Some sellers on Facebook are really setting the bar low for details about their wares, and this listing for a “Lotus classic car” is possibly a candidate for the hall of Fame of bad ads. All that said, it could be a smart move for anyone looking for what appears to be a Series 1 Lotus 7 to pick up the phone and see how desperate the seller is to not have to answer any more questions about this derelict Lotus; usually, these types of sellers don’t want to be in the car business. There’s just one photo in the listing for the mystery Lotus here on Facebook Marketplace with an ask of $9,000.
Now, sadly for the seller, you don’t get to make that kind of ask for a car presented in this manner. And even if the pictures were modestly better, a Lotus 7 in this sort of condition will struggle to make that kind of number. 7s were typically used as dedicated track cars, as seen here where a Series 1 outmaneuvers a Porsche 356 (Speedster?) in period. The other aspect of a 7 that makes them hard to price when in condition like this is their Lego-like construction. Motors were tossed, new ones were dropped in; suspensions were adjusted and re-engineered; the whole car might have been rebuilt three times over, and whatever you’re left with here could have numerous custom components or backyard bodge-jobs.
Still, if this is an early example of the classic Lotus sports car, it could be quite striking when complete. The first edition of almost any sporting model has a grace about it that the later examples lose as the body is beefed up and more aggressive power trains are sourced; think the original De Tomaso Pantera versus the last editions with wings, scoops, and flares. The car shown above is obviously a completely turnkey example; how much work will it take to get the California shed find looking this good again? I hope the seller finds someone willing to brave the years’ worth of overgrowth to better photograph this Lotus, as it surely deserves more love than it’s shown in this Marketplace listing. Thanks to Barn Finds reader MisterLou for the find.
Everything about this is pretty shabby to say the least. Sits on top of the “who cares” list.
Everything about this ad is sickening, including the lister.
Never knew FBM was charging by the word. Hard pass.
Did the spouse insist that “that piece of junk” be sold? This circumstance can contribute to a half-hearted efforr. Otherwise, I can’t imagine why this seller bothered, but I guess it wasn’t THAT much bother to write a couple words.
And not to mention the tree growing through lord knows what…
No engine, good looking babe seller!!
It took me a moment to pick out the actual car in that pile of trash.
CT Dave
Probably a Locost stalled build.
Imagine that Colin Chapman and Mike Costin actually had their hands on this car. It seems to have a title. Anything missing can be reproduced. As a total restoration it couldn’t be a simpler car. I’m not saying “great value” but deserves a second life and this is chump change for some folk.
Look, the tree removal seems recent. Had let the tree grow to protect this invaluable piece. Real enthusiasts know the importance of having vegetation protect a collectible.
Even Howard couldn’t chime in.
Wonder if they are open to taking a trade?
$9,000 and I’m guessing I have to bring my own saws to and labor to get it out of that grave. Might be a fun project for someone who has more enthusiasm than I do about it.
Facebook Marketplace. Where old guys go to sell their 1979 Murray riding mowers, their wives button collections, and now? Their completely trashed Lotus 7.
Bring a chain saw. Over priced for me by $8000.
The seller also has a pair of completely trashed Bugeyes for crazy money listed on FBM.
funny
For sure intriguing. How can such an interesting car be sold on Marketplace without a shred of effort? Good pictures, an honest and detailed description and history and things cleaned up and finally a realistic price – surely it’s an interesting car that someone would be interested in. As it is I can’t see who would be brave enough to start a dialogue with the seller.
I’m selling for a friend. Patina car ran when parked ! No low ballers I know what I have here.
You never know. Make an offer. Four guys and one chainsaw could retrieve it and sit it on a flat bed. The missing engine (maybe transmission) is a big negative. It is anybody’s guess how much rust is underneath until it is lifted from the earth. If it were nearby me, I’d go look at it. If it were nearby me, rust would be guaranteed! My guess is that the seller inherited a mess and has almost no clue what they have.
Oh dear, Claudio- as for stupid, wait for the tsunami of idiocy starting 20 January. An actual Confederacy of Dunces awaits. Everything the Mango Mussolini says and does is either stupid or a lie. Now we will all suffer.
And re. the Lotus 7 in this ad: what a sad fate.
It will be a rocky ride for sure
YOLO
The Porsche it passed in the photo is a Roadster, not a Speedster (windshield is the tell tail clue).
Now down to $5K, and includes really bad video to go with the really bad photos. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1756491331842188