1989 was also when the chassis got revised. The differential was raised a little, the rear upper links were lengthened and their inner location points relocated to suit. Various stiffeners were also added to the rear of the chassis. Front upper whishbones were modified to change the steering castor angle. I've recently grafted a post '89 SA rear section onto the back of an '85 chassis. Video on my channel.
Hi Keith, Very cool video man! Thanks for making and sharing it. Based on your comments in the video I thought you'd be interested to know that I'm in the USA(Utah) and I own a RHD 1988 Excel SE 2.2L 912 5 Speed in Calypso Red with full leather tan(Biscuit) interior. The car is a phenomenally good "drivers car" for anyone and especially for people who understand and appreciate a viscerally engaging driving experience. I've owned and own many other Lotus, exotics and supercars and I rate the driving experience for the Excel SE very high, even higher than most very fast modern exotics and supercars that replace driver inputs with techno-nanny stability and traction control software/systems that can make any driver look good but remove the "true drivers car" feel from the driving experience. This car is built for people who love driving AND want to cary some people with them or want to haul some gear in the boot. I've taken my wife and kids with me on many drives and used it to take them to sporting events as well. The car starts conversations everywhere it goes, regardless of how many other exotics are around it at the time. Most "car guys" don't know what it is and work to find out as you are doing in your video. I am only aware of 4 other Excel SEs and no SAs in the USA as of October 2022. Most fairly knowledgable car people often confuse it with a Lamborghini, usually the Espada or the Jarama although the Excel SE is significantly quicker from point to point than those cars, even with their Lamborghini V12 under the hood. Aside from the excellent handling and driving dynamics that allow it to wear a Lotus badge, the car is actually very reliable and easy to maintain and as you've mentioned, it shares a good number of parts with the Toyota Supra. The Lotus engine with its DOHC 4V set up with a flat plane crank make it sound amazing and very exotic. The seating is quite useable and can fit 3 adults and one child(behind the driver). As you'll be able to testify, the car looks amazing in person and pictures and video do it no Justice. The car was designed to serve as an Executive Luxury GT and was positioned to directly compete with it's Ferrari contemporary, the Mondial QV and it provided much better performance than the comparable Ferrari. Let me know if you have any questions or want to see it if you happen to be coming through Utah sometime. Godspeed car fans! Oh, one more thing, the seats you keep mentioning are very comfortable.
I'm in the UK and I think I saw 1 of these in a driveway. It looked so different, I really didn't know what it was, I guessed as a stab in dark at a 1990s Lotus because of the styling. I typed in '1990s Lotus' then after scrolling through the images, I found a photo of this car and saw it had an 80s registration plate. I didn't know the Lotus Excel at all until now.
@@anthonydonnelly8419 I agree with you Anthony although the Excel got lots of "new" attention from people who were just learning about it this year when Lotus used it in their unveiling of their new model back in April. A few auto journalists wrote stories about it, giving it praise. The best part of course is driving the car.
I own a 1987 SA in Belgium. Bought it in 1994 and drove it daily for 5 years. Metallic british racing green and cream leather. Loved it although I ripped the rear suspension apart, broke the auto trans (had it upgraded) and suffered typical problems like cracked bodywork and non-functioning VDO cruise control. It also suffered badly from vapour lock. Still have it and will maybe put it back on the road... one day.
I own a 1987 Lotus Excel SE in Calypso Red colour, original paint. I have had the headlining done as it was sagging (common problem). It only has 30,000 miles on it. Would I sell it? No Way. Love the car.
It seems I have one of the rarest of the rare Lotus cars then as I have a 1987 SA with just 57,000 miles from new😁 I’m also lucky enough to have one of the manual SE models. Unfortunately exact production figures of the SA don’t appear to exist. The colour on your video car appears to be Pacific blue. Also they weren’t exactly the entry level car as an SA in 1986 was £22,900 and an Esprit S3 was £18980 It is an often overlooked and very capable Lotus with perfect 50/50 weight distribution and an engine that can be modified all the way from it’s standard 180bhp to around 300.
Whoa, these were more than an Esprit new? Never would have guessed! 57k miles is nothing! What's the story behind how you found and bought yours, and where does it now live?
Very cool, Alan! I really like your point about how much power the Lotus plant can produce. There are some amazing things you guys are doing with them over in the UK. One of my Esprits running a modded 910 engine is dyno'd at over 420 bhp but its running serious boost. I'm flat out amazed at how much the NA engines can produce power. Also, how do you like driving that SA in comparison to the SE? I thought I might have to convert mine to an auto when I first bought it then I learned how to blade my feet to go past one pedal while manipulating another in the narrow foot well with my quite large shoes. I'm glad I kept the stock 5 speed as it adds so much joy to the driving experience. I'm still very curious what its like to own and drive both. Please tell!
Hi, I owned a black 87 SA. Regretted selling it. N690NPR if anyone knows where it is. When I had it I looked into manufacturers numbers, they made 25 autos. They use the ZF gear box
1989 was also when the chassis got revised. The differential was raised a little, the rear upper links were lengthened and their inner location points relocated to suit. Various stiffeners were also added to the rear of the chassis. Front upper whishbones were modified to change the steering castor angle. I've recently grafted a post '89 SA rear section onto the back of an '85 chassis. Video on my channel.
Great info Paul!
Hi Keith, Very cool video man! Thanks for making and sharing it. Based on your comments in the video I thought you'd be interested to know that I'm in the USA(Utah) and I own a RHD 1988 Excel SE 2.2L 912 5 Speed in Calypso Red with full leather tan(Biscuit) interior. The car is a phenomenally good "drivers car" for anyone and especially for people who understand and appreciate a viscerally engaging driving experience. I've owned and own many other Lotus, exotics and supercars and I rate the driving experience for the Excel SE very high, even higher than most very fast modern exotics and supercars that replace driver inputs with techno-nanny stability and traction control software/systems that can make any driver look good but remove the "true drivers car" feel from the driving experience. This car is built for people who love driving AND want to cary some people with them or want to haul some gear in the boot. I've taken my wife and kids with me on many drives and used it to take them to sporting events as well. The car starts conversations everywhere it goes, regardless of how many other exotics are around it at the time. Most "car guys" don't know what it is and work to find out as you are doing in your video. I am only aware of 4 other Excel SEs and no SAs in the USA as of October 2022. Most fairly knowledgable car people often confuse it with a Lamborghini, usually the Espada or the Jarama although the Excel SE is significantly quicker from point to point than those cars, even with their Lamborghini V12 under the hood. Aside from the excellent handling and driving dynamics that allow it to wear a Lotus badge, the car is actually very reliable and easy to maintain and as you've mentioned, it shares a good number of parts with the Toyota Supra. The Lotus engine with its DOHC 4V set up with a flat plane crank make it sound amazing and very exotic. The seating is quite useable and can fit 3 adults and one child(behind the driver). As you'll be able to testify, the car looks amazing in person and pictures and video do it no Justice. The car was designed to serve as an Executive Luxury GT and was positioned to directly compete with it's Ferrari contemporary, the Mondial QV and it provided much better performance than the comparable Ferrari. Let me know if you have any questions or want to see it if you happen to be coming through Utah sometime. Godspeed car fans! Oh, one more thing, the seats you keep mentioning are very comfortable.
I'm in the UK and I think I saw 1 of these in a driveway. It looked so different, I really didn't know what it was, I guessed as a stab in dark at a 1990s Lotus because of the styling.
I typed in '1990s Lotus' then after scrolling through the images, I found a photo of this car and saw it had an 80s registration plate. I didn't know the Lotus Excel at all until now.
You probably saw an Elan. Yeah I had no idea this existed until I saw this one! They're super rare
Wish I’d never got rid off my Excel. Brilliant car.
Amazing that you had one. They're so rare. How did you find yours and when did you get rid of it?
OMG I just saw this car irl, as in this exact car at my supermarket lol , went on youtube searched excel and here it is
I have a 88 manual SE. They are a fantastic car
Very cool Anthony. What's the story behind how you found and bought your Excel? Where does it now live?
@@TurbochargedV6 I've had it 19 years and had loads of fun with it over the years. Perhaps THE most underrated Lotus of them all
@@anthonydonnelly8419 I agree with you Anthony although the Excel got lots of "new" attention from people who were just learning about it this year when Lotus used it in their unveiling of their new model back in April. A few auto journalists wrote stories about it, giving it praise. The best part of course is driving the car.
I own a 1987 SA in Belgium. Bought it in 1994 and drove it daily for 5 years. Metallic british racing green and cream leather. Loved it although I ripped the rear suspension apart, broke the auto trans (had it upgraded) and suffered typical problems like cracked bodywork and non-functioning VDO cruise control. It also suffered badly from vapour lock. Still have it and will maybe put it back on the road... one day.
So well spotted Keith; did you leave a note for him to contact you ???
I did not but will if I see him again :)
@@TurbochargedV6 way to go !!
I own a 1987 Lotus Excel SE in Calypso Red colour, original paint. I have had the headlining done as it was sagging (common problem). It only has 30,000 miles on it. Would I sell it? No Way. Love the car.
Wow that is such a cool colour! 30k miles is nothing! What's the story behind how you found and bought your Excel?
Glad you are cherishing the car!
It seems I have one of the rarest of the rare Lotus cars then as I have a 1987 SA with just 57,000 miles from new😁 I’m also lucky enough to have one of the manual SE models. Unfortunately exact production figures of the SA don’t appear to exist.
The colour on your video car appears to be Pacific blue. Also they weren’t exactly the entry level car as an SA in 1986 was £22,900 and an Esprit S3 was £18980
It is an often overlooked and very capable Lotus with perfect 50/50 weight distribution and an engine that can be modified all the way from it’s standard 180bhp to around 300.
Whoa, these were more than an Esprit new? Never would have guessed! 57k miles is nothing! What's the story behind how you found and bought yours, and where does it now live?
Very cool, Alan! I really like your point about how much power the Lotus plant can produce. There are some amazing things you guys are doing with them over in the UK. One of my Esprits running a modded 910 engine is dyno'd at over 420 bhp but its running serious boost. I'm flat out amazed at how much the NA engines can produce power. Also, how do you like driving that SA in comparison to the SE? I thought I might have to convert mine to an auto when I first bought it then I learned how to blade my feet to go past one pedal while manipulating another in the narrow foot well with my quite large shoes. I'm glad I kept the stock 5 speed as it adds so much joy to the driving experience. I'm still very curious what its like to own and drive both. Please tell!
Hi, I owned a black 87 SA. Regretted selling it. N690NPR if anyone knows where it is. When I had it I looked into manufacturers numbers, they made 25 autos. They use the ZF gear box
Have you got plans to make more RUclips videos? I used to be a regular viewer and more content would be great 👍
Yes I'm doing many more videos!
I look forward to seeing them!
@@TurbochargedV6 Dont forget Bentley mate !
I have a 1977 eclat it's on ebay. It's red. Asking $8000 USA dollars.
Very cool man, post the link!
@@TurbochargedV6 sold. It's goin to NY
I'm not fan too of the body but the leather and interior is top!
They look much different in person. His description in the video is spot on in my opinion. I hope you get to see on in person one day.
Hi.Maybe is it possible.I'm very fan of Lotus Esprit V8 biturbo with the rims OZ Futura.I love it!
Have one myself in Ireland. Put a V8 in it. Brilliant car.
No way! How did you find it?! These are crazy rare
@@TurbochargedV6 Have it a few years now. Bought in the UK but needed some work. Repainted now and 100%
How did you find yours and what V8 did you put in it? Was it a tough job?
@@EssexRecordingStudios Not too hard. Put a rover v8 3.5 in. Same as in TVR and classic range rover. Twin SU carbs.
Sounds interesting. What year and model of Excel do you have? Also, did you have to modify the hood to accommodate the Rover V8?