The Lotus Excel, produced from 1982 to 1992, was one of Lotus’s most underrated sports cars. Built as an evolution of the Lotus Eclat, it combined lightweight engineering, Toyota-sourced reliability, and the brand’s signature handling.
Answer: Lotus Excel
A Collaboration with Toyota
During the early 1980s, Toyota had a stake in Lotus, leading to a unique partnership. The Excel featured key Toyota-sourced components, including:
- 5-speed W58 manual gearbox (from the Toyota Supra)
- Driveshafts and rear differential
- 14-inch alloy wheels
- Door handles from the A60 Supra
Despite these borrowed parts, the Excel remained distinctly Lotus, with a 2.2L DOHC Lotus 912 engine, an ultra-light fiberglass body, and a precision-engineered chassis.
Performance and Handling
Lotus cars have always been known for their handling, and the Excel delivered exceptional balance with a 50:50 weight distribution. The car featured:
- 160 hp (119 kW) in standard models
- 180 hp (134 kW) in the later Excel SE
- 0-100 km/h in approximately 7.0 seconds
- A lightweight 1,168 kg curb weight
With its lightweight construction and aerodynamic shape, the Excel offered sports car agility without the high price tag of contemporary supercars.
Model Updates Through the 1980s
1984: Subtle Refinements
- The "Eclat Excel" name was dropped, becoming just the Lotus Excel.
- New body-coloured bumpers and a rear spoiler improved aerodynamics.
- The black Lotus badge was introduced following Colin Chapman’s passing.
1985-1986: SE and SA Variants Introduced
- The Excel SE gained a higher compression 180 hp engine and red cam covers.
- The Excel SA debuted in 1986 with a 4-speed ZF automatic gearbox, aimed at luxury buyers.
1989: Final Facelift
- A redesigned bonnet and spoilers improved aerodynamics.
- 15-inch OZ wheels replaced the older 14-inch alloys.
- Citroën CX-inspired wing mirrors were introduced for better aerodynamics.
Why the Lotus Excel Never Reached the US
Despite its impressive performance, the Excel was never officially sold in the US due to strict emission laws. A single left-hand-drive model was imported for testing in 1987, but high modification costs meant it never saw an official release.
The Special Edition: Hethel 25th Anniversary Model
To celebrate Lotus’s 25 years in Hethel, a limited edition Excel was introduced in 1990, featuring:
- Celebration Green Metallic or Calypso Red paint
- Wilton wool carpets and premium leather interior
- Clarion CD sound system with upgraded speakers
- Red instrument lighting
Only 40 units of this edition were ever produced, making it one of the rarest Lotus models of the era.
The Excel’s Legacy in Pop Culture
Despite limited sales, the Excel found its way into popular media, including Top Gear. In 2010, James May transformed a 1987 Excel into a motorhome. Another Excel was modified into a submarine for a James Bond tribute in 2012.
The Forgotten 1980s Lotus That Deserves a Revival
The Lotus Excel remains one of the most underrated classic sports cars from the 1980s. With its lightweight design, Toyota reliability, and Lotus handling, it offered supercar-like driving dynamics at a fraction of the cost. While it never achieved mainstream success, enthusiasts today recognize its engineering brilliance and driving purity—qualities that make it a true Lotus icon.
Dylan Anderson
