1971 LOTUS SEVEN

This Series 4 Lotus Seven is an engaging classic lightweight sports car, which features its original chassis, bodywork, engine and gearbox; and which is presented in very smart overall condition, having been recently refurbished. It is powered by a 1.6-litre Ford Kent Crossflow inline-four, which drives the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 47,445 miles.

First introduced in 1970, the Series 4 Lotus Seven followed in its predecessors’ footsteps by offering lightweight thrills in a simple, dynamic package, while offering increased cockpit space thanks to its slightly larger dimensions. Most recognisable thanks to their more angular fibreglass bodywork, a total of around 600 Series 4 cars were built, with only a small fraction of that number remaining on the road in the UK.

This example was first registered in August 1971, to its first owner who kept the car for seven years, before selling it to its next keeper who enjoyed it for an impressive 41 years. This Seven was then acquired by the vendor, who had it fully re-commissioned by lightweight sports car specialist Tiger Racing.

Today, this Lotus’ fibreglass bodywork presents very well, and while the vendor notes that there was some minor crazing and starring of its surface, this was repaired during the car’s recent refurbishment. It was then fully resprayed with vibrant Renault Yellow paintwork, which remains in excellent overall condition, with only a few minor scuff marks to speak of. Furthermore, this Seven’s underside has been fully undersealed, helping to prevent any future corrosion.

Given the Lotus Seven’s focus on simplicity, it is relatively light on exterior trim, however the headlight bezels, front grille and fuel filler cap are in good order, albeit with some age-related pitting to their polished surfaces. The light lenses are also in great shape, and the windscreen presents well, though there is a chip on the driver’s side of the glass. This charming British sports car rides on a set of 15-inch steel wheels, which are free of any significant scratches or scrapes.

Believed to have been partly or fully retrimmed in the past, the cabin is in good shape, with some general wear and tear relating to the car’s age and use. Both seats are clad in hardwearing vinyl upholstery, which wears its age well, and the interior trim is in fair order, with a few nicks and scratches to its upholstered surfaces and a light patina on the metal gauge surrounds, map light and ash tray. While the vendor reports that the tachometer is not functioning, the other interior switches and electrical items work without fault.

This agile little Lotus’ most recent routine maintenance consisted of an engine oil and oil filter change, as well as the fitment of a new K&N air filter. As mentioned above, its bodywork has also been tended to, and the engine has also been recently been refurbished by Tiger Racing.

Although it is exempt due to its age, this Lotus’ latest MOT test was conducted on 17 December 2019 at 47,436 miles, resulting in a first-time pass with no advisories – and the seller notes that another test will be carried out prior to the car’s handover to its next owner. All four of its steel wheels are fitted with Kleber tyres in size 165/70 R15, which are in good condition, and are described by the seller as being virtually new as regards tread depth.

The car will be accompanied by numerous invoices detailing past maintenance work, as well as its service and owner’s books and the current V5C.

This 1971 Lotus Seven Series 4 is a rare and characterful classic British sports car, which benefits from recent refurbishment of its bodywork and original engine, and is presented in smart overall condition. Now ready to take to the open road once more, it will make an excellent addition to any collection, and is sure to bring a smile to its next owner’s face, whenever they put it through its paces and experience the thrills that only a lightweight Lotus can provide.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.