1970 Lotus Seven

Highlights

Superb example of Series 4 Seven
Older restoration, in fabulous condition
Recent clutch and engine rebuild
Fantastic overall condition

The Appeal

Built around the principles of going as quickly as possible with the minimum of weight and fuss, the Lotus Seven is a car that has often been copied but has never been bettered.

Original fitted with an alloy body around a tubular spaceframe, the fourth-generation Seven, introduced in 1970, was the first to employ the use of a single-piece fibreglass body, making it both more spacious and civilised, yet also even lighter than the original.

This one is a very early Series 4, first registered in 1970 and fitted with a 1.6-litre Ford 711M crossflow engine. It’s an older restoration, purchased by the vendor eight years ago. He’s done a lot of mechanical work to the Lotus and was planning to enjoy it, but has just been offered the opportunity to buy his dream car, a Jaguar XK120, so the Seven is up for sale to free up garage space.

It’s a lovely example, with loads of paperwork and recent history, and it comes with full weather equipment. The engine was rebuilt less than 300 miles ago, along with a new clutch and refurbished Weber carburettors.

The History and Paperwork

UK V5C
MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Old V5s and documentation including proof of the car spending some time in Belgium at some part of its life, as part of a private collection
Selection of more recent invoices documenting work carried out, including over £7,000 spent recently on full engine rebuild and new clutch
Build data extract from Lotus Seven Register
Ring-bound workshop manual

The Condition

Classic Lotus colours – British Racing Green with yellow nose cone
Lovely paint finish – no visible dents, marks or damage
Four-spoke Ford-derived alloy wheels
Quality Uniroyal tyres all-round
Single-unit fibreglass body in excellent order with no marks or cracks, nor crazing to the material
Chassis appears to be structurally excellent with no signs of any damage or notable corrosion
Seats retrimmed in black leather
Fully carpeted
Comes with full weather equipment including detachable roof and door tops – the vendor has never fitted these as he doesn’t wish to mark the paintwork, but believes them to be complete and in good order
Optional heater
Billeted alloy gear lever
Three-point seatbelts
Tonneau cover
Spare wheel

The Mechanics

1,599cc Ford Crossflow 711M engine
Fast-road cam
Four-speed manual gearbox
Engine fully rebuilt less than 300 miles ago
New clutch
Refurbished twin Weber carburettors
According to the vendor, the Lotus runs well with no problems and is a huge amount of fun to drive

BEFORE YOU BUY

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