The Lotus Seven

Although it looked similar to the six, it was technically very different.   The spaceframe chassis and aluminium panels followed the general lines of the six, but the suspension was uprated. To avoid purchase tax, Sevens were sold as complete kits for assembly by the owner, using a standard Ford 1172cc side valve engine from the 100E.

Later the series 2 was to use the overhead valve Ford 105E engine or the Austim Healey Sprite engine from BMC.  Super Sevens were also produced using a Coventry Climax 1097cc FWA engine and BMC 4-speed gearbox.  Production by Lotus ceased in 1973 after making 2,477.

When the manufacturing rights were sold to Graham Nairn of Caterham cars in 1973.

Caterham continues to make this car which is essentially a series 3, redesigned over the years, but still as appealing.

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