73TwinCamSpecial

Hi - I'm the new owner of the recent Seven S4 auction on BAT. The car is on it's way to me from Philadelphia and I'm starting to gather information on what I'll need to make it roadworthy. As purchased the car does not have an engine or transmission. From my experience with a 1500cc Cortina GT and now a Twin-Cam Europa I am looking at a Ford based engine to put in the car. A Twin-Cam would be nice but I just got my newly rebuilt Twin-Cam engine for the Europa back and don't think I can afford another one just now. I'm leaning toward a Cortina 1600 crossflow GT engine. I think this is what the car originally had in it. I would also consider a non-crossflow 1500 Cortina GT engine. In researching what would be the easiest engine/transmission combination to install, it looks like the Kent crossflow with a Corsair 2000E 4-speed might be a good choice. I understand the Corsair transmission was also used in the Twin-Cam Sevens. I've also read of a "Cortina close-ratio 4-speed" and a Ford Type 9 5-speed. I'd like to get a better understanding of what transmissions are recommended if I decide to use a Kent/crossflow engine in the car. The following are a few of my questions/concerns - 1. Assuming a Kent engine, what transmissions will bolt directly to the existing (stock) transmission mounts? 2. I'm guessing bellhousings for the Kent - Ford transmissions are nothing special for this application? 3. Are there any specific model/type/designation for the Ford transmissions I mentioned above? 4. Other than the "close ratio" designation, is there anything specific about a Seven S4 transmission? 5. A friend has offered me an Elan transmission. Would that work in a Seven S4? I know these are all pretty basic questions and I've tried to search for answers but so far have not been successful. I certainly appreciate any information anyone can provide me. I'm sure this will not be my last request for help. Thanks Larry Mullen

As noted, I just picked up the S4 without engine/trans on BAT. This purchase came in the middle of my on-going restoration of a Europa TCS and I don't want to lose focus on that project. With that being said, I'm interested in your engine/trans and would like to hear a few more details and what you might want for it. Can we do personal messaging here? Thanks Larry Mullen

Thanks to all who commented and provided information on the 1971 Seven S4 on BAT. It helped me develop my bids and I'm glad to say it was successful. In my opinion I think I did well, getting it for $12,500. Of course I'll know much more when I finally get the car but it seems that the engine/trans are the biggest issue. Several of my Europa friends looked over the photos carefully and seemed to agree that the car is in good shape. I've already communicated with the selling dealer and we seem to be done with the documentation/registration paperwork already. Now they are just waiting for me to transfer the $$$. I do have a question or two regarding my next steps - 1. Any recommendations on a shipper? The car is in Philadelphia and I am in Orange County California. Pretty much about as far apart as can be. I'm leaning heavily toward enclosed transport as I can't imagine this little fragile car doing well on a cross country trip in the Fall/Winter on an exposed trailer. 2. Any tips on how and where the car should be secured for the trip? I know this is probably the responsibility of the truck driver but if there are any areas to avoid either when strapping it down or winching it on/off the trailer I would appreciate your thoughts on this. I'll be posting on one of the other forum sections concerning any issues I find as well as suggestions on sourcing a Cortina GT crossflow and transmission. Thanks again for all your help. Larry Mullen Now with two Lotus that don't run

As a newby here, but a two time Europa owner, I'm still looking for an S4. I missed out on the red S4 with the wire wheels on BAT recently and was pleased to see this project car available. After looking at the photos closely there doesn't appear to be much wrong with the car, other than the lack of engine/transmission and radiator. Assuming the engine/trans was removed correctly, does anyone see any problems installing a suitable Ford crossflow (or even an early non-crossflow) and Cortina transmission? I'm not familiar enough with S7's to know if a specific transmission is required to fit. Also I'm curious about the radiator, is this an item available or is it a custom made product? Thanks for any information the group can provide. Larry

Hi All - As stated I just joined this group as I have lusted after a Super Seven S4 since the early 70's. My new wife at the time talked me out of ordering the kit version but I eventually bought a 1969 Europa Type 54. Drove it daily to work in LA traffic until I was rear-ended by a VW. Had it towed to Bob Chalman's place in Redondo Beach and was fixed up good as new. Eventually life got in the way and I sold the S2 off to pay for part of a new house. The wife and I made a deal that eventually I could get another Europa, which happened in the mid 1990's. A 1973 TCS with all the original equipment but had been sitting a while. Original CA car so not much rust. I bought it with the goal of "restoring" it, although it did run and drive. Life got in the way again and I also bought a Saleen Mustang as a week-end car. I started back on the Europa about 6 years ago, removed the engine/transaxle, redid the front/rear suspension and bought lots of parts i wanted to replace. Also got the engine rebuilt by a local guy who raced Lotus 23's with his dad. It's still a work in progress. My motivation in joining this group has been the recent auctions on Bring A Trailer for Super Seven S4's. I'm pretty active with the two Europa groups and a few guys have S4's but thought this group could help with cars coming up for sale. To be honest, my budget is not where recent S4 sales have occurred. Would really like something that needs some TLC but is not a basket case or clapped out race car. Thanks Larry Mullen