1969 Lotus Seven S3 |

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1969 Lotus Seven S3

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£23,850

Mileage~15,600
TransmissionManual
Engine1.6L
LocationWestbury-on-Severn

SOLD

1969 Lotus Seven S3

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Jacob Boodrie

Professional Consigner

A race-car for the road, the Lotus Seven optimises Colin Chapmans vision around simple, light, great handling cars.

The Lotus 7 is a small, simple, and lightweight two-seater open-top sports car produced by Lotus between 1957 to 1972. Design by Colin Chapman, the 7 was considered the embodiment of the Lotus philosophy of performance through low weight and simplicity.

In the early '60s there was a heavy British tax on automobiles, one of the ways to get around this was to essentially sell your car as a kit. However, if you supplied assembly instructions they would still levy that tax upon you, so Lotus actually provided disassembly instructions that people would follow in reverse. After Lotus ended production of the 7 in 1972, Caterham bought the rights and today still produces the kits and fully assembled cars based on the original 7.

This lovely low mileage Seven has been worked back to its original spec. It's one of many 7's owned by the vendor David, and he's parting with this S3 to make space for his next project.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting David the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

The Seven is a great little car, fast and nimble down the country lanes, it's a visceral experience.

Spending his working life on projects such as the Concord as a design engineer, David knows what he's talking about when it comes to mechanics. He purchased this late Seven S3 10 years ago as a project, and since has bought it back to life. The car hasn't been used an awful lot and David believes the mileage is genuine when compared to the MOT certificates from the '80s.

When he purchased the car it was finished in a fireman's red. However, after looking at the original documents, David found it left the factory with yellow composite trim and a bare aluminium body. It's now been put back to the factory design as pictured, and is ready for someone to enjoy this summer. This is just 1 of the 3 Sevens that David owns along with many other fascinating classics from the '70s. David will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have in the comments below.

David

Vehicle Owner

David saved £4,140* when they
sold their Lotus with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The distinctive bare aluminium body with Lotus Yellow composite panels is a classic livery for these Sevens.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with 13" wheels, and chrome hub caps, these wheels look great on the 7. David has resprayed the wheels silver and after not getting much use over the past 10 years they remain in excellent condition.

The rubber looks great too, with lots of life left on each wheel we didn't spot any major cracking along the tire wall either. Please take a look at the photos and videos for a closer look at the sporty wheels and tires.

Bodywork

Designed with racing in mind, and lightness being a primary focus for Chapman, a very lightweight steel space-frame is covered with unstressed aluminium panel bodywork. The body panels are flat to avoid the expense of more elaborate curved bodywork, and the simple cloth-lined plastic doors were hinged from the windscreen. The nose-cone and wheel arches were painted fiberglass on the S3.

Please take a look at the exterior videos and photographs for a detailed tour.

Paint

When David got his hands on the 7, it was finished in red all over, David stripped the car back its original colourway of yellow composite panels over a bare aluminium body.

The finish on the paint is great, even in colour and coverage across each panel, before our consignment visit, David reports using a compound and polish on the bare aluminium. He mentions the bare aluminium being a labor of love requiring a few more passes to bring it up to excellent condition. We noticed some very minor crazing of the paint on the nearside front wing and around the attachment holes, however you'll have to get really close to notice them. We also notice some very small marks to the frame when you climb into the driver's side. Please take a look at the photographs to see how good the paint is for yourself.

Glass and Trim

No issues with the glass, no signs of chips, cracks, or repairs. The rubber seals for the glass is in good condition too.

David reports putting foam along the engine bay to stop any vibrations caused from the bonnet, and fitting quick release sport latches at the front of the bonnet, as the original design had some faults in his opinion.

The full tonneau cover is present, but it could do with some refurbishment having a few holes in it. David tells us that you'll find new sets on eBay for around £100. However since only taking the car out for sunny road trips never seen the need for replacing.

The side doors for the 7 are also present and pictured in the paperwork and history section, they are showing their age however are salvageable if the new owner wishes. David also tells us that the car comes with a "good roof and sticks".

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

A pleasing retrimmed interior, it's a simple affair with pure performance in mind.

Seats and Carpets

David, has given the interior the attention it deserves, he has retrimmed the seats and fitted new carpet, a luxurious option for a 7! The car is fitted with Lotus seat belts which also look great. Take a look at the interior media to see for yourself.

Dashboard

The leather finished dashboard appears in great condition and displays a pleasing patina. The instruments and controls are in good working order.

Everything on this car has its place and purpose.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

David has fitted a new Lotus steering wheel which appears in excellent condition, yet still has the original, he reported that the original is starting to show its age and this new one just elevates the interior.

He has also fitted a very pleasant wooden gear shifter from a Lotus Elan, a nice touch.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The embodiment of the Lotus philosophy, performance through a lightweight set-up and simplicity.

Engine and Gearbox

All 7's thanks to their extremely lightweight (approx 500g) bodies have excellent acceleration, by the early '60s the top of the line improved Ford-Cosworth engines could take on most high-performance sports cars with 0-60s times as low as 7s.

Fitted with a Ford crossflow 1600cc engine, Weber carbs, and a Ford gearbox this Seven is not short on power. David reports the previous owner carried out an engine rebuild with the receipts found in the history and paperwork section. He reports a very smooth yet quick engine performance with swift gear changes.

Suspension and Brakes

David has fitted new Bilstein springs and shocks on the 7 and given the brakes the attention they deserve.

He reports suspension and brakes working faultlessly, mentioning a firm and sporty ride with stopping on-demand performance.

The Drive

"You'll need to take a shower after taking this car out." It's a performance-focused sports car with a nearly equal central weight distribution and low center of gravity that just sticks to the road whatever corner you chuck it into.

Electrics and Other

David reports all the switches, lights, and buttons work as they should. He carried out a complete re-wire of the car, ensuring everything working as it should.

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History and Paperwork

UK RHD example with low mileage, and having had special attention from an enthusiast owner, this Lotus Seven is ready to go.

The car comes with original paperwork, from the original registration documents, receipts, MOT history, and Lotus Seven register paperwork.

The Engine is a 1600cc Ford Crossflow, with Weber carbs, Ford gearbox, and Ford Escort axel type with a 3.7:1 axel ratio. The wings are the clamshell type with steel 51/2J wheels.

Over David's ownership, he fitted and carried out the following work:
- 4 branch stainless steel exhaust
- Manual fuel pump
- 2x cooling fans (manual + thermostat)
- Bilstein shocks and springs on the front
- New carpet, mats, and rubbers.
- New rear lights (correct for year of the car)
- Rewired the electrics
- New regulator
- New stone guards
- New rear mudguards
- Engine has been rebuilt with new pistons +.040"

David will be more than happy to answer any of your questions in the comments below.

We've actioned checks on; Seller ID, V5, HPi.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
30.05.1996	MOT	15,380
16.04.1994	MOT	14,654
19.07.1989	MOT	13,692
19.05.1978	MOT	10,256

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Key Details

ModelSeven Series 3
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date1969
CC1,600
Mileage~15,600
HistoryGood
ColourYellow/Silver
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimVinyl
Chassis #SB2572
Engine #9A17439
RestoredYes
Engine RebuildYes
MOTNo. Exempt
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes
Former Keepers4
Tyre TreadGood
Tyre BrandStomil
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned10 years
Key FeatureCondition

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All Images

All Videos

Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions

Seller : Dave M Sale Date 12.05.2021

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

15 Comments

petrolguy

3 years ago

Hi,
Is it on the original chassis? Any chassis repairs or any visible areas which need attention?

Thanks

Dave M

Seller

petrolguy

3 years ago

Yes, original chassis no repairs all ok.

petrolguy

3 years ago

Hi,
Great looking car, is it validated by Lotus historian John Watson as listed on the lotus register with no other car claiming to be the same chassis?

Thanks

Dave M

Seller

petrolguy

3 years ago

yes

Neil Anderson

3 years ago

How tall are you?
I’m 6’1″ and concerned I would be too big for it?

Dave M

Seller

Neil Anderson

3 years ago

I’m 6’3″ and can manage it
just. You should be ok.

Clive

3 years ago

Hi, did the car originally come with the escort back axle also is the Historic Lotus Register familiar with chassis number etc. Thanks Clive

Dave M

Seller

Clive

3 years ago

Yes axle is Ford Escort Mexico.
Yes registrar has seen &
confirmed authenticity of
vehicle.

Paul Rowe

3 years ago

Hi does it have heater hood side screens and tonneau cover

Dave M

Seller

Paul Rowe

3 years ago

Hi, Paul, Yes the car has a heater and hood that need fitting to car. It also has side screens and tonneau that need repair.
Regards David.

Paul Rowe

Dave M

3 years ago

Thanks what engine and gearbox is in it. R both original

Dave M

Seller

Paul Rowe

3 years ago

Both original as far as I know. engine fitted with Piper 234 camshaft & gas flowed head.
gearbox Ford
2000E with close ratio gears
4 branch St. Steel manifold & silencer.

Paul Rowe

Dave M

3 years ago

Thanks

Gary

3 years ago

Hello. Is it possible to arrange to view the car please? Thanks

Kulraj Salh

Admin

Gary

3 years ago

Hi Gary, yes indeed, we can help arrange a COVID-secure viewing. Please drop us an email or give us a call during business hours. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

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Vehicle Location

Westbury-on-Severn

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