1971 Lotus Seven S4

Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire 14000 - 16000 Registration No: FTX 99K Chassis No: S43077GT MOT: Exempt One of c.664 Lotus-built Seven S4sBenefitting from a Craig Beck-tuned crossflow engine with twin 40 WebersFitted with a BGH gearbox, adjustable SPAX dampers and a stainless-steel exhaust system� The chassis has been professionally refurbished � Supplied with a lightweight hardtop and roll-out tonneau Typifying the maxim that a whole can be greater than the sum of its parts, the Lotus Seven was introduced at the 1957 Earls Court Motor Show. Based around a multi-tubular spaceframe chassis, the aluminium-panelled newcomer was powered by a choice of Ford 100E, Coventry Climax FWA or BMC A-series engines. Popular with sporting motorists and club racers alike, the Lotus Seven evolved through Series 2, 3 and 4 guises before the design rights were sold to Caterham in May 1973. Launched in March 1970, according to the Lotus Seven Register, just c.664 S4 cars were built before Caterham took over production. 'FTX 99K' is one of c.664 Lotus-built Seven S4s and first registered in October 1971, still retaining its original number today. Our vendor became the fifth owner some five years ago, when the chassis plate S4/3077/GT was confirmed to be unique by John Watson, the Lotus Seven Register's registrar. With a displayed mileage of some 66,000, in current ownership the car has been extensively restored with the chassis refurbished by Neil Fowler Motorsport. The vendor has kindly supplied the following information, "During the restoration, the Seven benefitted from a fully rebuilt 1700cc crossflow on twin 40s, checked and tuned by Craig Beck Racing Ltd and measured at 125bhp with lots of torque!" In addition, there's a custom-built stainless steel exhaust manifold and box, a gearbox which was overhauled by BGH Geartech, new front discs and pads, a new race battery, adjustable Spax damper/spring platforms all round, custom-made wind deflectors, refurbished original seats and new belts. Gaining points in the desirability stakes, the vendor has had a lightweight hardtop made from the original Lotus mould. Series 4 hardtops had been a factory option priced at �65.00 in the day. Very few original hardtops were in fact sold (between 8 and 13), and this new top is fitted with a practical perspex opening rear window. The car is also supplied with a roll-out tonneau and a current V5C.