1987 Lotus Excel S.A. review from UK and Ireland

I had to replace the power steering rack twice. Second time due to reconditioned part being poor quality.

Replaced anti roll bar bushes and front suspension bushes.

Replaced exhaust system, front pipe, middle box, splitter pipe and both axle pipes.

Head lining fell off.

Occasional problems with fuel pump.

Relay for dashboard lighting/rear lights intermittent.

Top ball joint replaced.

Paint work required some work due to water damage (Factor paint too soft for standing water)

Replaced tires.

Head lights replaced.

Throttle cable replaced.

Otter switch for cooling intermittent.

Air conditioning belt removed, too costly to re-gas and likely to lead once fixed.

I have driven cars that are faster but have never driven a car that goes around corners so fast that the girl friend wants to be let out so I can do it on my own!! (This woman endures wheelies on my brothers motor bike and puts up with me driving down near vertical hills in my Land Rover on off road weekends).

To technically put the point across, the Lotus excel built after 1986 has plenty of parts from its parts sister the Toyota Supra.

The Excel drives like a new car and has handling that many new prestige cars sadly lack.

The engine produces about 180 horse power and with the carburettors re-jetted and a high flow air filter fitted that figure pushes 190-195.

I have had technical problems, but all have been easily sorted with a good trusted mechanic.

I have found parts with ease and at a modest cost.

I have trusted the car enough to travel long distances and still get home and in fact I am not even a member of any recovery organizations.

The car looks fantastic and turns heads every where, even getting knowing nods from the surplus of Elise drivers.

A Great British car with connlley leather seats that you can still smell on you at least an hour after you left the car.

The automatic gearbox is from the great ZF factory and you can change gears like it's a manual, hold it in gear, drop down gear to use engine breaking and when on a straight set the cruise control and let the car drive you. MAGIC!

Passenger compartment is fantastic with plenty of room for front seat passengers. I am 6'3" and fit great, with all controls easy to reach.

Visibility is a bit lacking when reversing and I do often open the door to see where I'm going.