That's an old episode, before I even got my Excel!
One thing to note about that episode - despite the inevitable quip about reliability when the car first appeared, it performed faultlessly throughout the episode. I'm guessing May went for that option on the assumption that one of the "challenges" would be a race, which he'd win by miles, but that never happened.
The car now resides for all to see at the Beaulieu Motor Museum. I'd say the benefit of the publicity this stunt bought for the Excel probably outweighs the butchering of one car. I certainly enjoy watching it.
