1962 Lotus 7A Series II

1962 Lotus 7A Series II
s/n SB1099 Engine no. 9CUH48168
Monza Red with Aluminum Hood and Black Interior
Lightweight and purposefully built, the Lotus 7 set the standard for nimble sporting pleasure and sheer driving joy. Mechanically simple but innovative in design, the Lotus 7 was refined after the first series introduction into the Series II with upgrades including a redesign of the rack and pinion steering, more footbox room, increased fuel tank capacity, and fewer space frame tubes. Great looks, entertaining driving characteristics, and simplicity are all hallmarks of the Lotus 7, all of which adds up to a sweeping grin across your face as you step on the accelerator and hit the open road.
This particular car is a genuine Series II, which has been verified by the Lotus Seven Register as having departed England November 28, 1960. Interestingly, chassis #SB1099 was bodied by Williams and Pritchard in red and bare aluminum, making it one of the very few Series II cars bodied by this coachbuilder. This car left the factory with engine no. 9CUH48168 (a BMC “A” Series) and was delivered to California dealer, Jay Chamberlain, the first Lotus importer and dealer in the United States. The car was sold and titled in 1962 to Dewain and Francis Delp who owned the car until the early 1980s. The second owner, Doug Keck (Mr. Delp’s business partner) owned it for many years, until selling it to the current owner.
This Lotus 7 has been comprehensively refinished and upgraded where possible. The frame has been powder coated using Dupont ASA-70 Gray with the body painted 1969 Monza Red using basecoat and clearcoat. All fiberglass pieces are original, but an additional 1 ½” of width has been added to the rear fenders. All aluminum has been replaced with the exception of the original transmission tunnel and the cowl.
The car currently runs a stout 1275cc unit bored .020 over and rebuilt with Kent 276 Street Cam, aluminum flywheel, new clutch, flat top pistons (.020), spin-on oil filter, rear oil seal kit, new valves, springs, guides, and tappets, oil cooler, and Sprite Monza head. During reassembly, ARP nuts and bolts were used and all reciprocating parts were balanced.
Overall this Lotus 7 is in excellent condition, displaying superb attention to detail and workmanship throughout. The paintwork was done to high driver standard and remains excellent other than a few minor chips from road use. The chassis and suspension are well-detailed and in very nice condition throughout. Painted components underneath the car show only minor road wear but otherwise remain very nice. The interior is nicely restored in a period manner, with some concessions for modern safety and a few improvements. Seat material is in very good condition as is carpet and dash padding. The Smiths instruments are all very nicely finished with the tachometer facing the driver and the speedometer positioned for the passenger. The modern woven red seatbelts are properly anchored to the beautifully finished gloss black roll bar. The engine compartment is very impressive, showing high levels of preparation with excellent finishes and proper fittings. Routing of oil lines hoses, and wiring is tidy and professional, with components being very well prepared for reliable performance and road use.
Driving this Lotus is a wonderful experience. The power from the 1275 engine comes to life instantly upon start and the gearbox is easily engaged for immediate driving. Shifting is smooth and tight as that magical power-to-weight ratio reminds you of what a Lotus is all about. Revs climb quickly while nearby cars become distant memories as you launch into highway speeds, with two gears still remaining. Braking is legendary with minimal foot pressure required and just the right amount of pedal tension to feel it spring back, and you are back on the throttle again. Cornering offers great grip and formidable traction, much as you might expect. The limits of a Lotus 7 are more about driver capability than they are about the car.
This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a genuine Lotus 7 Series II that has been upgraded and restored, ready for your driving pleasure. With few owners and known history back to new, this car has always been sound, reliable, and properly cared for. It comes with a bounty of parts and spares as well as manuals and a DVD documenting the restoration.
Included in the sale are the following original parts
948cc engine (ran when removed)
Sprite smooth case transmission
Intake and exhaust manifold
SU Carburetors and SU needles
All original aluminum skin pieces
Original canvas top, tonneau cover, side panels,trans tunnel carpet
Original front brakes
Lotus manual
Sprite manual (for engine and gearbox)
Additional parts included but not original to the car
1275 cylinder head, crank shaft, rod set, back plate, flywheel
Tachometer with mechanical tachometer cable
Set of .040 flat top pistons for 948 engine
TR 10 Axle shaft
Four wheel dollies
Eight Lotus Hub Caps
DVD video of the build
Three Lucas starters
Two Lucas generators
Panasport 5 x 13 wheel
Two speedometer cables
Front license bracket
Original tail light lens
Assorted gaskets
Four fender brackets
Voltage regulator
Spare park plugs
Turn switch,
Antique fire extinguisher
Misc hardware
Information manual