Vendor supplied images
Highlights
- Very detailed hand-built one-off 7 replica
- Entertaining and sonorous 1,700cc Ford Crossflow
- Long term enthusiast keeper since 2002
- Historic Vehicle that has been regularly MOT tested
- Beautiful, eye-catching and hugely rewarding car
The Appeal
This car started life as a Morris Minor but, like Dorothy, we’re not in Kansas now. Following a pattern established by Colin Chapman, a previous keeper took a factory car as a starting point to create something altogether more exciting, more rewarding and certainly much rarer.
It is a genuine one-off, a hand-built aluminium-bodied car that is a very close replica of the original Seven. So close, in fact, that with its Lotus badges observers are always surprised to discover its origins. The work was done to a high standard including a leather-trimmed cabin. The specification is similarly impressive and based around a bored out 1,700cc Ford Crossflow engine with 5spd manual box.
Smartly finished in burgundy metallic, it has been used and enjoyed by its enthusiast long term keeper so shows a few signs of age, but perhaps that light patina adds to its character. He initially used this car to commute to work in London - what a sight that would have been - but more recently it has been savoured for high days and holidays. It has been regularly maintained and MOT’d - even though this is not a legal requirement - but since he never expected to sell it there is little paperwork.
In rude health and offering the buyer a fascinating one-off with a great backstory, this much-loved car is a very reluctant sale but a very tempting buy.
History and Paperwork
- First registered 26th November 1965
- Registered with DVLA as a Morris Minor 1000
- DVLA records correctly record the engine capacity
- DVLA records show five previous registered keepers
- Hand-built one-off car that appears to have been built in 1997
- Previously recorded as grey which was changed in August 1997
- Bought by the current keeper in 2002 from Beaulieu Garage in the New Forest
- Used for commuting in London and leisure driving in the New Forest
- Engine substantially overhauled after purchase
- Sump raised to handle speed humps
- Vendor never expected to sell so has only retained some paperwork
- But we are told that the car has been regularly serviced and maintained
- Most of this work was undertaken by Nical Engineering in Bealieu
- Documentation includes V5 Registration form, 2002 bill of sale, some receipts and MOT certificates
- Registered as a Historic Vehicle so MOT and tax exempt but regularly MOT’d
- Current Last MOT expires 03/08/2024 with minor advisories to note and 50,565 miles on test
- Currently showing 50,578 miles
- Recently fitted new starter relay and ignition switch
The vendor tells us:
“The car is an absolute, hand-built one-off, and the reason that I bought it is that I had dreamed of owning a Lotus 7 since I was 16 but never in my life could have afforded a ‘real’ 1960’s model, costing two or three times as much. According to the registration documents, it’s a Morris Minor but nobody has ever assumed that it’s anything other than a genuine early Lotus 7 (as you can see), and the vehicle has always attracted huge attention and admiration.”
The Condition
- Smart burgundy metallic paintwork in generally good order
- Some signs of use to paintwork as shown in photographs
- This includes paint bubbling on the bonnet due to exhaust heat
- This has now been prevented as car is fitted with an aluminium heat-disperser
- Bespoke hand-crafted aluminium bodywork on a steel frame with fibreglass wings
- Frame and steel floor pan in generally good condition but would benefit from wire brushing and undersealing
- Vendor describes car as in generally good condition with room for improvement
- Solid condition with no structural advisories on current MOT
- Bespoke trimmed leather bench-style passenger and driver seats with Willans harnesses
- Centre console, handbrake and gear gaiter made of stitched leather
- Cabin is well kept with some light signs of use as shown in photographs
- Cockpit sides and floor lined with black carpet
- Small splits in the passenger seat base leather
- Carbon-effect dashboard in good condition with clear dials and switchgear
- Fitted with quick release wheel for security with two additional wheels included in sale
- Heavy-duty, two-part tonneau cockpit cover in very good condition
- Classic Wolfrace polished 13in wheels with good tyres although MOT advisory to note
- Well detailed car including chrome bullet-style wing mirrors and Lotus badges
- Buyers should note that there is no roof but one could be purchased and fitted easily
The Mechanics
- Ford Crossflow 1,600cc 4cyl engine bored out to 1,700cc
- Engine rebuilt around 20 years ago following vendor’s purchase
- 5spd manual gearbox
- Aluminium heat disperser now fitted over exhaust in engine bay
- Recent new starter relay and ignition switch
- Sump raised to clear speed humps
- Much-loved car that seller describes as thrilling and rewarding to drive
- Regularly serviced and maintained by specialists but with not much paperwork
- No reported running or driving issues
- Minor mechanical and running gear advisories to note on current MOT
The vendor tells us:
“She’s an absolute joy to drive. The ride is firm and immediately responsive, and the power of the Ford K-series 1700cc engine - with its deliciously distinctive engine sound - in such a lightweight car makes for a thrilling performance. But I don’t drive fast, I just love the feeling of bowling down country lanes in the sunshine and the wind, nestled into the cockpit behind the wheel of a legendary vehicle which has all the feel of a genuine classic from an incredible era of motoring history. I have loved every minute with her.”
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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