Spotted: 1965 Lotus Seven
The car that begat a whole company (Caterham). But is it worth £34K?
Restored to its original 60s spec more than 20 years ago, this 1965 Lotus Seven Series II is the spit of the famous KAR 120C, albeit without that iconic colour scheme. Looking at the ad, it’s amazing how little the Caterham/Lotus Seven recipe has changed over the years, too.
Okay, so these days you can get grippy tyres, insane power-to-weight ratios, roll bars, cages, sequential gearboxes and more sophisticated suspension (should you so choose), but the links between this 1965 car and a brand-new Caterham are palpably obvious.
This old-stager isn’t even particularly slow – the 1500cc Cosworth-modifed OHV Ford motor should give around 100-105hp, more than enough in a car that weighs just half a ton.
It’s rare, too. Ordinarily we might be tempted to link you through to the other Lotus Sevens for sale on PH, but this is the only one. Which possibly helps to explain that £33,995 asking price. Still, there is always a fine selection of Caterhams to pick from. But that’s not quite the same, is it?
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LOTUS SEVEN SERIES II
Engine: 1,498cc Cosworth/Ford 4-cylinder
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Power (hp): circa 100
Torque (lb ft): N/A
MPG: Chap selling it says around 25
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1965
Recorded mileage: 74,000
Looking at the open bonnet picture, the centre of the engine is well behind the lights which is rougly where the centreline of the front axle is.
If you have a look at some of the engine bay pics in the 'Caterham' classifieds, you'll see that the engine is usually a little further back (with just the cam chains/belts/front pulley, depending on engine type, hidden under the trailing edge of the nosecone), and even modern Caterhams have their engines mounted far forward compared to some 'Seven' type roadsters like Sylvas (and even Westfields).
Despite being very well developed, the design of the 'traditional' Caterham is starting to show it's age in some respects - engine position is one of them and the cobbled-on suspension modifications from the original design are another.
All about the character. Not grip levels or 0-60 times.
And a bit of cashing in on the retro-vibes hasn't done Morgan any harm recently has it? I'll take mine with hubcaps please.
It wouldn't be 'authentic' Caterham (since they started with the Series 3) but I must admit, I'd be tempted by a proper Seven S1 replica with wire wheels. 
And, yes, I concede your point about Caterham and S3. But, mmmm, shiny new S1s. Thatd be a great new starter in the range. Wonder how much work you'd need to do to a Coventry Climax to get it through current emissions!
Looking at the open bonnet picture, the centre of the engine is well behind the lights which is rougly where the centreline of the front axle is.
If you have a look at some of the engine bay pics in the 'Caterham' classifieds, you'll see that the engine is usually a little further back (with just the cam chains/belts/front pulley, depending on engine type, hidden under the trailing edge of the nosecone), and even modern Caterhams have their engines mounted far forward compared to some 'Seven' type roadsters like Sylvas (and even Westfields).
Despite being very well developed, the design of the 'traditional' Caterham is starting to show it's age in some respects - engine position is one of them and the cobbled-on suspension modifications from the original design are another.
Price does sound alot for that little car, but then I think this car is worth a look as a project, might have to negotiate a price though, as it sounds alot for the condition it is/isn't in. But I think it could be built up for maybe less than the one shown.
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C284619
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