This Lotus Excel available for sale is a genuinely unique sports car that could be a bargain.

      Cars & Bids

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      Lotus is a name that remains unforgettable, even if you can’t recall the models that originally garnered attention for this British automobile company. Except for the Elan, as that little car is well-remembered. There was a unique design era in between that and the famous cowl headlight Elise phase, known as the wedges. A particularly rare and noteworthy example is a Lotus Excel we've found on Cars & Bids.

      Currently listed at just over $5,000 with about 17 hours remaining in the auction as this post is being revised, this Excel appears to be a special opportunity to acquire a truly unique and interesting rad-era vehicle for a relatively low price. Naturally, as with all classic vehicles, maintaining it requires genuine dedication, regardless of the sale price.

      At least one of my colleagues at The Drive hadn’t even heard of this model before, let alone seen one. That surely speaks to its rarity.

      The four-seater Excel combines elements from the Elite and Eclat that preceded it, two models that were beginning to see diminished interest at the time. The new Excel showcased more stylish character lines and included Toyota-sourced mechanical parts, earning it a reputation as a "genuine alternative to a Porsche 924 or 944," according to the Hagerty Buying Guide.

      Despite such accolades, only 2,075 Excel units were produced between 1982 and 1992. The 1990 model featured on Cars & Bids is a higher-optioned Excel SE variant, equipped with a higher-compression engine as standard. Its powertrain consists of a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine generating around 180 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. This U.K.-market car is a rear-wheel-drive Excel coupe with a five-speed manual transmission.

      The 1990 Excel has low mileage, with 89,428 on the odometer. Imported in 2018, the seller has driven it approximately 3,000 miles since then. The service records are current, and Protech adjustable rear shocks have been added as a modification. However, the car does have some imperfections.

      The listing mentions corrosion on underbody components along with paint chips, scratches on the wheels, and some wear on the interior upholstery and frequently touched areas. From the pictures, none of these issues appear excessive; after all, the car is 35 years old. I view these imperfections as signs of a well-loved vehicle. This car has been driven and enjoyed, and we hope the next owner will continue that trend.

      The auction is set to conclude on Monday morning, and as of this moment, the highest bid stands at only $5,100 — below market value. A base model Excel in decent condition carries a Hagerty valuation of 5,000 British pounds (about $6,545 at the current exchange rate).

      However, the classic car insurer notes that the SE trim merits a 10% premium over that. Considering this, 5,500 British pounds is roughly $7,200. That’s a reasonable price for a distinctive and low-volume Radwood-era sports car.

      Have you ever driven one of these? We’d love to hear your experiences—drop us a line at [email protected].