1963 Lotus Super Seven Series 2 1500 Cosworth

The Lotus Seven is a small, simple, lightweight two-seater open-top sports car produced by Lotus Cars (initially called Lotus Engineering) between 1957 and 1972.

It was designed by Lotus founder Colin Chapman, and has been considered the embodiment of the Lotus philosophy of performance through low weight and simplicity. The original model was highly successful with more than 2,500 cars sold, partly because of its attraction as a road legal car that could be used for Clubmans racing, but mainly because it was such fun.

The original Seven was designed in 1952 as a potential Riley engined Formula Two car for the 52/53 season but the project was later abandoned. However, after the Lotus Eleven entered limited production in 1957, the Seven was resurrected in the form that we all came to know and love. The Lotus Seven S2 followed in 1960 and was supplemented by the Lotus Super Seven S2 from 1961. The Super Seven initially used the larger Cosworth modified 1340cc Ford Classic engine and later examples were fitted with 1498cc or 1599cc engines.

The general layout of the Lotus Seven design has spawned a host of imitations on the kit car market, generally called Sevens or sevenesque roadsters. Many of those cars are still produced to this day.

This 1963, Lotus Super Seven Series 2, is powered by a 1498cc Ford Pre-Crossflow Cosworth engine. Presented in good condition, this car has recently returned from the States where, we are told, the last owner enjoyed his little Lotus for some 31 years. The car was restored in the 1990s, with we are led to believe, the engine, transmission and gearbox being rebuilt. At some point all the aluminium panelling was removed from the chassis and the chassis blasted, checked carefully, and painted before the car was re-panelled. Most of the panelling was replaced, apart from the rear quarter which was still in good order and the rest of the car painted and generally tidied. So pleased was the owner with the result, that the car was then subsequently promoted to a heated studio and used sparingly.

Over the years, with the very nature of the Seven, owners will change things to suit their own requirements, however the vendor believes this car to be particularly original and correct, with the ultra rare early instruments, the original stamped Serek 5 ½ gallon fuel tank and the proper carburettor as fitted.

Supplied with a Lotus Certificate of Provenance, V5c and a fresh MoT certificate issued before the sale, this car must be of consideration if you are interested in a Chapman designed car that inspired a generation..