Description
Period Lotus Seven replica.
This is an early Lotus Seven replica based on a 1974 Triumph 1300. With only five owners on the V5 the car is reported to have an interesting race history. As you can see from the decals on the bonnet the car has previously been owned by a member of both the British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC) and the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC). The BRDC in particular only offers membership to those who have succeeded at the very highest level of motor racing. Whilst we do not know who previously owned and raced the car we were told that when they could no longer drive they could not bring themselves to sell it and so it sat in storage for over 20 years!
We therefore bought the car as a non runner and over the last few months have slowly recommissioned her and got her running well. A fair bit has been spent including the purchase of a reconditioned pair of the correct SU HS2 carbs. The car is now running well and as she was described to us is "the closest thing you will get to a road going racing car!"
There are still a few bits to do, notably the voltage and temperature gauge work but we have not had time to sort the other gauges yet. Likewise some of the lights are not currently working (we have a manual including a wiring diagram that does help). The main area that I would attend to if I was keeping the car is the fuel system. We have fitted new carbs and fuel pump and as a rule the car runs fine however from time to time it picks up residue from the bottom of the tank and then needs flushing through. The tank is the original and despite us flushing it a few times the problem persists so ideally a new tank is needed. The rear parcel tray lifts out giving good access to this is a relatively straight forward job. Otherwise she is on the button and sounds great.
The car comes with hood and side screens, the side screens need a clean but are in good condition. The hood likewise needs a clean but also needs some repairs where press studs have pulled out and torn the canvas. The photos show this.
The car is currently registered on the V5 as a Triumph 1300 (5 owners). I am told whilst this was OK back in the day it now needs to be registered as a Lotus replica meaning it needs an "IVA" test - essentially an MOT and inspection from a local test centre. Please bear this in mind.
This is a Lotus Seven replica that presents very well and because it was built a while ago it has a real feel of authenticity. A genuine car needing a bit of fettling this is a great project to get fully sorted in time for the Spring.
