver in the Nineties.
The paintwork has bubbling over the bootlid and peeling lacquer around the nearside front wheelarch. The silver sections show an especially high level of wear. There’s crazing at every corner and the original red is showing through in places. Lift the bonnet and the news is better – chipped cam-cover paint and small patches of surface corrosion are the only blemishes, and there are no leaks.
Lotusbits has livened up the cabin with a pleated custom headlining and new material covers the parcel shelf. The interior is correct and complete, but the front seats have lightened and the passenger’s side doorcap has partially discoloured. The leather bottom edge of the dashboard shows wear, and the walnut veneer panels are very slightly warped, but general condition is good. The steering wheel rake adjustment operates smoothly, the major dials are evenly backlit and the footwell carpet is dry and unmarked.
Lights and indicators operate promptly and the heater works, but the non-standard stereo and car-phone microphone are both non-functional. The aftermarket immobiliser operates according to its own whims, but seller Lotusbits can remove it before sale. Both electric windows drop readily but rise inconsistently, the driver’s side sticking occasionally, and the electric door mirror adjustment doesn’t work.
The car’s mechanical condition is far stronger. The Excel has just been serviced, with new filters, plugs and brake and clutch fluids, plus a new cambelt, tensioner bearing, thermostat and front crank seal. The suspension and brake discs are within the original Lotus wear parameters. One floor panel, the rear seatbelt mounts and some brake pipes have been replaced because of corrosion, but the galvanised chassis has no rust. A matching set of 205/50/15 Avon AV3 tyres is fitted too, though the rubber’s age is unknown.
Starting cleanly, the SE idles at a mostly steady 900rpm, only wavering when stood for long periods, and oil pressure stabilises at 4.0bar when warm. A pleasure on the open road, the engine pulls consistently throughout the rev range and throttle response is instantaneous. Gearshifts are crisp, but first clunks slightly and requires a firm hand. The brake pedal has excessive travel – Lotusbits plan to flush the fluid again – but bite is strong. Steering feedback is exceptional, if jittery in fast direction changes, response is fast and grip strong.
So it drives like a Lotus, and its appeal – fittingly – is to those who prefer driving their cars to polishing them.