Absolute Classic Cars. 1989 Lotus Excel SE, Type 89 - Exceptional, glorious twin cam - SOLD

Originally supplied by via Mann Egerton, London, the Capitals only authorised main dealer on the 20th January 1989, this stunning Lotus came ordered with the following specification:
- Excel SE spec
- 2.2 litre 16 valve engine - 912 engine rated @ 180bhp
- 5 speed gearbox - W58 transmission
- Calypso Red exterior
- Suffolk tweed & Magnolia leather interior
- 15" Speedline alloys
- Power steering
- Electric Windows
- Central Locking
- 3 spoke Giugiaro design leather steering wheel
- ICE warning
- Adjustable steering column
A rare sight on UK roads it's a real treat to be in the company of this Lotus Excel SE. Hand-built and a far cry from the misnomer of being a 'kit car', we have to say that this Excel is an absolute gem and has clearly been very well cared for. The body work remains in superb condition, the Calypso Red exterior has a wonderful lustre, free from any fade, with just a few minor marks (the benifit of our hyper-critical eye) and importantly all the rubbers / trims / lens / glass / decals remain in superb condition and are free from any damage. The 15x7 Speedline alloys remain in original, untouched condition, original centre caps present and the car comes fitted with a matched set of Bridgestone tyres showing 6mm tread, with the original, 'full-size' spare mounted in the boot along with the original factory toolkit. A remarkable and highly original example in every way it's hard to believe that this Excel SE has just turned 35 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 1/2 Magnolia leather and Suffolk Tweed interior the cabin offers a real bright and airy feel, aided by the 'dealer fit' multi-position / lift-out sunroof. The seats remain in excellent condition, firm, yet comfortable and supportive with no nasty marks, tears or creases! The rest of the interior also remains in lovely condition; the condition of the leather covered sections on the door-cards, center console, dash etc all remain in great condition, the correct Giugiaro design 3-spoke steering wheel shows little wear and the car comes fitted with a new set of tailored mats. 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.
....the drive, 'Wow', what a delight and to pardon our pun "Excel' by name, Excel' by nature!" From cold the two 45mm Dellorto carbs appreciate a little choke, the engine bursts into life and for a moment we just leave her to settle, fluids circulating. Depress the clutch select first gear and we're off. On our preferred 10 mile test loop we would certainly rank this Excel up amongst the best. Having been owned by utterly fastidious owners (2 A4 box files of history), the drive is a revelation; wonderfully balanced steering, a positive & tight gearbox, great brakes and an engine that is just as sweet as a nut, full of character, roarty when offered some revs, good torque low down and quiet when at cruising speed......can we sense a slight amount of our own bias......I'd say one can only report on what we find, but having driven a small number of Excels, this one top drawer!
A truly cherished example this Lotus Excel SE comes with one of the most staggering history files we've ever seen. There are two A4 box files containing invoicing, £16k+ back to 1992, a number of period magazine features, period brochures, 28 previous MOT's (back to '95), Lotus Workshop manual exerts for various tasks that have been undertaken, she comes with her dealer book pack, the correct full set of 3 keys (Service, Master and Fuel Filler) and records confirm, in the TWO handbooks, that she's been serviced a staggering 27 times (Lotus, independent, specialists etc) confirmation that this circa 77k mile Lotus Excel SE has been fastidiously maintained and needless to say we'll be adding to those records too with our independent engineer offer a full bumper to bumper 'health check', attending to any service or pre-MOT requirements and at the time of collection / delivery the car will be sold with a new 12 month MOT, offering further piece-of-mind.
Without hesitation, the nicest Lotus Excel SE we've come across, one that has been not only been enjoyed on the road, but cossetted and cherished, in fact the most recent owner confirmed on the day we collected her, that she'd not seen the rain once in his 7 years of ownership! Looking resplendent in the 'must have' colour, Calyspo Red, this Excel SE ticks all the right boxes, a true classic in every sense..

[@kf2510]

Still a cool looking car!

[@PhilUKNet]

£14,995 seems a very reasonable price. The condition looks great.

[@512bb]

Always loved the Excel, simply beautiful!

[@ancientanomalies]

I owned 2 bought for 4 grand so 14 grand seems like a missed out