I've owned my '89 Excel SE for over 21 years and had an Elite 501 for over 10 years before that. I prefer the vibe of the Elite 501 and it's the more pure Lotus having had Colin Chapman's hands all over it, but the Excel SE is easier to live-with (Toyota diff, 'box, brakes etc) and is the faster car. The Excel is very reliable and can be used as a daily. I used mine for 25 mile commutes for years before I recently retired. A good Excel SE (mine) will keep up with an S1 Elise either cornering or in a straight line but you have to use all of the revs, and all of the gears (except 5th). Mine has a couple of engine mods; lightweight steel flywheel and belt-driven water pump delete (EWP mod), which improves throttle response and improves real-world performance. 5th gear is an overdrive gear and should be treated as such. To make good B-road progress, don't engage overdrive 5th gear. 4th is a direct gear (1:1 with engine revs) and will keep the engine on-cam and within the powerband. If you want to preserve the car cosmetically you do need to garage it as most leak, the sun degrades paint and shrinks leather interiors. Most (if not all) rough-looking Excels have been kept outside for prolonged periods. Clutches wear quickly, not helped by the 'cushion' action of the std flexiplate flywheel and badly adjusted pedal stops which, if not adjusted properly, reduces full engagement and adds to the wear. Look-out for cooling system leaks (radiator or waterpump) and fan failures (otter switch and relays) which can lead to HG failure. Engine shouldn't hesitate if tuned by folk who really know these engines (no computer plug-in diagnostics to help modern garage mechanics).

I had one of these back in the 80's in exactly this colour. How nice to see such a survivor. I loved it in period and often think of purchasing another as a summer toy.

Just picked up a non-runner in exactly that colour. Tucked away in dry storage until I can take a good look at it. Really like the somewhat understated look.

Had an SA in pearlescent white which changed colour depending the light...and a blue leather interior......gorgeous....a seriously cool and rare car. I believe only six were made. I still miss it almost 30 years on.

Back in the 90s, using Rover SDI lights as parking sensors may have saved some cash, but nowadays, it could cost you more than a lifetime supply of avocados!"

How much room is in the excel for the driver? Would a 6”5 chap fit in!?

Looks to me like the 912 of the 911 family…. Once forgotten, now in demand. Grab one while you can!

Audo needs some work. People say that about my channel all the time. I recommend rode mics. Also perhaps a go Pro on the outside and or showing the road. Great narrative 👍

Did it feel fast ???

Why do people drive with their hand on the gear lever. This habit will cause excess wear on the selector and other parts of the gearbox. Two hands on steering wheel one on and off gear lever when selecting gears. That's all.

Awful sound ... disappointing review, didn't really review the car there.

Absolutely no never buy a lotus let alone an undisrable model esprit bad enough

Awful sound

Very poor.