The seller of this 1960 Lotus 7 describes it as one of the very early models that featured a number of unique details, including the slant nose design seen here. The Lotus has been a track vehicle most of its life, and the seller notes that it also comes with the very rare independent rear suspension from a Lotus Elan, and installed by Lotus at the factory. There’s lots to like about this car, which is for sale as part of a collection wind-down. Find it here on eBay with bidding over $21K and the reserve unmet.
The Lotus has spent time in Canada, Michigan, Ohio, Arizona and now, Alabama, and exercised in driving events regularly. The seller notes the IRS is not an amateur installation, as there are no signs of modification that would suggest a later retrofit. This helps confirm the 7 chassis was built by Progress, the company tasked with building the earliest cars, whereas a company called Arch handled later builds.
The 7 likely hasn’t had fenders since new, and the seller notes that Lotus built a half dozen or so non-homologated 7 IRS cars. Taken as a whole, if you’re a 7 fanatic, this one has a lot of interesting details that make it appealing both as a track car and a historically-significant 7. Of course, given its lengthy competition history, it seems a shame not to continue using in historic-friendly driving events.
The seller notes the hood was modified to accommodate the carbs and that the dash was replaced. However, in what can only be described as a strong indication of a the kind of guy you want to buy a car from, the original hood was not modified and set aside for future use – as was the dash. With the strong provenance and immensely appeal of a vintage Lotus 7, I hope this one clears the reserve – it deserves to.
Lavery,I REALLY wish you had the courtesy to thank the referrers as most of the other contributors on BF….But you can’t buy class…obviously.
A series engine with rib case gearbox. That does make it early if the numbers are right.
Just wondering…The 7 is a 1960 car but has an Elan rear IRS? The Elan wasn’t in production until several years later. Could they have meant an Elite rear IRS?
@jimbosidecar … good question….the Elan was in design stages for two years before 1960. The differential is an early 26R model.. the Elans used the later A26 version a few months after Elan production began in 1962.
My Daily Express review of the 1960 Earls Court Motor Show lists the 7 as being available with Anglia, BMC, or Coventry Climax motor. The one on show had a 1,172cc engine, which would point to a C Climax donk. Interestingly the report stated: “Hood, spare wheel and windscreen wipers are now included in the price.”
That rear first appeared in a Lotus 26.
A few comments:-
The frame # 563/763 is correct for a 1960 Lotus Seven Series One car.
Whilst there is a frame (maker’s) #, the chassis plate and chassis # are missing.
There were no factory IRS Lotus Sevens. The few that were crafted were post-factory built but others.
The aluminium sides look to have been replaced and the car would definitely have had wings when it left the factory in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, UK.
The NL at the rear could suggest a Netherlands connection.
The Sevens in the 1960 motor show report had separate motor cycle style mudguards.
neat-o……
It was re-listed and eventually sold for $23,500.
Yes, but his wife would not give him money and he cancelled, so we still have it at the shop.