Excel as a possibility
Discussion
I have had a Europa Twincam and Elan M100 in the past and had thought that my Lotus days were over. I am finding now that I don't need so much horsepower than before, and am considering an Excel (or even an Elite/Eclat). However, the two Excels that I have driven, to be honest, both felt like creaky sheds. Are they "all like that, sir" or are there examples out there that are not going to feel like tupperware after my current CLS500?
Only had one Excel and that was for a couple of months a few years ago
Leaked, smelled, felt underpowered but a lovely gearchange, possibly the best I've used in nearly 50myears of driving.
Keep hankering after another but they are now a lot more money or look like they will need a lot spending. (Retrim, repaint etc)
Drove one about 3 years ago with a view to purchase, it felt underpowered but at least it didn't smell. Couldn't agree a price unfortunately.
Think the underpowered bit is due to it needing revving a lot more than the TVRs I'd been driving with the Rover V8 low down torque.
Leaked, smelled, felt underpowered but a lovely gearchange, possibly the best I've used in nearly 50myears of driving.
Keep hankering after another but they are now a lot more money or look like they will need a lot spending. (Retrim, repaint etc)
Drove one about 3 years ago with a view to purchase, it felt underpowered but at least it didn't smell. Couldn't agree a price unfortunately.
Think the underpowered bit is due to it needing revving a lot more than the TVRs I'd been driving with the Rover V8 low down torque.
I've had my Excel SE for 17 years and if you buy a good one - that's been looked after rather than a basket case - you should be very pleased.
Excels are reliable, and I've just come back from my annual 2,000+ miles trip round France. No problems.
So try a good one and see how you feel. There should be no water leaks, no smell of glue or glassfibre, and the performance in its day was very good.
I specifically avoided the Elite/Eclat as they tend to have a lot more problems.
Excels are reliable, and I've just come back from my annual 2,000+ miles trip round France. No problems.
So try a good one and see how you feel. There should be no water leaks, no smell of glue or glassfibre, and the performance in its day was very good.
I specifically avoided the Elite/Eclat as they tend to have a lot more problems.
Edited by TPoll on Thursday 22 August 11:01
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