1971 Lotus Seven S4 |

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1971 Lotus Seven S4

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£12,500

Mileage~65,391
TransmissionManual
Engine1.7L
LocationChester

SOLD

1971 Lotus Seven S4

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Paul Wright

Professional Consigner

An interesting chapter in the Lotus Seven history, the S4 offers comfort and space while maintaining the core philosophy.

Produced by Lotus Cars from 1970 to 1973, the Lotus Seven S4 is a distinguished model in the lineage of the Lotus Seven, a series of small, lightweight, open-top sports cars. It succeeded the Seven S3 and marked a significant evolution in design and functionality. The S4 featured a more angular design compared to its predecessors, incorporating a fibreglass body and a wider chassis, which aimed to provide more interior space and a slightly refined aesthetic. Despite these changes, the S4 maintained the lightweight construction typical of the Seven series, although it was slightly heavier due to its increased size and added features.

This stunning example comes to market from ~10 year ownership, resurrected by the current owner over that period. Featuring a reworked and upgraded engine to 1,700CC, less than ~1,000 miles covered since completion, it is time to let go and let the new custodian reap the rewards of the vendors hard work.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Mark the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I bought the car in need of restoration, but it’s been great fun and a nice challenge over the years to fully restore.

Mark purchased the Lotus from a friend who had stripped it to carry out the restoration, but it then lay untouched. After several failed attempts to buy the car from his friend, a deal was finally struck, and Mark had the perfect project to get stuck into.

Being a former aerospace engineer, his attention to detail is superb and has helped produce an excellent, high-quality restoration. He's completed this over a ~10 year period, and since then has covered some ~1,000 miles in it. Please feel free to ask Mark any questions about the car in the comments below.

Mark

Vehicle Owner

Mark saved £2,160* when they
sold their Lotus with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Lotus cars, known for their lightweight design, often feature fibreglass bodies contributing significantly to their reduced weight.

Wheels and Tyres

The original 5.5J wheels have been finished in silver with chrome centre caps; there are some minor signs of pitting which have been painted over, but this isn’t excessive.

A matching set of period-looking Dunlop tyres are fitted, which are in great condition, having only covered ~1,000 miles. Please see the image gallery to take a closer look at the wheels.

Bodywork

The fibreglass body appears to be in excellent condition, with no signs of cracking or crazing. Looking at the underside, the floor and the chassis are also in excellent condition.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take the time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The Lotus was originally finished in blue; however, it was a slightly darker shade, and Mark opted for this lighter shade which suits the Seven to a tee. The condition of the paint looks excellent as pictured.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car to make up your own mind about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windscreen is original and in good condition. Mark has added side wind deflectors, which can be easily removed if required.

There is a roof that is in great condition, but the clips still need to be fitted to enable it to fit properly.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Simple and effective, the Seven’s interior has everything needed in a 70s sports car.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in excellent condition, and Mark managed to find the same material used on the originals, which has been used in the seat centres.

There are a set of rubber mats fitted to protect the fibreglass floor from unwanted scratches. Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Dashboard

A simple dashboard is part of the body and is painted black. The fascia holds the relevant instruments, which all work correctly, and the odometer is showing ~65,391 miles at the time of our visit.

Please see the interior gallery for more high-resolution images.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original steering wheel is in good condition with no signs of excessive wear, and the gear knob is a simple ball.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

What was once a 1600cc Crossflow has now been rebuilt and upgraded to 1700cc.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine has been fully rebuilt and upgraded to a 1.7-litre. This runs on Weber twin 40s, which greatly adds to the performance and sounds fantastic. Some of the engine's features are; a 243 fast road camshaft, new pistons, steel rocker posts, a high-pressure oil pump, an upgraded cooling system with an expansion tank, Duplex timing gear, and a bespoke stainless steel exhaust manufactured to the original spec. There is also an oil cooler fitted, which has yet to be plumbed in, although two hoses are included.

The four-speed gearbox has a precise change and is coupled to a limited-slip differential. Watch the video to see and hear the car in action.

Suspension and Brakes

Giving the Lotus its fantastic handling is a set of Spax adjustable shock absorbers. The ride is firm without being harsh, and there are no knocks or bangs coming from either corner of the car.

Stopping the car is easily done thanks to the excellent braking system and the lightweight nature of the Lotus.

The Drive

What's not to love about the Lotus Seven S4? It’s an open-top, two-seater, lightweight, rear-wheel drive, British sports car. It ticks all the boxes, offering a thrilling driving experience that is felt from the moment you turn the key.

Electrics and Other

All of the switchgear has also been replaced, along with a full rewire. The rewire has also been upgraded to a full fuse board that Mark has cleverly hidden under the dashboard.

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History and Paperwork

This car comes to market from ~10 year ownership, over which time it has been restored from top to bottom, and the engine rebuilt and reworked for more performance.

Although some of the invoices gathered over the years are missing, there is still a significant amount for various parts purchased, including the full engine rebuild. Also included is the original registration booklet, which shows five keepers, the V5C shows no previous keepers.

The S4 was the last Seven produced by Lotus before the rights were acquired by Caterham Cars, approximately ~664 Lotus Seven S4s were made, making this fully restored 70s sports car a very desirable two-seater to own.

We've done all our usual seller checks, including photo ID, V5, and also actioned an HPI check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above. However, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in high-resolution detail. This has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa, and take your time to review everything in this listing to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time—we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car—just like in a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
11.06.2024	MOT	65,374
20.09.2019	Clutch & Modified Flywheel
04.04.2019	Exhaust
18.09.2018	Distributor Rebuild
14.06.2018	Clutch Kit
13.01.2016	Springs & Dampers
12.10.2015	Ball Joints
29.09.2015	Front Brake Callipers
	Mileage covered since completion	~1,000

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Key Details

ModelSeven S4
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date08.09.1971
CC1700 (1599 on V5)
Mileage~65,391
ColourBlue
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimVinyl
Chassis #S4/3056GTS
Engine #0L23781
RestoredYes
MOTExp: 10.06.2025
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes
Former Keepers5 on original registration booklet, 0 on V5C
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~10 years
Key FeatureSuperb restored and upgraded example
Auction ID1980

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All Images

All Videos

Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions

Seller : Adam Purrier - Trade Classics Sale Date 03.12.2025

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

4 Comments

OMark

1 year ago

Tony, yes there is a tonneau cover for the boot, maybe it didn’t show up on the photos also a brand new roof cover as per description

AnthonyHall

1 year ago

Good Morning Mark, can you please advise, do you have the doors and is there a tonneau cover? Thanks.

OMark

AnthonyHall

1 year ago

Hi Tony, I have 1 door, original, no perspex and a door card to match also original, both in need of restoration.
I have a re manufactured door for the passenger side, I had door card but currently still looking for it

AnthonyHall

OMark

1 year ago

Thanks Mark, no tonneau. I guess Softbits may be able to make one.

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Chester

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