1988 Lotus Excel

What a treat we have for sale here! A virtually one owner 1988 Lotus Excel, and one that has done just a smidgen over 19,000 miles. Yes, you read that right. It’s a rare S.A model, with the automatic gearbox.

The car was purchased at three months old from Lotus dealer WJ King. We believe the car was likely to have been their demonstrator. The buyer was a gentleman who had the car registered in the name of his company, before later transferring it to his own name.

Supporting documentation would suggest the car was used sparingly for many years, clearly a car for high days and holidays.

Come 2012 and with the mileometer reading 19,104 miles, the car was put away in its heated, dry garage for the last time. The owner’s advancing years meant that he was no longer able to drive it.

After he sadly passed away, it took some time before his widow could bear to part with her husband’s beloved Lotus, but earlier this year that she did, the car passing into the hands of our trade seller.

The car was then serviced, a new battery fitted and the car subject to an MoT which is passed with no advisories. It was then driven to our site in Abingdon, running well on the journey.

Opportunities like this do not come along every day, so read on if we have piqued your interest.

The Excel’s long-term owner was a Lotus Owners Club member and that probably says a lot. Clearly an enthusiast, the car was always correctly stored and likely only driven on dry, sunny days.

The result of all this is paintwork that positively gleams. We would like to think it is all original, but of course we cannot be sure.

You will spot some stone chips on the car’s front end and there are a couple of noticeable chips on the nearside front wing and door. The back bumper too has some marks, visible in our photographs. Panel gaps are neat and even.

The smart alloy wheels are in generally good order, but there are signs of kerbing so budget for a refurb. Goodyear Eagle tyres are fitted and although they have plenty of tread, tyres do perish with age so we would recommend they be replaced before the car is pressed into more regular service.

Ruched leather, how very eighties! But do look at the outstanding condition. A little gentle creasing and a smidgen of surface dirt. Clean and feed with hide food to nourish and protect.

The back seats look as though they have probably never been sat in, not unusual as there is not a great deal of room back there.

The cream hue contrasts beautifully with the red paintwork and the colour is carried throughout the cosy cabin. It all looks to be in mighty fine condition.

A splash of wood veneer adds some visual interest to the dashboard, the latter containing a raft of instruments.

Carpets, generally unworn, would benefit from a gentle steam clean.

The headlining was replaced in 2012 by specialist car trimmers.

Tunes are courtesy of a modern radio/CD player and other equipment highlights include the factory fitted air conditioning (untested). Electric windows and central locking complete the picture.

The boot is a reasonable size for the type of car and houses a full-size alloy spare wheel, with matching Goodyear tyre.

We always like to include plenty of pictures of a car’s underside and that is the case here. Pause a while and take it all in. Yes, there is light surface corrosion to the springs and other metal components, but all told it is easy to tell that this Lotus has been a fair-weather car, used sparingly.

The perfectionist might have some fun fully detailing the area, touching up in a few places.

The engine bay is as our seller found it, with no attempt to clean it for sale. It all looks very honest and presentable, which we like. No doubt the car’s new owner will want to check all rubber components, brake lines etc and replace where necessary.

As we mentioned, the car was driven to us and ran smoothly on the motorway. It was reported that the speedometer only functioned intermittently, so this is something that will need looking at.

We have already covered this car’s back story and it is easy to see this was a much-loved Lotus, cared for and stored properly by one long-term owner.

The service book contains regular stamps from the early years, but invoices do show work carried out at regular intervals later in the car’s life.

In 2010, we note the timing belt and tensioner unit were both replaced. Some exhaust work was carried out at the same time.

The car comes with all its old MoT certificates which if nothing else, authenticates the low mileage. Old tax discs are a lovely reminder of days gone by.

The Excel was MoTed last month and it passed with flying colours. No advisories have ever been recorded according to the online MoT history.

Our seller serviced the car and replaced the battery.

The sale of this desirable Excel is an excellent gateway into Lotus ownership. Cool looks, a plush interior and an extremely low mileage are all plus points.

The automatic gearbox equates to a relaxed drive if you are not in the mood, and it’s made by experienced company ZF, one of the best in the business.

Handling is classic Lotus and will excite the enthusiast, but the ride won’t shake your fillings out either.

A little light recommissioning may well be the order of the day, but the result will undoubtedly be worthwhile.

We estimate the car will sell for between £10,000 and £17,000.

Viewing is always encouraged. The car is located at our Abingdon headquarters; we are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’