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1959 Lotus 7 Series 1 Immaculate Vintage Race Car SOLD

SOLD

Vehicle is located in Pennsylvania 

Offered at $47,500

Lotus chassis number: 796

Progress frame number: L559 759

Verified as an authentic Lotus 7 Series 1 by Lotus 7 historic registrar 

Originally registered in 1959 in Warwickshire, England

Pristine restoration of an authentic Lotus Seven Series 1

Mechanically and cosmetically the highest quality 

 

Chassis:

  • Completely-new paneled chassis fabricated by Pat Prince, Prince Race Car Engineering in 1990.
  • Upgraded steel transmission/tunnel support correcting original Lotus design weakness.
  • SCCA spec bolt-in roll bar by Prince Race Car Engineering.
  • All new front and rear aluminum wings (fenders) by The Panel Shop.
  • Stainless steel real wing guards by The Panel Shop.
  • Custom Fuel Safe fuel cell.

Motor:

  • BMC serial number: 9M-U-H 148239
  • All steel 948 by Leydon Restorations – Moldex crank, Carrillo rods, Elgin cam.
  • Steel center main bearing cap.
  • 12G295 head with oversize valves. Ported by Leydon Restorations.
  • Duplex timing chain with adjustable cam gear.
  • Twin 1 ¼” SU Carbs – modified for better air flow by BHP Developments. Custom air horns.  K&N Filters.
  • Custom 3 into 1 header and exhaust by BHP Developments. Ceramic coated.  Includes provision to add SuperTrapp diffuser discs (included) for noise reduction, if needed.
  • Mocal oil thermostat, Mocal oil cooler, braided stainless steel oil hoses.
  • Canton billet remote oil filter.
  • Oversized, baffled oil pan.
  • Accusump oil accumulator with electric valve kit.
  • Aldon distributor.
  • Oversized radiator.

Drive Train:

  • Straight-cut, close ratio, synchro rib-case transmission. Rebuilt by Leydon Restorations.
  • Tilton aluminum flywheel with replaceable steel friction surface.
  • 5.375:1 differential. 4.875:1 spare differential included.
  • Double bearing rear hubs.
  • Original Metropolitan rear axle housing with custom fabricated coil-over mounts, putting mounting bolts in double shear.

Suspension/Brakes/Wheels:

  • Spax adjustable coil-over shocks. Adjustable spring perches.
  • AN hardware utilized at all suspension attachment locations.
  • Rebuilt rack and pinon assembly – zero play.
  • Borgeson steering shaft u-joints.
  • Removeable steering wheel.
  • Dual-circuit brake master cylinder.
  • Stainless steel braided brake and clutch hoses.
  • Tilton brake proportioning valve.
  • 15” x 4 ½” x 60 spoke spline-drive painted wire wheels with Dunlop Racing 5.00 L-15 tires (204 compound.)

Electrics:

  • All new chassis wiring.
  • Upgraded circuit from 2 to 4 fuses.
  • Lucas head lamps.
  • Wingard tail lamps

History:

  • Imported into the USA in the early 1980s from the Isle of Man.
  • Participated in VSCCA events.
  • Current owner (mechanical engineer) purchased the car in November 1987.
  • Complete 9 year nut and bolt restoration with documentation.
  • VSCCA participant from April, 1997 through April, 2005.
  • In storage since April, 2005.
  • Titled/registered in PA as antique vehicle.

Additional Notes:

  • Production number 147 of approximately 243 Series 1 cars.
  • Included in the sale are all of the original (well worn) parts removed from the car prior to the restoration, including the original chassis (to prove this car isn’t a clone.) Other original parts include:
    • VIN plate
    • Stock windscreen
    • Hood (convertible top) and hood support sticks
    • Tonneau cover
    • Wiring harness
    • Gauges
    • Windscreen wiper motor mechanism
    • Horn
    • Emergency brake mechanism
    • Radiator
    • Fuel tank
    • Muffler
    • Rear wings
    • Front and rear suspension components (coil overs, control arms, uprights, brake items, etc.)
  • When the new chassis was constructed, Pat Prince fabricated an additional bonnet (hood), and scuttle panel. These spare items are included and could be used to convert the car to full road trim, if so desired.
  • Curb weight 1035 pounds w/o fuel.
  • No off-track excursions. Never spun.
  • Car has always been kept in dry environment under cover. Never seen rain
  • Photos are current