1969 Lotus Seven S3 'Twin-Cam SS

• Started in 1969 but not completed until 1978. Issued with a DVLA chassis number.
• Registered as new in 1978. Used sparingly before being laid up in 1988 after only 3,600 miles
• Our vendor acquired the car in a dilapidated state in 2014 and embarked on a total rebuild
• New spaceframe/body assembly supplied by Arch Manufacturing (original Lotus suppliers)
• The car was totally rebuilt to 'as new' condition using S3 drawings
• Lotus 'Big Valve' Twin-cam, rebuilt and fully balanced by Exon Racing Engines
• Hundreds of new parts, new clutch assembly, components, instruments etc.
• Finished in period Lotus BRG with an immaculate S2-style, red interior
• Shakedown mileage only since the build. A remarkable opportunity

The most desirable and rarest of the Lotus Seven range is the Series 3 Twin-cam SS, introduced in 1969. Only 13 were built by the factory, but Sevens were traditionally also available in component form - allowing the keen homebuilder to avoid Purchase Tax - and this is one such example. According to the original owner, the assembly was started in 1969 but was not completed until 1978, when the car was registered as new. By this time, Lotus had long ceased production (having sold the rights to Caterham Cars in 1973) and the car was issued with a DVLA chassis number. It was then used sparingly before being laid up in 1988 after only 3,600 miles.

The vendor - a retired automotive engineer and serial Seven owner - acquired the car in a dilapidated state in 2014 and embarked on a total rebuild. A new spaceframe/body assembly was commissioned from Arch Manufacturing (the original suppliers to Lotus) to the correct S3 drawings, and the car was totally rebuilt to 'as new' condition. New components included wiring harness, brake discs, callipers, master cylinder and plumbing, fuel tank, wishbones, radius arms, antiroll bar and all suspension bushes and dampers. Minor instruments were renewed and the speedo & rev counter rebuilt by Caerbont/Smiths.

The engine is the legendary Lotus 'Big Valve' Twin-cam, rebuilt by Exon Racing Engines and fully balanced with its new clutch assembly, and is lead-free compatible. The gearbox is the correct close-ratio Ford Corsair 4-speed, rebuilt by John Young (of 'Superspeed' Anglia fame) and the rear axle is the correct reinforced Ford Escort item, with new bearings, seals and brake components. Engine, gearbox and rear axle are believed to be the car's originals, although Ford never numbered these items individually 'back in the day'.

Seats and interior trim are all new, the vendor having chosen to fit the more basic S2 seat bases and backrest, as being more in keeping with Colin Chapman's original vision than the SS moulded & leather-trimmed items.

The car is finished in period Lotus BRG and has covered shakedown mileage only after completion of the rebuild. As it is now sharing space with two other classics in a 2-car garage, the vendor must reluctantly part with the car. It represents a rare opportunity to own and enjoy a virtually 'new' 1969 Lotus Seven Twin-cam SS.