1980 Lotus Excelle-from the scrap heap
03-10-14, 01:55 PM
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1980 Lotus Excelle-from the scrap heap
This one was an add-in from a CL ad in Raleigh. The target bike was a $50.00 spray bombed one that turned out to be a Centurion of some type. This one was laying with the trash cans and I asked. Turned into 2 bikes for $50.00.
As found, after some Simple Green, a brush, and some water.
And after complete disassembly, elbow grease, Phil's grease, carnuba wax, and new wear parts:
As found, after some Simple Green, a brush, and some water.
And after complete disassembly, elbow grease, Phil's grease, carnuba wax, and new wear parts:
03-10-14, 02:35 PM
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Nice ! Some people just don't see these bikes for the gems they are. Are the DR's 600 as well ? Double bonus if it's your size.
03-10-14, 02:43 PM
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FD is 600 Arabesque. RD is a later replacement. I that and the seat/seat post are the only non-original parts.
It is my size, however it is going to a friend. Got to thin the herd a bit....
It is my size, however it is going to a friend. Got to thin the herd a bit....
03-10-14, 03:44 PM
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That's an early version (if not THE FIRST version), of Lotus' most popular model.
What makes that bike early (1980?) is the exposed rear brake cable on the top tube (among other details). I've seen many, many, many Excelles, but only a handful of the very early models.
Nice find and a good save.
What makes that bike early (1980?) is the exposed rear brake cable on the top tube (among other details). I've seen many, many, many Excelles, but only a handful of the very early models.
Nice find and a good save.
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