Possible new series 2 owner, with lots of questions

[randomDMZ]

Hey guys, I have the opportunity to purchase a 1965 series 2 that means restoration. I've always loved the look and feel of all the seven cars, and I even owned a berry mini t dune buggy that looks similar. 

But I'm going to be honest with you I'm lost. So I guess I'll just ask away. 

The chassis number on the car U1148. And the car comes with no title. The component data plate looks like it has some numbers scratched in it sb11 is all I can read. What the scratches look like kids scratches. Can anyone help me with any information on this chassis? 

Next, is it sacrilege to change the color? Currently the car is red, and aluminum. I really really want a gunmetal gray and black car. But I don't know if this is considered bad, and if it'll hurt the value or the historical significance. Just not a red and silver fan. Plus I would like to powder coat the frame.

Next, where is a good resource for obtaining parts? I'm told the car has an upgraded 1.2 l engine but I don't really know much beyond that. 

Lastly, is there a way to track down the original title and or history of the owner if there ever was one? 

Thank you guys for your time and I hope you guys can help me out. I'm really hoping this project turns out awesome.

 

[Croc]

 

Congratulations on your first post at USA7s!

 

Sounds like you found a basket case.  

 

First thing is are you really looking at a Lotus 7 Series 2?  Replica plates are cheap and lots of people put them on cars that look like but are not true Lotus 7s.  Factory records are not great.  Unless you can score a hit from the numbers on the plate you have or find it on a DMV website then you may never know its history.  You may determine it is likely a Series 2 by photos of the chassis, suspension, etc but that is not absolute proof without the provenance/history.  Lots of claimed Lotus 7 end up being 1970s or 80s Caterhams for example.  In this situation buy at the right price and know what the likely exit Market price after restoration is going to be - there is not a lot of headroom in these cars to invest money and get it back.

 

If you feel comfortable - post photos here in case someone recognizes the car or can determine its origin.  

 

Forget the color issue.  You likely have Grandpa's axe.  It was probably never red originally but the ali was.  Change to what you like - no value issues from that unless you went a pink polka dot or something equally repulsive.  

 

Taking it back to original frame is a good thing.  I guarantee there will be hidden corrosion which you will only find by stripping it back.  Powder coating afterwards seems a good approach to protecting a restored chassis.  

 

Resources - start here:

 

Good luck.  

 

[theDreamer]

From what you describe I’d say you have found a real Lotus 7 Series 2. The U1148 number indicates the chassis was made by Universal Radiators. Question, is this stamped on a cross bar near or on a small plate welded to a crossbar? The body work would have originally been done by Alert Motor Works.

The component plate was scratched or etched because they could not stamp it once it was riveted to the alloy.

Check out this site as Croc mentioned and John Watson’s.

https://www.anglocanadianlotus7.ca/lotus-seven-frame-and-chassis-numbers/