1960 Lotus 7 Series 2

In a world where cars are getting heavier, more complicated & in many cases, utterly frustrating, the lotus 7 is a breath of fresh air. Colin Chapman’s philosophy of “simplify, then add lightness” truly does result in an exceptional driving experience.
 

Originally marketed as an affordable way into owning a competitive motorsport vehicle whilst still retaining some level of comfort on the open road it soon became an icon. It’s a design that has stood the test of time, having been replicated countless times since its release & its direct descendants are still available to purchase today! However, what they lack is the pedigree that this little Lotus has!
 

Stepping into the compact cockpit could also be described as putting it on. The car envelopes you with all the critical controls exactly where you expect them to be. The gear selection, courtesy of the four speed BMC 4 speed gearbox, is tight and precise. The pedal box is quite slim however it is perfectly set up for an accurate heel & toe whilst the steering is even better than you can imagine. With only two turns lock to lock it is incredibly precise, it feels perfectly suited to the vehicle’s proportions & you can really put this car wherever you wish on the road.
 

The history folder that accompanies the vehicle details a period of extensive improvements with its previous owner including a recent full service, comprehensive electrical re-wire to the tune of £4000 as well as a multitude of external & internal aesthetic improvements. Mechanically it runs very well indeed with strong oil pressure, steady temperature control & pulls very strongly when you open it up. Overall, it is apparent that this has been a cherished example and operates exactly as we would expect.

Originally purchased in 1960 from the Cheshunt factory in component form & assembled over the course of the next year, “626 NMB” was the 49th example of the Series 2 Lotus 7 to be produced & very likely to be one of only a handful left today. Included in the history folder is a document dated from 1989 from the Lotus 7 club where it details only 34 examples left in recorded existence, it is very likely that number has sadly diminished further subsequently.
 

Originally specified with a BMC power unit which, according to the engine number it retains to this day. The original log book references the engine number XSP 1717-8, this fits in the timeline of a number of high performance “XSP” BMC engines delivered to a range of high profile racing teams & builders around 1959-60. Without further strip down we cannot confirm what is fitted inside the power unit however it does drive as we would expect a tuned A-series to drive.


The 1098cc A-series is fitted with a Weber DCOE 45 as well as the usual period correct performance additions such as a three branch exhaust & aluminium intake manifold. In the current state of tune we would expect this engine to be producing around 70-80bhp which combined with the vehicle weight of only 440kg makes for a very exciting drive.
 

These days you can’t escape from computers being in every device and predicting every move you make. This Lotus is the complete opposite of that and is as analogue as it gets. From its inception the Lotus 7 has represented the freedom of doing things differently. If you are feeling like “just another number” & looking for an exciting new pursuit, get in touch today!


Be seeing you.
 

 

Recent work:

• Full re-wire of electrical system (2024)
• Full service by Purbeck Sports Cars – Lotus 7 specialists (2024)
• New GRP Nose cone (2024)
• Powerspark ignition kit upgrade inc HT leads & sports coil (2024)
• New “smoothie” steel wheels & tyres (2023)
• Freshly re-cored radiator (2023)
• New wood rimmed steering wheel (original supplied with car)

 

TOTAL NUMBER OF PREVIOUS OWNERS: 4

TRANSMISSION: 4 speed manual

Engine: 1098cc A-series engine,

Power: 80bhp @ 5800rpm

Torque: 80lb ft @ 4500rpm

0-60 mph: 8.5 Seconds