this might not be the right spot but here goes

[peter450]

i'm thinking of buying an excel (cant really afford a esprit yet sob) i have seen one but it has some frontal damage. Mechannically i'm told the car is ok but i will get a mechanic to verify this for me if i do go ahead my question concerns the glassfibre repair the car will need a new bumber an front section basically is it wise to buy a car like this damaged. should i give it a wide berth or take a closer look

[paul c]

Hi Peter

My view (and not much 'help' to you i'm afraid), is that if you hanker after an esprit but are considering an Excel...

Get an Esprit!
The later Excels with the toyota bits WERE very reliable by all counts. But having owned an early carbed Esprit (with the same engine as the Excel), i don't see the point on paying to maintain the engine you want, in the car you don't.

I really like the old Talbot sunbeams, but if i were taking on another 900 series engine - i'd want it in another Esprit

A good Excel IS a bargain these days though...

Just my 2p

Paul C
Turbo SE

[Simonelite501]

Hi Peter, you really ought to talk to Mike Taylor, www.lotuseliteparts.bravepages.com/ he's not only a leading light in all thats Elite/Eclat/Excel but a thouroghly nice bloke too! The Excel's a good motor, but for a good one you'll be in the same price range as a older/needs tidying Esprit.