1971 Lotus Seven Series 4

The early 1970s marked a transitional phase for the Lotus Seven, as the Series 4 sought to offer improved practicality while retaining the minimalist spirit that defined the earlier cars. Designed with a moulded GRP body and a larger interior space, the S4 remains the most distinctive and arguably most versatile of the factory-built Lotus Sevens. Only 664 were produced by Lotus before Caterham acquired the rights, completing just 38 more before reverting to the Series 3 format. This makes the S4 a rare and increasingly appreciated chapter in Lotus history.

Chassis DNY 7J offered here is a genuine 1971 Lotus Seven Series 4, finished in its original Lotus Yellow and restored to fast-road trim. It benefits from a recent and comprehensive recommissioning by DS Motorsport UK Ltd, with supporting receipts totalling £7,500 in 2025. The car has been reunited with its original 1.6-litre Ford Kent Crossflow engine, having run a Twin-Cam for much of its competition career. The engine has been fully rebuilt with new pistons, professionally lightened and balanced internals and a dry sump system. The original carburettor has also been rebuilt.

Power is delivered via the correct 4-speed Type-E 'Rocket' gearbox, fitted with a lightweight flywheel and twin-plate clutch. The drivetrain is completed by a 3.77 limited-slip differential and live rear axle setup. Suspension, braking and fuel systems have all been thoroughly overhauled, with new lines and refreshed componentry throughout. The fuel tank has been professionally removed, cleaned, treated and reinstalled with new hoses.

Competition pedigree is central to this car’s story. Known in period and raced extensively during the 1980s and 1990s, it is believed to have competed in a variety of HSCC championships, most notably the 1970s Road Sports Championship and was a regular participant in the Holly Birkett 6-Hour relay races. A substantial file of history accompanies the car, including period competition photographs and documentation stretching back several decades.

Further equipment includes period Revolution alloy wheels, Yokohama Advan tyres, a race seat and harness (not currently in date) and a plumbed-in extinguisher system which will require a service before use in competition. A spare set of wheels and various other spares are also included. While road-registered and MOT and tax-exempt, the car remains ideally suited to hill climbs, sprints or historic circuit racing. It would also make an ideal candidate for FIA papers, thanks to its originality and continuous provenance.

Acquired by our vendor earlier this year with the aim of returning it to standard and enjoying some road and track use, the Seven has since been brought fully up to mechanical readiness. However, with a full garage and limited time, he has decided to part with it, making this a rare opportunity to acquire a properly sorted, historically significant Lotus that is equally at home on the road or track.

Few Series 4 cars survive in such authentic and race-ready condition. This is a compelling prospect for anyone seeking a genuine piece of Lotus competition history, capable of immediate enjoyment and continued development.