Al N. Posted October 4, 2023 Share Posted October 4, 2023 (edited) 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 Thursday at 12:03 PM by Al N. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S1Steve Posted October 4, 2023 Share Posted October 4, 2023 (edited) 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 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SevenAmerica Posted October 12, 2023 Share Posted October 12, 2023 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! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al N. Posted October 13, 2023 Author Share Posted October 13, 2023 (edited) 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted October 15, 2023 Share Posted October 15, 2023 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:). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al N. Posted October 15, 2023 Author Share Posted October 15, 2023 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al N. Posted October 21, 2023 Author Share Posted October 21, 2023 (edited) Visited the car today and took more pix. Edited October 22, 2023 by Al N. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al N. Posted October 21, 2023 Author Share Posted October 21, 2023 (edited) Edited October 21, 2023 by Al N. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SENC Posted October 22, 2023 Share Posted October 22, 2023 Looks great Al! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al N. Posted October 22, 2023 Author Share Posted October 22, 2023 (edited) 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BugeyeKat Posted November 11, 2023 Share Posted November 11, 2023 Is Bessie still for sale? I’m new to this forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al N. Posted November 12, 2023 Author Share Posted November 12, 2023 @BugeyeKat — Yes, the car is still available...lots of views, but few actual inquiries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al N. Posted September 3 Author Share Posted September 3 Bumping this because, amazingly, car is still available! I'm open to reasonable offers... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BugeyeKat Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 On the Jersey Shore for a family celebration this week … let’s connect when I get back. Best. D 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BugeyeKat Posted September 10 Share Posted September 10 Reachable via dhgillen@gmail.com. Have been watching some other 7s out there of late, tho few seem as sharp as Bessie. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al N. Posted September 10 Author Share Posted September 10 @BugeyeKat Sending you an email now. Thanks for your interest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al N. Posted September 17 Author Share Posted September 17 Had the car out for a few hours this weekend. Always a joy — and people continue to love it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdb Posted September 17 Share Posted September 17 Lovely car. I'm surprised it hasn't been snagged. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al N. Posted October 22 Author Share Posted October 22 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al N. Posted November 6 Author Share Posted November 6 UPDATE: CAR IS ON HOLD WITH DEPOSIT 3 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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