Just ran across this site and thought I would share my past with lotus. My first Lotus was a 1983 Lotus Classique. Had Shimano 600 groupo as I recall. I then traded that in on a 1984 Lotus Supreme with Shimano Dura-Ace groupo. The owner of the bike shop at the time was a very good friend of mine and we rode many miles together with a good group of riders. When he went to the bike show for the upcoming 1986 year, he came back and told me about the new Supreme that was made by Chinelli and had all Campy Super Record groupo on it and the show bike was pink. The catalog for 1986 likewise showed this very pink bike which actually was the only pink Supreme made. The catalog clearly stated the bike came in one color only and that was blue. In fact, my friend the owner had one of those for himself when they became available. Long story short, he knew I would want this bike and arranged to buy it after the show circuit was finished. That very Supreme still sets in my basement today and is in excellent condition. I upgraded the stem to an R1 but other than that, it is completely original. I still have the original stem as well. I have the original sewup tires and wheels but I also have a set I built up for clinchers. I would love to upload pictures if that is possible for anyone that might want to see this marvelous bike.

Just picked up a 1986 Challenger SX.

Thank you for this webpage. I am original owner of a Lotus Excelle, Y7N4274. Everything is original as far as I can remember. According to your chart it dates to 1987, which would fit with my memory. Was going to sell the bike at a local bike swap, but this bike should be owned by someone who appreciates it. I've moved on to other bikes, but I absolutely loved it for a lot of years.

I have a Lotus Legend I found in a junk shop, paid 5 (FIVE !!!) dollars for it.. Put on new tires, greased/oiled etc. Now rides like a champ! It's in excellent shape. Serial number is MHO1811. If you want to contact me, I prefer that you E-mail me at barthewitt@verizon.net, as I have considerable difficulty negotiating the forum (I'm 80 years olde).

Thank you for this wonderful resource ! I was the proud owner of a 84 (as I learned here) Eclair. It was the first adult bicycle I ever owned and I bought it because a girl asked me to go on a bike camping trip : ) I have never looked back and am still touring some 30+ years later. All I have is a grainy scan of a photo of my bike leaning against the kitchen wall, thanks for letting me see it in all its glory .