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1971 Lotus Seven

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

Sold Price

£15,900

  • Mileage~46,293
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.6L
  • LocationMold

SOLD

1971 Lotus Seven

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Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

The ultimate two-seater driving machine - pretty much as close as you could get to a race car for the road!

The Lotus 7 is a small, simple, lightweight two-seater open-top sports car produced by Lotus between 1957 to 1972. Designed by Colin Chapman, the Seven was considered the embodiment of the Lotus philosophy of performance through low weight and simplicity. In the early '60s, there was a heavy British tax on automobiles; one of the ways to get around this was to essentially sell your car as a kit. However, if you supplied assembly instructions, they would still levy that tax upon you, so Lotus actually provided disassembly instructions that people would follow in reverse. After Lotus ended production of the 7 in 1972, Caterham bought the rights and today still produces the kits and fully assembled cars based on the original.

This lovely example has been part of Jeff’s life for over 50 years. There's not much he doesn’t know about the car, having rebuilt it twice in that time. A superb Lotus Seven, which has clearly been very cherished with the most recent restoration in 2018 and little miles since. This particular car has lots going for it, and should be considered a proper drivers car for someone who wants to put it through its paces. Features like the uprated Vegantune "blueprinted" engine, a race clutch, suspension refresh in 2018, a new chassis in 1984, it presents in beautiful condition and has the performance to match too.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Jeff 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’ve owned the car for over 50 years, and it’s been an amazing journey, which I will be sad to see end.

After 50-plus years of ownership, the pleasure and enjoyment the Lotus has brought to Jeff is priceless. Whether he has been tinkering in his garage carrying out routine maintenance, or getting more involved with one of the restorations, it has been a labour of love.

There is quite a story to the ownership of this car, and what it represents now. He originally had on order a last of the line S3 in 1969. He enjoyed that car for a few months before it was unfortunately stolen. The car was later found, but had been involved in a fire. Jeff bought the salvageable parts, and used them with a chassis to build a Seven up again, registering the car in 1971. Subsequent to that, he felt that the chassis he used wasn't quite right, and carried out another build in ~1984, that also included the purchase of a Vegantune "blueprinted" Ford X-Flow 1600 engine. He ran that car for many years, before coming to the most recent restoration in 2018, as documented by the pictures and the condition you see the car in today. Jeff now feels with his age, it is time for someone else to have the pleasure of owning an icon of a car, the Lotus Seven, he'll be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Jeff
Vehicle Owner

Jeff saved £2,700* when they
sold their Lotus with us.

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Exterior

The shape is instantly recognisable and is always a car that turns heads wherever you go, this car in exceptional condition too.

Wheels and Tyres

The set of five Minilite-style wheels are in excellent condition, with a bright silver finish with no corrosion to mention. The tyres are a matching set of Firestone F-590, which are in excellent condition, having not covered many miles.

Jeff is giving a set of spare wheels as part of the sale too, you can see them pictured in the "History and Paperwork" gallery. Please see the image gallery to take a closer look at the wheels.

Bodywork

Jeff replaced the fibreglass wings and wheel arches and chassis during the restoration in 1984. These are in excellent condition and fit nicely against the alloy panels. Likewise, the aluminium panels are all in good order with a nice, bright polished finish and no tarnishing. The aluminium underside is also extremely clean and doesn’t appear to have seen much if any wet weather since the restoration in 2018.

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

Paint

The red gel coat fibreglass looks to be in good condition, we did notice a small amount of cracking where the front wings attach to the stays however the finish is bright with a minimal amount of swirls.

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

Glass and Trim

The windscreen and frame are in good condition; there is a small amount of delamination on the top of the windscreen, but this is only a tiny amount. A set of side windows are included, which were new in 2000, and these are in great condition too.

A matching tonneau cover is also included. Unfortunately, the roof is missing after some house renovations a few years ago when the roof was mistakenly thrown away. The headlights have been colour coded to match the body and are in excellent condition, along with the indicators and rear lights.

Interior

Simple and snug - the Seven epitomises the Chapman philosophy, who needs cup holders and sun visors anyway.

Seats and Carpets

Jeff has replaced the seats in the Lotus. He has used a thinner but firmer foam for the base and backrest to give a touch more room. The seats are in excellent condition, and three-point seatbelts are fitted to hold you tightly.

The carpets have been replaced with red to match the exterior, which are in good condition. Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in good condition and has everything you need to keep an eye on the beating heart of the Lotus. The instruments work as they should, showing a healthy oil pressure, and the odometer reads ~46,293 miles.

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

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is relatively small but perfect for piloting the Lotus where needed, and there is some age-related wear as pictured.

The gearstick is a simple round ball with a leather gaiter, and both are in fair condition. Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Mechanics

A Vegantune blueprinted engine specced to Formula Ford sits within the Lotus, and a refreshed suspension in 2018 mean you can really put the car through its paces.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine in the car is a blueprinted engine built by Ford engine tuners, Vegantune, it has only covered ~6,000 miles since its been installed. This features a baffled sump, fast road/race camshaft, improved rocker assembly, big valve head, 4-2-1 exhaust manifold with sports system and twin 40 Dellorto carburettors.

The engine fires up as you would expect, taking just a few seconds to clear its throat. It is worth pointing out that the car usually runs with K&N air filters, which have been cleaned and re-oiled, ready to go back on. Jeff left these off for the photographs as he preferred the look of just the trumpets. No issues are reported with the running of the car.

The four-speed gearbox has been rebuilt and now connects to the engine via a race clutch. The change is precise, and the lotus pulls strongly through the gears. An uprated/strengthened rear axle is at the other end, driving the rear wheels.

Suspension and Brakes

In 2018, during a mechanical refresh, Jeff fitted new adjustable dampers and springs and all of the suspension bushes were replaced, and the relevant arms and components were stripped back, rust proofed and painted with Par15 chip-proof paint. When he carried out the first restoration in 1984, a new chassis was fitted.

The brakes were also given the same treatment, with new copper lines, refurbished calipers and new Wilwood master cylinders.

The Drive

You are missing out if you’ve never been in a Lotus Seven! They are a great fun, very precise and rewarding car to drive. You simply can’t fail to smile, blasting down a B road navigating the agile Lotus through the bends, with the sound of the twin 40s sucking in copious amounts of air. What’s not to love!

Electrics and Other

With minimal electrics, everything is said to be working correctly, and the switches are in good condition.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

History and Paperwork

After ~50+ years of ownership and two restorations, this Lotus Seven in superb condition having been restored in 2018 and boasts a Vegantune blueprinted engine.

Jeff's first significant restoration was in 1984 when the car received a new chassis, "blueprinted" Vegantune Ford X-Flow 1600 engine and new panels. The next was in 2018, when most of the suspension, drivetrain and engine were rust proofed and repainted, and it has since covered around ~800 miles.

There are some invoices for parts purchased, and work carried out, such as the blueprinted engine, but unfortunately, some have been lost over the 50-year ownership. On the V5C, it states there have been two previous keepers. These were, in fact, one ex-wife and Jeff’s current wife. Jeff also includes various spare parts he has accumulated over the years as pictured, some key items being; spare set of wheels, camshaft, suspension components, roof frame, some electrical components and dials.

You will also see in the paperwork section a selection of images Jeff supplied which were taken during the 2018 restoration.

A stunning, well maintained and much loved Lotus Seven which will be a joy to own for the new custodian.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-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 on this listing in order to make your own assessment on 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 first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
2018 Mechanical restoration and rust proofing carried out
10.04.2018 MOT 45,719
07.04.2017 MOT 45,519
29.03.2016 MOT 45,493
26.07.2014 MOT 45,415
01.08.2013 MOT 45,377
28.03.2012 MOT 45,333
29.07.2009 MOT 45,136
03.08.2007 MOT 45,006
18.07.2006 MOT 44,875
1984 Full restoration including a new chassis
Key Details
  • ModelSeven
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date24.08.1971
  • CC1598
  • Mileage~46,293
  • ColourRed/Aluminum
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimVinyl
  • Chassis #AM84605
  • Engine #711M6015BA
  • RestoredYes
  • Engine RebuildYes
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~50 Years
  • Key FeatureSuperb condition, uprated Vegantune "blueprinted" engine
  • Auction ID1347







Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions
Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
GaryT
Member
GaryT

Another quick question – does the heater work?

GaryT
Member
GaryT

Hi Jeff, if I was the highest bidder, would you be OK to store the car for a few weeks while I arrange pick up? Obviously I’d pay for the car in full

JimandPaula
Member
JimandPaula

Hi Jeff… I understand that it is the case that the fabric roof is missing but the roof irons are present. Is there a cover for the rear deck? I can see the press studs are there.
Regards Jim

JimandPaula
Member
JimandPaula

Hi Jeff… lovely car . Does it run on unleaded. Regards.. Jim

BESCLotus
Member
BESCLotus

Hi Jeff, Do you have the original Lotus chassis plate with the SB chassis number or was the original car writen off? Thanks Barry

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