The Lotus Grand Tourers

graeme thompson wrote:According to Graham Robson's book Lotus since the 70's (vol 1),the last Excel was given to Hazel Chapman.Wonder if it's still with the family?

I'm sure I saw it for sale within the last couple of years.

Not sure where it is, but if it's a gold one I'm sure it was up for sale around a year ago .. Paul Matty perhaps?

Wasn't "the last Excel" on Ebay last year sometime?

Graham Arnold's Excel was there this year. It will be there next year and hopefully a lot more years. I don't think it should be on a display stand as I feel that the really concours cars - perhaps a good example of each of the Elite, Eclat and Excel - should have pride of place. It would be great to see a large number of Elite/Eclat/Excels and derivatives in a special car park area as well.

Hi Guys

Not been following the site for last few week's had a family berevement. Will not be possible to film anything over next few months but have a idea for an event in the future which I will discuss shortly.

Regards

Tom

MickC,
If it's a help, I'll talk to a friendly graphic designer and see what's possible in the way of posters/hand outs, etc. If anyone has suggestions - go for it! How about some business type cards for this forum, maybe a bit of advertising on the other side? If you see a car you can stick one under the wiper.

Cheers, Ian

The thread seems to have gone quiet, time is passing and I wondered what stage planning had got to, especially as there seems to be room for only 3 cars on the stand . I also wondered if anyone wanted to collaborate on a (very) brief history of the elite/eclat/excel line to provide some background information. Regards, Chris

Mike Taylor (yet again) has a lot of good info. on his web site - I wonder if he'd sponsor a stand ?

BUUUMMMMPPP!! Only a couple of months to go - any progress chaps ?

Excel - 25 not out
Elite - 50 and still hanging on...

I'll definately not make Donnington this year.

Look forward to see some pics though.

Unlucky Dave - I can't believe Sue said 'no'!! Regarding Excel/Elite/Eclat representation at Donnington, I guess the first question is whether there is a stand available for us and the second question is what do we put there (besides some cars)........

Well - MickC was the contact point : time for a PM (edit: sent) I think.

Stand content - we need the oldest and newest Excels we can lay our hands on - and what about a PC or two running Lotus Challenge with the Excel unlocked perhaps ? The chap who owns the prototype exhibits at every show AFAIK - his car should definitely be on the stand.

It'd also be nice to try to track down the El.ite/Eclat that Dave Allen (comedian) used in one of his 007 spoofs..

... and if Spav brings his boxes along we could demonstrate how to build a complete car in a single weekend ?

There was also talk of having a "cambelt house of horrors" exhibit...

amarshall wrote:....
... and if Spav brings his boxes along we could demonstrate how to build a complete car in a single weekend ?
...

OK Angus I'll do the oily bits if you do the electrics

[quote="chrisw2811"]I can't believe Sue said 'no'!! quote]

Not Sue,

Starting a new job, still with BASF, but it'll be very busy until mid year.
Any chance I can get away in March will involve an flight, an island and more sun than Donnington had last year.

To all concerned with the Excel stand at Donnington.

Please accept my apologies but I have been unable to progress further with this due to overwhelming Personal commitments.

When I last spoke to Alan at Club Lotus he seemed very keen for the stand to be included, although I'm not sure if its still possible at this late stage due to (my) lack of contact.

I'll contact Alan today and see if its still possible.

Mick