Highlights

One of only 360 Series 3 Sevens made, with likely fewer than 40 remaining
Verified as a genuine Lotus Seven S3 with the Historic Lotus Register
Very high-specification car with 1.6-litre Lotus twin-cam and close-ratio ‘bullet’ box
Recent cylinder head work by Thurston Engineering
Desirable Series 3 with wider Mexico rear axle and stronger chassis

The Appeal

There are Lotus Sevens, and then there is the Series 3 Lotus Seven. By improving the triangulation, these cars benefit from a stronger chassis, while at the back is an Escort Mexico axle that gives the car its distinctive wider rear stance; and under the bonnet is Lotus' high-revving twin-cam 1,600cc Crossflow engine.

Just 360 were built, and they are relatively easy to fake. This one has been verified by the Historic Lotus Register as genuine. It is a 1969 car that is fitted with the 1.6-litre Lotus twin-cam running on twin-Weber carburettors and fitted with the close ratio ‘bullet’ gearbox, which the vendor says transforms the car. It features larger valves and AKS cams based on the Cosworth L2. At the back, there is an RS2000 rear axle.

It is a highly developed car that has been properly looked after by its enthusiast keepers. You can read the full spec list below. Recent maintenance has included a December 2025 cylinder head overhaul by specialist Thurston Engineering.

The S3 is the ultimate evolution of Chapman's original ‘add lightness’ two seater. This car has been sympathetically evolved into one of the best of the remaining S3s out there.

Key Information

Mileage: 70,531 miles (not verified)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT-exempt
Technical specs: 1,600cc Lotus twin-cam four-cylinder petrol, close ratio "bullet" manual gearbox
Paperwork: verified with the Historic Lotus Register; Arch Motors chassis plate present, 12/25 invoice for cylinder head work, specification list

Specification:

Engine:

1,600cc Lotus twin-cam 711M block with AKS brand tall front cover to suit
Cylinder head ported and smoothed
Phosphor bronze valve seats and guides fitted
Valves are bigger diameter than the 'big valve' Lotus Elan head
AKS brand camshafts based on Cosworth L2
2x Weber 40DCOE carburettors with 33mm chokes and jetted for drivability
Carburettors ultrasound-cleaned by Seditas
Facet silver-top fuel pump
Malpassi Filter King fuel regulator with pressure gauge
Running at correct 4-5 PSI, stainless braided fuel hose with fittings
High-capacity/pressure-all pump
Baffled sump with magnetic plug
Lumenition optical ignition system/coil
High-performance CEK150 electronic ignition system
High-quality ignition leads

Gearbox:

Genuine "bullet" box with desirable close-ratio gears said to transform the car
Tall first gear, 2.50:1
“In such a light car, take off is still effortless” says vendor
Gearbox is not the more common '2000E semi-close Corsair' replacement often referred to in error as "bullet"

Cooling:

Revised cooling system with re-engineered free-flow water system
Davies Craig EWP1 80litres/min electric pump with EWPC digital control system
Extensive Samco silicone hoses with all-stainless clamp fittings
Refurbished radiator with electric fan

Exhaust

All-stainless 4-2-1 manifold, system and clamps

Rear Axle:

Strengthened/reinforced Ford RS2000 type 'English' axle and differential

Brakes:

Nickel-plated front callipers fitted with stainless pistons; refurbished rear brakes

Fuel tank:

Stainless retaining straps with rubber padding; refurbished sender unit

Body:

Stainless rear wing stone-protection plates
Many body fitment screws replaced with stainless
Chromed suspension parts
Chromed headlamp shells
Period-correct alloy wheels
Cosmic Mk4 alloy wheels fitted with new tyres

The Detail

Rare S3 with very high specification, sympathetically evolved by enthusiast keepers
Painted black with unpainted aluminium bonnet all in good order
Black fabric interior with bench-style seat in good order and matching carpets
Three-spoke leather-rimmed wheel with Lotus-branded boss
Full cosmetic and mechanical details outlined above
Chromed suspension parts and headlamp shells
Period-correct Cosmic Mk4 alloy wheels fitted with new tyres

BEFORE YOU BUY

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