1961 Lotus 7

[ianashdown]

Does anyone know anything about the 1961 Lotus 7 currently on Copart?  It lists the car as SB1039.

 

It appears to be a ‘real’ 7, but has suffered a few previous owner mods.

 

Ian

[MV8]

I agree. Looks like the front anti-roll bar snapped. Maybe he couldn't find replacement alloy rear wings.

[IamScotticus]

https://www.copart.com/lot/65679333/clean-title-1961-lotus-7-mi-flint

[MV8]

Awshucks, Scott, make these guys work a little!

 

Fwiw, in my experience, sellers often don't except the winning bid after the auction and come back with a counter or simply relist.

[wdb]

8 hours ago, IamScotticus said:

https://www.copart.com/lot/65679333/clean-title-1961-lotus-7-mi-flint

 

It has a 6-speed shift knob...! 

 

EDIT: just saw this.

"Primary damage: ALL OVER" 

"Secondary damage: FRONT END"

Edited November 24, 2023 by wdb

[MoBoost]

Copart is closed today. I may take a drive up there to check it out. 

[ianashdown]

3 hours ago, MoBoost said:

Copart is closed today. I may take a drive up there to check it out. 

If you do, please report back with your findings, opinions and hopefully some photos.

 

Ian

[MoBoost]

8 minutes ago, ianashdown said:

If you do, please report back with your findings, opinions and hopefully some photos.

 

Ian

Absolutely! Need a closer look at the data plate. Refresh my memory; where is the chassis number supposed to be on the frame?

[ianashdown]

Hi,

Various places unfortunately!  If it’s a ‘Universal’ chassis it’ll be on the lateral tube under the passengers thighs.  I think Arch chassis are by the master cylinders.

 

Ian

[theDreamer]

According to what I’ve read so far; early RHD Lotus Sevens had a number stamped on the floor cross brace in front of the passenger seat pad. At some point it moved to the main side top bar near the master cylinders.

See these links:

https://usa7s.net/ips/topic/13390-early-lotus-seven-identification-plates-chassis-numbers-frame-numbers-and-engine-numbers/

http://www.lotus7register.co.uk/regipage.htm

Try your Googlefoo and see what you can turn up.

[IamScotticus]

9 hours ago, MV8 said:

Awshucks, Scott, make these guys work a little!

Its the season for giving

[IamScotticus]

OK, I'll play.

This car will take $20K to get back to spec.

Buy it for parts, but buy a complete and correct 7 to own and drive.

Your $20K will be spent either way.

The restoration will cost you money and TIME.

This 7 is potentially a good deal IF you have the skills, tools and facilities to restore a car like this economically or have a friend who does.

[SENC]

Not sure what parts would be useful given the limited pictures.  I only took a quick look at a dash photo but it didn't appear much on it would be original, so if that is any indicator I'd question whether there are many original parts left on the car.  It could also be a built up group of parts on a 61 plate.

[MoBoost]

Unfortunately, Copart requires a member number in order to enter the lot.
It costs $99, so I'm not going to look at the Seven in Flint. Too bad, I was looking forward to it. 
The person I talked to said the car would likely be sold on Wednesday.

[7Westfield]

and the $99 is only the start of the fees.........

[MV8]

$99 for a member to look?

Generally the cost is a percentage of the bid with a minimum of $700 or so plus other fees that copart charges where others do not. Then there is the transportation cost (est $1000 for me). If it can't be picked up quickly for any reason, daily storage fees begin. May or may not end up as a salvage title, which can require a license just to be inspected depending on the state.

[MoBoost]

9 minutes ago, MV8 said:

$99 for a member to look?

Generally the cost is a percentage of the bid with a minimum of $700 or so plus other fees that copart charges where others do not. Then there is the transportation cost (est $1000 for me). If it can't be picked up quickly for any reason, daily storage fees begin. May or may not end up as a salvage title, which can require a license just to be inspected depending on the state.

No, $99 for an individual membership, which gets you a member number. It’s $249 for a business membership. No fee after that to roam the lot.