Highlights

Highly original Series 2 with just two owners
Part of the Gordon Keeble Car Collection for 23 years
Recently sympathetically recommissioned by the seller for sale

The Appeal

There have been many Lotus models in the intervening years but arguably few if any deliver quite so fully on Colin Chapman’s guiding mantra to ‘add lightness’ quite like the original Seven. It delivered on his simple formula so effectively that its fundamentals remain in production to this day.

The Series 2 from June 1960 was a more road-orientated Seven with a simpler, lighter chassis and a range of new engines, including the highly tunable Ford Kent 1600.

We’re willing to bet that few Series 2 Sevens are quite like this one. It has had just two owners from new – one of them being the esteemed Gordon Keeble Car Collection – both of whom have left it wisely very, very standard. The seller has carefully recommissioned it to make it road-ready, renovating where necessary but retaining its original charm wherever possible.

The result is an utterly gorgeous, highly original Seven that shows just why these cars are so revered. This is an incredible opportunity to acquire a brilliant car with an equally compelling back story.

The History and Paperwork

First UK registered on 25th August 1961
First owner retained the car until 23rd June 2000 when it joined the Gordon Keeble Car Collection
Acquired by the seller in early 2023 and recommissioned
Not registered to the seller - he always intended to sell it and didn’t want to add to the owner numbers
He carefully and sympathetically recommissioned the car
This included refreshing the paintwork
Recommissioning work included overhauling the carburettors, servicing and adding a new MOT
Vendor also acquired and fitted a replacement roof
The original is in poor condition but with the car
MOT records support the very limited use between 2005 and 2023 whilst in the Collection
MotorCheck print out showing MOT and owner history

The Interior

Simple, lightweight interior in mostly original factory condition
Basic vinyl trimmed seats with single piece backrest and white piping
Wood rimmed Moto Lita steering wheel
Smiths dials presentable and in original condition showing some patina
Dashboard very original showing light wear but retaining factory switch decals

Nowhere is the Lotus ethos more evident than in the cockpit of this delightful little car. It is all about the business of motoring with barely any concessions to comfort or convenience.

Which is exactly as any Lotus Seven buyer will surely want it. The interior of this car is mostly original and consequently shows light patination, particularly to the dashboard and dials, but that feels like a key part of this car’s appeal. Elsewhere there is a Moto Lita wood rimmed wheel and vinyl seats, which appear to have been recovered.

The Exterior

Classic racing green with yellow nose cone Lotus colour combination
Refurbished 13in steel wheels with chrome hub caps
Great details abound like the side exit exhausts, which appear new
Original fittings with chromework showing light tarnishing
New roof fitted by vendor
Tonneau cover

Much of the joy of this car lies in its originality. So it is pleasing to learn that the vendor has put considerable effort into preserving the condition. Inevitably some recommissioning has been required, but it has been as limited as possible and not at the expense of retaining original fittings wherever possible.

The bodywork has been partially resprayed but the original chrome fittings retained, all new work being done to factory correct specification. The car still sits on 13in deep dished steel wheels, refurbished in correct grey and fitted with original chrome hub caps.

The original roof was in poor condition so there is a new roof alongside the original tonneau. The vendor reports that the car was never fitted with sidescreens because the required holes for these were never drilled into the body.

The Mechanics

1,558cc Ford Kent engine
Highly tunable engine
4spd manual gearbox
Carburettors recently overhauled including sonic cleaning
Just serviced with few miles since completion

Before Lotus switched to its own in-house motors, power for the Series 2 Seven came from the venerable Ford Kent 1600, an eminently tunable engine that delivered scintillating performance for the ultra light car.

This car has covered very few miles since 2005 so was mechanically overhauled by the vendor on purchase earlier this year. As with the bodywork, the priority was originality so the carburettors were overhauled and cleaned rather than replaced. The car was serviced at the same time and has covered few miles since this work was completed.

Summary

The Lotus Seven takes the business of motoring right back to basics. As such it is amongst the most entertaining and rewarding four wheels you can ever put on the road.

This Series 2 example is an absolute gem. Here is a chance to buy a fascinating example of one of the greatest drivers’ cars of all time.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

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