Description
Lotus Seven S2 | 1962
Highlights:
– 997cc four-cylinder Ford 105E engine, petrol, manual transmission
– Series 2 example registered “678 LBJ”, retaining a remarkable degree of originality
– Original registration book documenting the chain of English owners, including a first owner who flew with the RAF
– Featured in Andrew Morland’s book “Lotus Seven and Caterham” and in Auto Retro issue no. 228, January 2000
The seller offers for sale this 1962 Lotus Seven S2, powered by a 997cc four-cylinder engine, paired with a manual transmission. Finished in British Racing Green over a yellow nose, this Series 2 example is presented with a red interior and is offered as a cabriolet, complete with a hood, side windows and a tonneau cover. The car came to France several decades ago and has been kept and preserved with a great many original components, giving it an unusually authentic character. It is accompanied by an original registration book that lists its successive English owners, the first of whom was a pilot in the RAF, while its most recent French custodian retained the car for more than twenty years. An accompanying file of invoices reaches back close to three decades.
The exterior combines panels that have at times been restored or refreshed with areas left in their original state, lending the car a great deal of charm. The paintwork has been polished and shows the marks of time, including some crazing on the wings, though this does little to detract from the car’s striking appearance. The accessories are in good condition, and the car is equipped with a hood, side windows and a tonneau cover. Inside, the upholstery presents in good condition, with seating taking the form of a bench. The dashboard is entirely original and beautifully patinated, and the full set of instrumentation is in working order. Lifting the carpets and the seat cushions reveals the original aluminium panels beneath.
Mechanically, the car is powered by the small 997cc unit (the 105E) derived from the Ford Anglia, housed beneath the bonnet of a car that weighs only around 430kg. The chassis is reported to be entirely original and never altered, and the car has recently been serviced.
The Lotus Seven is one of the most iconic creations of Colin Chapman and a defining expression of his philosophy of lightness and minimalist engineering. Introduced in 1957 and produced through a series of evolutions, the Series 2 arrived in 1960 with a simplified, more affordable construction and fibreglass body elements. Light, raw and endlessly engaging, the Seven became a benchmark for the pure driving experience, its tiny footprint and featherweight construction translating modest power into genuine excitement. Its enduring appeal later carried through to the Caterham, which continued the design after Lotus ceased production. This particular car, with its documented history and period provenance, represents a genuine collector’s item, immortalised in print and steeped in the spirit of freedom that the model has always embodied.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
3 — Good. Bodywork or mechanical repairs needed; drives.
Condition of the interior
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
Technical condition
4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.
Overall condition
3 — Good. Bodywork or mechanical repairs needed; drives.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
