1973 Lotus Super 7
2-Owners/13k Original Miles
Unrestored Survivor
Numbers Matching Twin Cam/Big Valve Engine
Stock #0590
VIN # C533567TCR (CS3 3567 TCR)
ENG# 32497
13,500 Original Miles
Aluminum with Orange Fiberglass/Black Vinyl
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
Clean and Clear Arizona Title (was registered in California from 1987 to 2008)
No Accidents/Straight Original Car
Matching Numbers
Car located in Costa Mesa, CA
Colin Chapman developed the Lotus 7 in the late 50’s as a road-legal racer that embodied the spirit of all his designs: performance through low weight and simplicity. Unexpectedly, the model was incredibly successful. By the early 70’s Chapman was so focused on is F1 program and other modern road cars; he didn’t have time to manufacture the parts for the Lotus 7 cars. So, he sold everything to Caterham who had already been assembling the majority of the cars for Lotus. Who would have thought that this design would have lasted nearly 60-years.
In 1973, Lotus started the transition and Caterham started assembling their first Super 7’s as their own manufactured car. During that year, there was some crossover between the two companies. As a result, some cars that made it to the U.S. were titled as a Lotus. This Super 7 is believed to be one of the last cars built at Lotus and was sold new to a woman enthusiast that lived in Colorado. It was titled as a Lotus and even the original license plate said, “LOTUS 7” (which is included with the car). She kept the car as a weekend/summer toy. It was never tracked or abused. In 1987, she brought the car to Southern California in order to find a new owner.
The current owner lives in Newport Beach and purchased the car directly from the original owner. Initially, he registered the car in California; but, he found it easier to title it in Arizona (where he has vacation property). The car has lived covered in his garage here in Orange County. Like the first owner, he lightly used the car for weekend fun and never abused it or tracked it. This ownership history has really been the key to this car’s survival. It is remarkable how original and well preserved the car is.
The chassis is very dry with no rot or damage. The original orange fiberglass looks great. There is some light checking on some of the paint but it is subtle. The aluminum looks great with just minor scratches on the bonnet. The current owner ordered a NOS (new old stock) aluminum bonnet from Caterham many years ago. It is still in the box with all the original packaging. The original top and frame have never been installed on the car and although the top is a bit crispy, it is in very nice condition. The tires appear to be quite old as well which is remarkable. Although not recommended for spirited driving, the tires show very few signs of age. It is a testament to the overall preservation condition of this car.
Although this Lotus was not driven very often, it was routinely serviced by some of the best local mechanics. Recently, nearly $3,000 was invested to make sure the car was in great driving condition. The following services were performed:
Rebuild original carbs
New engine mounts
Test/clean fuel system
Major service (oil change, spark plugs, valve adjustment, tuning)
Service cooling system including radiator flush
As a result, the car drives fantastic. Shifting is smooth and the car starts easily. Power is extremely strong and the handling is very crisp. It is a joy to drive.
These cars were an important part of the common man sports car movement. There are very few intact/original survivors left.
Arizona registration paid through February 2017
This Lotus comes with a new extra aluminum bonnet, original top/frame, original Colorado “Lotus 7” license plate, extra keys, and original tonneau covers.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Paul at 714-335-4911 or paul@autokennel.com
For tons of photos, go to: www.AutoKennel.com
This vehicle is sold “as-is” with no warranty, written or implied. In some cases, the vehicle does have the remaining factory warranty still in place and will be described above if that is the case. All taxes and fees are the responsibility of the buyer and are not included in the listed price. All vehicle sales will require a $65 document fee. The vehicle listed is described to the best of our ability. The information is based on our own research and statements made to us by the previous owner(s). To the best of our knowledge, the above information is accurate. We are not responsible for errors in our description of options or any other details. The above-mentioned vehicle is used and can be expected to show some wear and tear. It is not a brand new vehicle. We do welcome all local pre-purchase inspections on vehicles in order to verify condition.
