Lotus Excel SE (1982-92)
Overview: The **Lotus Excel SE** (1982–1992) played a crucial role in **Lotus Cars' evolution**, refining the brand’s approach to **luxury sports cars** while maintaining its signature **lightweight performance**.
**Significance to Lotus**
- **Toyota Partnership**: The Excel SE benefited from **Toyota components**, including the **W58 manual transmission**, **driveshafts**, and **rear differential**, improving reliability and refinement.
- **Evolution of the Eclat**: It was an advanced version of the **Lotus Eclat**, featuring a **fiberglass body** mounted on a **galvanized steel backbone chassis**, enhancing durability.
- **Improved Handling**: The Excel SE was praised for its **50:50 weight distribution**, making it one of the best-handling Lotus models of its time.
- **Luxury & Practicality**: Unlike earlier Lotus models, the Excel SE offered a **more refined interior**, making it a viable alternative to **Porsche and Jaguar sports cars**.
- **Last Chapman-Involved Model**: It was one of the last Lotus models developed under **Colin Chapman’s leadership**, marking the end of an era.
Despite its **limited production** (only **2,075 units** built), the Excel SE remains an **underrated classic**, admired for its **blend of performance and usability**. Would you like to explore its collector value or auction results? You can also check out more details [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_Excel).
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Production Total: 2,075
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Price New: The Lotus Excel SE, introduced in 1982, was priced at approximately **£17,000** in the UK. It was a refined version of the Éclat, featuring improved handling and performance, thanks to its collaboration with Toyota for components. *****
Sales: The **Lotus Excel SE** was **not a major sales success**, but it played a crucial role in refining Lotus' approach to **luxury sports cars**. Produced between **1982 and 1992**, it was an evolution of the **Lotus Eclat**, incorporating **Toyota components** for improved reliability and refinement.
**Sales & Market Impact**
- **Production Numbers**: Estimates suggest around **2,075 units** were built.
- **Toyota Partnership**: The Excel SE benefited from **Toyota-sourced parts**, making it more reliable than earlier Lotus models.
- **Underrated Classic**: Despite its **excellent handling** and **balanced weight distribution**, the Excel SE remained **underappreciated** compared to Lotus' mid-engine models.
- **Collector Appeal**: Today, the Excel SE is gaining recognition as a **hidden gem**, with values rising in the classic car market.
You can also check out more details [here](https://www.classicandsportscar.com/features/buyers-guide-lotus-excel).
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Historical Pricing Comparisons: The **Lotus Excel SE** has seen fluctuating values over the years, reflecting its rarity and appeal among classic car enthusiasts. Based on recent valuation sources:
- **Lowest recorded sale price**: **£4,839**.
- **Highest recorded sale price**: **£29,801**.
- **Median price** for an Excel SE in average condition: **£14,999**.
- **Total sales value**: **£816,564**.
- **Sell-through rate**: **79%**, indicating strong demand in the collector market.
These figures suggest that the Excel SE remains a sought-after classic, with values influenced by condition, provenance, and market demand. If you're looking for a more detailed valuation or historical trends, platforms like **Classic & Sports Car** and **Parkers** provide insights into pricing comparisons over time.
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Rivals: In 1982, the Lotus Excel SE competed with several sports cars in the UK market. Here are some approximate prices of its main rivals at the time:
- **Porsche 944**: Around £18,000.
- **TVR Tasmin 280i**: Approximately £13,000.
- **Ford Capri 2.8 Injection**: Starting at about £9,500.
- **Honda Prelude**: Around £8,000.
These cars offered a mix of performance, style, and practicality, making the sports car market quite diverse.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are **126 Lotus Excel SE cars** recorded as licensed in the UK, with an additional **198 on SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)**. It's remarkable how many of these rare sports cars have been preserved over the years.
The Lotus Excel, produced from 1983 to 1992, is known for its performance and handling, but it does have some common faults that owners should be aware of:
1. **Electrical Issues**: Problems with the ignition amplifier and misfires are common.
2. **Oil Leaks**: Leaks from the cam covers can cause oil to pool in the spark plug wells, leading to hard starting or misfires.
3. **Corrosion**: Despite the galvanised chassis, other steel components like door beams and window frames can corrode.
4. **Headlamps**: The headlamps are often described as inadequate, more like candles than proper headlights.
5. **Brakes**: The brakes are sometimes considered subpar and may require upgrades⁵.
These issues are relatively common, but many can be addressed with proper maintenance and upgrades.
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Generations
The Lotus Excel, produced from 1982 to 1992, is considered to have **one main generation**¹². However, it did receive several updates and facelifts during its production run:
1. **Original Excel (1982-1985)**: The initial model, also known as the Eclat Excel, featured a 2.2L Lotus 912 I4 engine and various components from Toyota.
2. **Excel SE (1985-1989)**: This version introduced a more powerful engine, updated bumpers, a new wing, and an improved interior.
3. **Excel SA (1986-1992)**: The automatic version of the Excel, featuring a 4-speed ZF automatic transmission.
4. **Facelift (1989-1992)**: The final updates included Citroën CX-derived mirrors, 15-inch OZ alloy wheels, and other minor cosmetic changes.
These updates helped keep the Excel competitive and improved its performance and reliability over the years.
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Body Style
The Lotus Excel, produced from 1982 to 1992, was available in a **single body style**: a **two-door coupé**¹². This design was consistent throughout its production run, emphasizing the car's sporty and aerodynamic characteristics.
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Engines
The Lotus Excel, produced from 1982 to 1992, was equipped with a single engine type throughout its production run:
- **2.2L Lotus 912 I4 Engine**: This naturally aspirated, all-aluminium, DOHC 16-valve engine was used in all versions of the Excel. Initially, it produced around 160 hp, but later versions, such as the Excel SE, saw power increases to approximately 180 hp.
This engine was known for its performance and reliability, contributing to the Excel's reputation for excellent handling and driving dynamics.
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Spares
You can find spares for your Lotus Excel (1983-1992) at several reputable suppliers in the UK and Ireland. Here are some options:
1. **PNM Parts Ltd**: They offer a wide range of replacement parts and upgrades for the Lotus Excel.
2. **SJ Sportscars**: This supplier provides genuine parts and accessories for the Lotus Excel.
3. **Esprit Engineering**: They have an extensive online catalogue for classic Lotus Excel spares and parts.
4. **AutoPartsPro**: An online store with a variety of original parts for the Lotus Excel.
These suppliers should have what you need to keep your Lotus Excel in top condition.
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Specialists
You can find specialists for Lotus vehicles in the UK and Ireland through several reputable sources:
1. **Lotus Centres**: You can locate your nearest authorised Lotus dealer or service centre by using the search tool on the [Lotus Cars UK website](https://www.lotuscars.com/en-GB/lotus-centres).
2. **Bell and Colvill**: One of the oldest and most respected Lotus dealers in the UK, offering sales, service, and parts for all Lotus models.
3. **Paul Matty Sports Cars**: Specialises in Lotus sales, service, and parts, with a strong reputation in the Lotus community.
4. **Esprit Engineering**: Known for their expertise in Lotus vehicles, offering a wide range of services and parts.
5. **Lotus Silverstone**: An official Lotus dealer providing sales, service, and parts for Lotus cars.
These specialists should be able to assist you with any needs related to your Lotus vehicle.