1986 Lotus Excel SE 2.2 HC
Summary:
Family Classic Supercar
Faults:
Apart from the normal service items and a new oil cap, ownership has been a pleasure.
Cambelt has to be changed regularly.
This should be first on the list if you buy one.
General Comments:
The car puts a smile on your face everyday.
Handling and performance is Lotus, so needs no explanation.
Decent rear seats for your children or your mother in law (if she is still flexible).
Body does not rust.
Chassis is galvanized.
It is the most reliable Lotus ever built due to the many Toyota components.
The beating heart is genuine Lotus, but gearbox, final drive, brakes and heating system are Toyota.
Need I say more, if you know that the W58 gearbox was used until 2005 by Lexus!
Left hand drive is hard to find, and 3 times as expensive as a right hand drive.
Almost nobody seems to know of the existence of the Excel, except for you now.
So grab yourselves a bargain supercar while you can! You will not regret it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th January, 2010