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What do people know about the Lotus Excel?

racingenglishcars

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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.
 
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