The Lotus Seven remains one of the definitive lightweight British sports cars, built around the principle that low weight, simple engineering and minimal bodywork can deliver a more involving drive than far more powerful machinery. Its pared-back approach to performance created a car of remarkable immediacy, and its influence can still be seen in the Caterham Seven today.
 
Introduced in 1970, the Series 4 was the final Lotus-developed version of the Seven and marked a notable departure from the earlier formula. In place of the more familiar aluminium bodywork and sparse dashboard layout, the S4 adopted angular fibreglass styling, a more developed interior, centre-console instrumentation and a steering column-mounted indicator stalk. It was a short-lived redesign, and Caterham would later return to the simpler Series 3 format, making the S4 a particularly interesting and comparatively uncommon chapter in Seven history.
 
This 1970 example has been the subject of extensive restoration work, including resprayed bodywork, a retrimmed interior and an overhauled engine. The project has not quite reached completion, however, as the seller explains that personal circumstances and health issues prevented the final stages from being finished, the handbrake still has to be attached inside the cockpit, and a new exhaust box is needed.

The fuel tank was drained to facilitate a house move from the midlands to Ripon and the car garaged on axle stands. Last week fresh petrol was added to the tank, and the car was started first time and the engine run up to temperature.
 
As such, this Seven S4 should be approached as a rewarding recommissioning project rather than a ready-to-use example. Once completed, it should offer the lightweight, highly connected driving experience for which the Seven is renowned, while its unusual S4 specification gives it an added layer of rarity and interest for Lotus enthusiasts.
 

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: 

✓ 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. 

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase. 

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.