The Lotus Grand Tourers are bringing proper hands-on restoration to the show, with a stand that shows the full spectrum of Lotus ownership – from long-forgotten projects to well-used daily drivers – and live work happening across the weekend.

Cars on display:

• Lotus Excel SE (Red)
  Currently undergoing a full restoration after spending 23 years languishing on a driveway. This is a proper rescue job and a great chance to see a classic Lotus being brought back from the brink.

• 1990 Lotus Excel SE (Midnight Blue)
  A true daily driver with over 208,000 miles under its belt. Proof that these cars were made to be used, not just polished.

• 1974 Lotus Elite
  Undergoing a running and rolling recommission after lying dormant for 30 years. A big step in getting a long-silent Lotus back on the road.

• Lotus Elite (awaiting restoration)
  A future project on display, showing the starting point before the hard work begins.

Live restoration on the stand:
The red Excel will be reunited with its engine and gearbox following a full rebuild – and if all goes to plan, the team are aiming to fire it up for the first time live at the show. New door beams will also be fitted, a vital job on these cars as it’s one of the few areas prone to rust.

Meanwhile, the blue Excel daily driver will be getting upgraded headlamps to improve winter driving, along with any other fettling that crops up along the way.

Follow the journey:
The full restoration of the red Excel is being documented in detail by YouTube creator Mec-Tec, bringing the highs, lows and graft of the process to life.

A great stand for anyone who likes seeing real work being done, real problems being solved, and classics being used as intended.