1963 Lotus Super Seven

1963 S2 Lotus Super Seven

This is the unexpected sale of my 1963 S2 Super Seven, a car that I did not envisage selling until now. The sale is to help purchase a car that has recently become available. My car is for sale for a limited period and will be withdrawn from sale if the car I am interested in sells to another party.

The car is a rare full matching number Seven including Chassis number ; Frame number and engine number all verified by Andy Graham (Lotus archivist) along with a certificate of provenance and written confirmation from John Watson (Historic Lotus Register). Proof of provenance also includes old logbook and V5 along with correspondence from the son of the previous long term owner. Original frame, chassis and engine numbers  are all clearly visible. The car retains its original registration number) All original hood and doors present in very good condition.

Registered on the 25th September 1963. The earliest recorded owner was Anthony Jones, followed by Robert Hadman then eventually to the long term owner Fabrizio Cerchio in 1973. I have correspondence from the son of Mr Cerchio confirming the history of the car in his fathers ownership then eventually into his ownership on the passing of his father.

The car resided in Italy for many years and was brought back to the UK in 2017 when I purchased it. The car was driven to Italy in the 70`s but never recorded as exported and remained registered in the UK. Rarely used, it was stored in a garage until the family decided to sell. I have photos showing the car in the `as found condition` in Italy and the transportation back to the UK.

When I purchased the car the nose cone and wings were black along with the interior, a change that had apparently been made in the early 70`s, presumably in an attempt to emulate the look of an S3. After receiving the original build spec including the body colour from the Lotus archives I decided to return the car to as original. The original red dashboard had been preserved under the black vinyl and is in lovely condition along with all its original dials and instruments. The wings and nose cone have been resprayed the correct yellow and new seats and internal side panels fitted. Due to low compression on the engine I decided to have a full engine rebuild as per factory specification. Whilst the engine was out I took the opportunity to check and repaint the chassis. Everything I have done I have been conscious not to over restore and protect the patina of the car, more of a refurbishment than a restoration. The twin Webber upgrade has been completed in period (recently fully refurbished) original factory spec shows single Webber and it has the essential addition of the Stegosaurus plate to the rear axle, again something that was added in period.    

At present the rebuilt engine is back in the car with a new clutch fitted, water pump, oil pump etc. As the car stands at present, the remainder of the engine ancillaries require fitting and the lights reconnecting after fitting of the wings. The front brake calipers are sticking and require attention, I have fitted new brake hoses and master cylinder. The car has not been on the road for many years so other items may need attention but generally it is in very good condition for an unrestored Seven.

So why would you consider buying this car ? the same reasons I did. You will be getting a full matching numbers Seven, something which in itself is very rare, many have had engine replacements or a new chassis. This car is as it left the Lotus factory. It's an original early Lotus from the Cheshunt factory. The engine has undergone a full engine rebuild to original spec with no expense spared. The car still retains the patina of an early Lotus, the aluminium panels are original and in great condition (I think the bonnet has been replaced at some time but not certain) it has not been over restored losing all character. The car has not been widely advertised for sale since sold to the long term owner back in 1973 so is fresh to the market.

As previously mentioned this is an unexpected sale and only necessary to enable the purchase of another car (not a Seven) that has recently become available. If the potential purchase sells prior to the sale of my Seven I will be taking the car off the market and completing the refurbishment. Plenty more pics on request.

Please ask any questions you might have, you are more than welcome to come and view the car, the kettle is always on, no pressure just a friendly chat (-: