1961 Lotus Seven Series 2 (SB1341) - SOLD

[Al N.]

Yes, it’s true. I am putting up “Bessie” for sale. Some changes in priorities — plus the fact that I just don’t use it enough.

 

As one of the founding members of the USA7s club, I’m a known entity and so is this car (my second Seven, btw).

 

That said, if you’re looking for an all-original car, this isn’t it. It was a “bitsa” when I first bought into it as a rebuild project and it continues to be. It is a well-finished and strong-running car that’s been well sorted out over my 10 years of ownership. Think of it as a vintage-looking (and driving) car that's had some very nice upgrades to make it safer/more reliable/higher-performing.

 

Car is currently garaged in Bucks County, PA. Can take/supply more pics and info on request.

 

A few more notes:

-       Car carries build plate SB1341
-       RHD

-       Under total 4000 miles since restoration/rebuild

-       Was restored/rebuilt by RMSCI/Caterham USA between 2010 and 2013, including a replacement “long front” chassis from Caterham, and complete reskin

-       Was Ali/Yellow from factory, repainted in “Ford Black” with Colorado Orange noseband and wheels

-       Runs magnesium “Wobbly Web” wheels that are vintage repro from Lee Chapman Racing — note that I sold the newer Dave Bean-sourced spare I had as a fellow Sevener needed one and I never liked that it didn’t totally match the other four wheels (only really noticeable if you closely examined back of wheel). If I was keeping the car, I’d get a steel Triumph wheel and paint it Colorado Orange for a spare.

-       Car has Avon CR6zz tires (including one for a spare wheel)

-       Originally equipped with a 1340 Cosworth Pre-Crossflow engine…now with a 1500 Pre-Crossflow (using original dual Weber DCOE 40s) dry-sump motor rebuilt by Savannah Race Engineering (Ted Wenz) in 2016. According to an email from Ted, engine dyno’d at 120.3 hp @ 6700 rpm/peak torque 110 ft lb @ 4900 rpm.

-      4-Speed Ford Transmission
-       When the car was being rebuilt, we put in a Chris Beebe rear axle…I thought (and still think) his solution was the most elegant of the reinforced axles

-       Front disk brake conversion in 2021 (using brackets from Canley Classics, UK and stainless calipers and slotted rotors from British Parts Northwest). I cannot overstate how much this change makes the car much more usable/safe.

-       Newer (but correct) Spax shocks and springs

-       Replacement 10-gallon fuel tank by Axminster Specialist Panels — note that this sits in a custom-made subframe so the original tank frame is intact

-       Will come with vintage canvas top (it has side lights, so I’m assuming not original…I think they added those later in production) plus a newer vinyl top sourced from Redline

-       Repro Elan 26R Steering Wheel from R. Dent (13")

-       Recent replacement seat covers sourced from UK

-       Repro Wingard tailamps (have originals/vintage units...which are hazy)

-       Black/silver nose badge (as I felt the correct green/yellow would clash with black/orange paint scheme)

-       Will come with two unpainted wider front fenders (front track got a bit wider after the disk brake conversion so front wheels extend past current fenders a little)

-       Will come with custom car cover (for indoor use)
-       Looked after by Exoticars USA (Frenchtown, NJ) and Ragtops & Roadsters (Perkasie, PA)
-       Car just out of service that included rebuild of rear axle/brakes

 

POA. Not interested in trades.

 

Edited November 21, 2024 by Al N.

[S1Steve]

I’ve seen this Seven plenty of times, it’s beautiful. Good Luck Al… i added a photo from New Hope car show when You, Croc and I went last year.

Edited October 5, 2023 by S1Steve

[SevenAmerica]

Al! Selling her off? Let me put Bessie up on SimpleSevens - just a token donation and/or any old parts is all I ask. Send me some more photos and I’ll make up a page for you. Definitely one of the cooler Sevens out there, especially since so many now available are full on race cars!

[Al N.]

Thanks John. It's true, sadly. But who knows how long I can go without one!

I'll shoot you some pix via email. Thanks again for offering to list it.

 

Edited October 13, 2023 by Al N.

[Kitcat]

Like Steve, I have seen this pretty little Lotus 7 several times. The pictures don’t do it justice. I also followed its build, as detailed over many posts here in the past. It is a gem.

 

What does it weigh Al? A standard issue Caterham seems to be around 1225lbs. I would assume this is a bit lighter?

 

i think that Lotus/Caterham expert mechanic, Nathan Down, helped with the rebuild? 
 

In any event it is one of the cooler Lotus Se7ens around, built and maintained by a perfectionist:). 

[Al N.]

Too kind!

As you know, your 1997 was the inspiration for the car's colorway.  

I do think Nathan helped out a little in the early stages of the rebuild.

In terms of weight, I have the numbers somewhere...from when I had the car cornerweighted after installing the new shocks/springs. I'll try to find it, but if I remember, it's lower than 1200 lbs.  Maybe in the 10XX range?

 

[Al N.]

Visited the car today and took more pix.

 

Edited October 22, 2023 by Al N.

[Al N.]

 

Edited October 21, 2023 by Al N.

[SENC]

Looks great Al!

[Al N.]

Thanks Henry!
 

FYI that I removed the frame tag image based on the discussion about Chassis Plates/Frame Tags where someone mentioned keeping that info more private.  My car has a replacement front frame section so that number has been welded in from the original. It does begin with a "B".

Edited October 22, 2023 by Al N.

[BugeyeKat]

Is Bessie still for sale? I’m new to this forum. 

[Al N.]

@BugeyeKat — Yes, the car is still available...lots of views, but few actual inquiries.

 

[Al N.]

Bumping this because, amazingly, car is still available! I'm open to reasonable offers...

[BugeyeKat]

On the Jersey Shore for a family celebration this week … let’s connect when I get back. Best. D

[BugeyeKat]

Reachable via dhgillen@gmail.com. Have been watching some other 7s out there of late, tho few seem as sharp as Bessie. Thanks! 

[Al N.]

@BugeyeKat Sending you an email now. Thanks for your interest.

 

[Al N.]

Had the car out for a few hours this weekend. Always a joy — and people continue to love it.

 

[wdb]

Lovely car. I'm surprised it hasn't been snagged.

[Al N.]

Bumping this in the hopes of someone from/connected to club has interest...will probably consign with local dealer at beginning of November. Also dropped the asking price.

 

[Al N.]

UPDATE: CAR IS ON HOLD WITH DEPOSIT