The only Lotus not revered?

[crankedup]

Would appear to be the Excel 1981 - 1991 approx.

Why this should be I have no idea, it is a great car to drive if slightly wanting a tad more power. Lovely interior good styling and reliable.

So why is this car always at the back of the Q ?

I've had a hankering for one of these for about 16 years now but never got around to buying one.

[mustard]

same reason 928's fetch peanuts to 911's

Mondials fetch buttons compared to 308/328's


Everyone goes for the Esprit in preferance to the Excel

less seats = more money!

[v8thunder]

No idea why they're not as revered, seeing as though they're the first of the 'reliable' Lotuses. Also, they have class - the sort of presence - especially in a dark colour - that a Ferrari 456 has nowadays.

[sparkey]

Within Lotus circles (Club Lotus etc) they are revered and sought after. I had a '79 Elite which is also a less popular Lotus, but a great car (lacking a bit of power). At least the fact that they're not in fashion at present means that they can be bought for very little.

Steve

[jhoneyball]

I loved my 91 Excel Celebration (one of the four painted in bright red rather than the Lotus Carlton green).

Fantastic thing

[crankedup]

I remember correctly was this the 'run out' model? I recall test driving an Excel SE and was hugely impressed with the car. Balance and poise beyond reproach, if only they could have given it 200 - 210 bhp. Looking at what these cars cost now is beyond belief, practically giving them away.

[jhoneyball]

yup -- needed tender loving care -- ate wheel rims like they were going out of fashion (the inner unsupported side buckled)

[v8thunder]

crankedup said:

if only they could have given it 200 - 210 bhp.

IMO they should've offered a turbo version, updated alongside the Esprit.

[lanciachris]

I like the excels! a lot as it happens

[Davel]

Not many people liked the Europa, including me.

Thought it was a bit of an ugly duckling...

[Pigeon]

I quite like them - mind you I don't object to the "flying buttresses" on the XJ-S either. I certainly wouldn't say no to one (not the Renault-engined version though).

[Alpineandy]

Pigeon said:

(not the Renault-engined version though).

Why?

[Andrew Noakes]

v8thunder said:

IMO they should've offered a turbo version, updated alongside the Esprit.

At the time Lotus said the turbo engine wouldn't fit in the Excel, though that might just have been a convenient excuse.

[marx]

Always fancied one of these cars (like 20 years ago) and they're 2+2 so they're OK for those with kids. Seems the only 2+2 to keep its value is the 911?

[Pigeon]

Alpineandy said:

Pigeon said: (not the Renault-engined version though). Why?

Not so "pure", if that makes sense...

[Corin Denton]

lanciachris said:

I like the excels! a lot as it happens

Ditto

[mustard]

Make sure you buy one with a good engine!

Pistons are £800 each! (good job theres only 4) got one in the workshop where the cam belt let go, we are praying for the owner its left them untouched

[crankedup]

£800 for each piston

Is this the Renault engine, I presume it must be.

[mustard]

Lotus 2.2 Twin Cam engine, cars circa '88 I believe

[IOLAIRE]

mustard said:

Lotus 2.2 Twin Cam engine, cars circa '88 I believe

Mustard old son,
I don't know who you work for, but you need to find another supplier for your pistons.
Yoiu can have special order pistons made for a lot less than that.
Lotus parts have consistently been the biggest rip off in the whole country, ever since the sixties.
A great deal of their stuff is simply mass produced parts from other vehicles reboxed and multiplied by 50 in price!!
Shop around and you'll get a pleasant surprise.