Robin Hood Cars was formed in 1980, building Ferrari Daytona replicas on Rover SD1 underpinnings, and later Lotus 7 recreations, initially based on Triumph TR7 and later Triumph Dolomite donors. Other options were Ford Cortina and Sierra donors for the later S3 version. This example is thought to have been built around 1992, using a 1978 suffix T registered Ford as a base.  

Later it was re-registered on a 1965 D registration which it wears today. Unlike many kit builds this one has been nicely done, and is well finished.

We are happy to report it drives well and provides plenty of entertainment!   

● Donor vehicle first registered in March 1979

● Thought to have been built from kit in 1992

● Less than 10,000 miles covered

● Plenty of MoT history to corroborate mileage

● Folder with invoices and some history

● Engine built in 2010 with lots of upgraded parts

● Short shift 5-speed gearbox

● Electrical system renewed in 2010

● Last MoT passed in January 2020

● MoT Exempt

● New brake callipers and pads in 2009 at 6,989 miles

● Smart black vinyl seats

● Clean carpets

● Four point race harnesses and roll bar

Simplicity is the name of the game here; everything you need and nothing that you don’t.  Obviously built as a driver’s car there are few frills that would interfere with the experience.  No ashtray, lighter, cupholders or even a radio to spoil the roar of the engine. 

The seats are in excellent condition, with adjustment for most size drivers.  Both seats have four point TRS harnesses, with Lotus branded sleeves for comfort.  The dashboard is equipped with a full complement of gauges.  A large speedometer and rev counter, and four smaller gauges for water temp, oil pressure, voltage charge and fuel.  

There are separate switches for hazard flashers, fan and rear fog light, the rest of the controls are on stalks behind the wheel.  Everything appeared to work correctly and it has all been well installed.  The centre console area has a small tray for bits and bobs, and a stubby gearstick topped with a wooden knob with inset lotus badge.

Overall the simple interior is perfect for a car of this type and in great condition.  Nothing appears to require attention.

● Attractive in British Racing Green and Lotus yellow

● Plenty of polished aluminium in excellent condition

● 15” Lotus Racing wheels with new tyres

On the outside the car is in lovely condition, smartly presented in British racing green with a Lotus yellow nose.  The side panels, bonnet and scuttle are in natural aluminium with a highly polished finish. The fibreglass front wings rear wheel arches and tub area are in good condition with no major cracks or starring. The aluminium panels all fit well, and have no dents or dings.  

The lights are mainly Lotus or Caterham 7 spec, with reverse and fog at the rear, plus usual tail lamps, and headlights and separate indicators mounted up front.  All are free of cracks and damage. Below the driver’s door the exhaust has a Lotus branded cover (mind your legs when getting in or out-it all gets pretty hot!) 

The wheels are attractive black and machined finish 15 inch alloys with Lotus centre caps. They all have barely used Marangoni Zeta tyres.  All four wheels are undamaged but upon close inspection the lacquer appears to be lifting in places on the machined alloy spoke areas.

There is a full soft top that fits well and is easy to remove.  

The doors fit well too, and they lift off easily when required.  Also included is a full zip centre tonneau cover. This fits well along the dash but could do with some extra poppers around the rear.  It would however provide adequate shower protection if you were caught out.

In general the build has been completed to a really impressive standard, and we think the car has a really purposeful look.

● Built 2.1 litre SOHC Ford Pinto

● Twin Weber 45 carburettors

● 5-speed short shift gearbox

The impressive level of build quality is evident under the bonnet too. There appears to be nothing out of place, some evidence of maintenance and neat and tidy wiring. Invoices in the history folder tell us that the engine is a 2.1 litre Pinto block, built with a fast road camshaft from Burton Engineering. Topped with twin Weber 45 carbs it starts well and has a great throaty sound.  And it goes like a missile!  

We know that as we drove it to and from the photo venue, and it really puts a smile on your face!  The gearbox is particularly nice to use; a really short and positive action through all the gears and there are five to play with.  The pedals are tightly spaced, perfect for heroic heel and toe down changes accompanied by rorty popping from the exhaust.  All great fun.

With even a tatty Caterham 7 costing more than £15k, this Lotus 7 replica has to be great value. The old phrase “you couldn’t build it for that” springs to mind, and definitely applies here. 

With good build quality, a potent engine, lovely gearbox and nothing requiring attention there is plenty of instant fun on offer.  Perfect for weekend blasts and perhaps the odd track day too!