Considerations when looking for a slightly older 7

[philso]

I am now finally able to seriously pursue looking for a 7.

 

My preference is to purchase one that was completed 15 to 25 years ago. 

 

The 15 year limit is due to a requirement that kit cars being imported into Canada must have been completed at least 15 years before the date of importation. I am currently resident in the US and will return to Canada when I retire in a few years.

 

The  25 year limit comes from my preference for a 7 with independent rear suspension and for a more modern engine with EFI.

 

Are my parameters for choosing a  7 reasonable?

 

I have considered building a kit after I return to Canada but it is unlikely that I will have the space to do such work. Real estate in Vancouver is rather expensive.

 

I have considered a variety of 7s using Vauxhall, Peugeot, and Rover K series engines. I don't believe that cars using those engines were ever sold in North America. Would it be troublesome to find someone who knows how to service these engines and to find the parts? Would it be better to stick with 7s built using Ford engines (Zetec, Duratec)?

 

Many 7s appear to have been built using Ford Type 9 transmissions and Sierra differentials. Would there be problems getting these serviced?

 

Is it at all reasonable to attempt a swap to a Ford Duratec with a Miata transmission or a bike engine if I encounter engine and/or transmission problems?

Edited May 18 by philso

[MV8]

Buying an antique without the knowledge, equipment, work space, or known support system to maintain it, does not sound trouble free.

 

You could get lucky and buy something perfect but it will need work at some point.

 

Go to car shows and connect with antique car clubs in Vancouver for local support. Talk to the folks that you want to trust to do the work to find out what they are competent/comfortable maintaining.

 

 

 

[philso]

Thanks for your concern.

 

The Canadian government considers anything over 15 years old to be an antique. I am not considering anything that would be a "true antique" such as Lotuses built in the 60's and 70's. A schoolmate had a 7 replica built in the 70's and found it too difficult to support.

 

Just to clarify, I do anticipate having space to work, but only after I get settled. If it takes me 1-2 years to find a suitable place then spend another 1-2 years to build a kit, I am not likely to finish before I am 70 years old.

 

On the other hand, I have found places in Vancouver that will store collectible cars, at a reasonable price. Thus, it is acceptable if the first place I move to does not have an enclosed garage. I can also enjoy driving it in the time before I retire.

 

I agree that no known support system is a concern. That is why I am asking the specific questions regarding 7s with Europe only engines. If there actually is some support for these engine types, it may not be a problem. If no parts are available, the amount of trust I have in a shop becomes irrelevant.

[theDreamer]

“…I am not likely to finish before I am 70 years old.”

You mean 70 years young, eh? Owning a seven will make you a kid again. (Not that I ever grew up.)

“I have found places in Vancouver that will store collectible cars, at a reasonable price.”

What do you consider reasonable? I know what people have to pay for storage in Toronto and I thought Vancouver was even higher.

Don’t mind me I’m just pushing your buttons. Welcome to the addiction.

Your parameters for choosing a se7en are quite reasonable actually. There is nothing wrong with a solid carbureted car whether a Ford Xflow or if you’re lucky a twin cam Lotus powered car. You’d be surprise though how much knowledge there is here for the other engine makes. I have a 2L Vauxhall powered Caterham and there is a repair shop in Kingston (about an hour’s drive east) where the mechanic is well versed with the C20xe having been trained in Old Blighty. There is also a growing number of Lotus Elise S1’s and early S2’s with the Rover K series engine here in Canada. So you can find people to help you should you purchase a seven powered by one of those. There is lots of support across Canada from British specialty shops, sports car clubs and racers. We have several members in this group plus on other social media sites that own sevens and live in BC.

I’m not familiar with Peugeot drive trains in sevens but then there is a lot I do not know. So, have at it! Find what suits your needs in good nick at a price you can live with and enjoy it.

[philso]

Thanks for the words of encouragement.

 

Yes. One of the members of the local Lotus owners club took me for an hour and a half drive through the countryside in one of his three 7s. He drove a second 7. It was exhilarating, even when we were caught in a sudden rainstorm and got soaked to the skin. 

 

I found that Kitsilano Mini Storage on W 11th charges about $130 CDN per month for indoor storage with 24 hour access Finding a place with more garage space is likely to cost significantly more than that in Vancouver. They appear to cater to the collector market and are located relatively close to one of the neighborhoods where I am likely to settle.

 

It's good to hear that there is a reasonable number of people with Elise's with Rover K series engines in Canada. Surely, at least one of them knows how to get parts. If I recall correctly, there is a big, annual, British car show in the botanical garden across the street from my high school so that would be worth a visit after I retire and move back.

[MV8]

Parts are always available just as everything is for sale with enough money and effort.

Any S1-4 Seven is "sustainable" with enough effort. Retrofit as needed.

 

IMHO, the easiest to sustain (parts and rebuildable as well as reusable components) and most practical drivetrain for regular road touring use (no track) would be the newest model you can find with a wet sump, ford crossflow engine with a single downdraft carb or aftermarket efi, electronic ignition, T9 5 speed and ford solid axle. 

 

 

 

 

 

[EdWills]

Hi Philso.

 

Super 7 Cars (also known as just '7 Cars') on Vancouver Island, is closing down its business after the original owner David Saville Peck passed away a number of years ago.  There is a telephone number on their web site for contact purposes, but the site does not open up to see if there are any 7 models remaining in stock.  Mr. Saville Peck used motorcycle engines in his Caterhams, and parts supplies for these and the Caterham chassis should not be a problem for quite some time into the future.  Maybe storage on the Island could be cheaper than the mainland while you are making your move back to God's country?  W

[Taber10]

SLIGHTLY OFF TOPIC: During the Grizzly Bear Blat, I 8 August 2013, David Saville Peck of Ennerdale Engineering hosted the entire group for beer and barbeque one evening at his house.  He was quite the gentleman and an outstanding host.  I believe we were told that he had the only dealership for "new" Caterhams in Canada, or maybe Western Canada. He took several of our group for a ride in his Bike-engined Caterham.  Apparently Canadian laws treated the bike-engined cars better. Thanks for your post as it brings back wonderful memories of that guy.

[philso]

Thanks for the reference to the Caterham dealers in Canada.

 

My intent is to purchase a 7 here, in the US, so I can enjoy it for a few years before I move back to Vancouver.

[pethier]

On 5/19/2025 at 1:18 PM, philso said:

Thanks for the words of encouragement.

 

Yes. One of the members of the local Lotus owners club took me for an hour and a half drive through the countryside in one of his three 7s. He drove a second 7. It was exhilarating, even when we were caught in a sudden rainstorm and got soaked to the skin. 

 

I found that Kitsilano Mini Storage on W 11th charges about $130 CDN per month for indoor storage with 24 hour access Finding a place with more garage space is likely to cost significantly more than that in Vancouver. They appear to cater to the collector market and are located relatively close to one of the neighborhoods where I am likely to settle.

 

It's good to hear that there is a reasonable number of people with Elise's with Rover K series engines in Canada. Surely, at least one of them knows how to get parts. If I recall correctly, there is a big, annual, British car show in the botanical garden across the street from my high school so that would be worth a visit after I retire and move back.

It would be great to find a "bubba ring" of car freaks that have a big shop and buy in.  I know there was one of these insouth  Minneapolis.  Don't know if it is still going.  I would have joined them, but was lucky enough to have my own space.  The advantage of the "bubba ring" shop is that you can work on each others' projects be they circle-track, drag, autocross, road-racing, all mixed together.

[pethier]

On 5/17/2025 at 11:30 PM, philso said:

The  25 year limit comes from my preference for a 7 with independent rear suspension and for a more modern engine with EFI.

IRS sounds limiting, but I like the de Dion in my car.  I like that the Chapman-designed location system gives a low roll center.

 

I am just now undertaking the change to a Zetec with Suzuki Hayabusa Keihin/Denso injection controlled by Megasquirt.

[Timothy Keith-Lucas]

Here's the same advice I've given many times to people wanting to buy a first sailboat. Whatever you buy, buy a ready to romp machine, not a project car. A car that just needs some gas before play time will let you learn the mechanics slowly and without capital outlays as you either break things or decide on improvements. Meantime you're getting bugs caught in your teeth because you've got a silly grin on your face at 70 mph. A project car will  end up costing more, because the owner reduced the price when he saw how much the repairs would cost, and will keep you and your 1993 BugSmasher 300 in the shop when you should be out challenging the insect population.

[BillyR]

Vancouver has a very active car scene. The Lotus club has well over a 100 members with at least a dozen 7s of various types. There are a couple of good repair/restoration shops that can handle just about anything you want to throw at them. I brought my 7 up from the States 10 years ago no problem. 
Another thought, consider Vancouver Island as an alternative. Way more bang for your buck real estate wise. 

[Reiver]

I recently purchased a '99 with mostly original equipment...Vauxhall 2L, mild cam upgrade and the two DCOE carbs that it originally came with, electronic ignition.  I was very connected (chats and internet, we still chat) with the owner who was a car guy home wrench. IOW, he knew the car well mechanically and it had about 18k miles on it.  It was maintained. This was his 3rd one.

I think having a prior owner that can knowledgably speak about the car is key to an older buy as opposed to 'I don't know'... when was the last cam belt change etc.

I've had no issues at all and have put 2k on it....just ran it in 100 degree ambient for a quick up/down the hill and no issues with the heat.  Stays at 80c +/- a few degrees even when running uphill at 70 mph. 

Just know the model you are looking at to ask the right questions.....Steve, the prior owner would chat for an hour or more about the mechanics etc. and his work done.  Most that own these are enthusiasts I'd suspect....aftermarket dealerships or sellers...not so much.

I bought it sight unseen even tho he wanted me to look at it in person but he'd built up my trust...great buy from a great individual.  

 

I will drop the pan and change out the foam ballast when I replace the shocks/adjust them...altho they do seem fine and are original.  There are always things to do but the 7 is rock solid.  Wears it age very well.