What do people know about the Lotus Excel?

My buddy has been trying to get me to buy one of these. He says I'm the perfect type of owner for one: Don't drive much, Patient, Detail oriented, Earn enough money, Have a garage, Appreciate the British way of doing things. I don't remember all the other excuses he gave me.

However I think he might be right. These cars look OK and they have room for the daughter in the back. Since I rarely drive at all and only occasionally drive to the summer house about 100 km away, the practical elements might work. But I don't know any of the problems associated with these cars. I know they are part Toyota, but what part? What are your thoughts on the Lotus part?

Examples
https://www.pistonheads.com/sales/list.asp?s=165

One of these would be very low on my list. Make sure it is mechanically sound in all areas.

The Excel was a rework of the earlier Eclat, and benefited from it's dip into the Toyota parts box.
The only comments I've ever heard are that it's a much better car than the Eclat, but I'm not 100% sure what that means! One in good condition will perform and handle like a Lotus should, and I guess the Toyota bits mean it's more likely to be in good condition.
I'd be up for one in good nick, but I'm a bit of a Lotus nut.

I'm on the same page as Roger. Right down to the nut part. :thumbsup:

I think it is a deconted Eclat with a Toyota transmission. Buy one in good condition if at all.

I've had a couple 907's, both Elites. They are very fun to drive.

Later is better with those motors, better breating head castings, and fewer oil leaks with O rings at places between the head and block. An Excell would benefit from those updates I believe.

Thanks for the info