This 1973 Lotus Super Seven is a right-hand-drive Series 4 example that was originally sold new in the UK. It is powered by a “Big Valve” 1.6L twin-cam inline-four engine and features a replacement fiberglass tub along with chassis repairs carried out in the early 1980s. The car was subsequently imported to the US in the mid-2010s, where it underwent additional refurbishment including a color change to green, an engine rebuild, and more.
The Super Seven rides on 13″ Jupiter alloy wheels wrapped in 175/70 Firestone tires, with a matching spare stored at the rear. Suspension duties are handled by Gaz adjustable coilovers at all four corners, while stopping power comes from front disc brakes and rear drums. The bodywork was originally revised with the Series 4 introduction in 1970, featuring updated fiberglass panels with revised fenders and a flat tail panel. This particular example reportedly received its replacement fiberglass tub around 1981.
As part of the 2016 refurbishment, the body underwent gelcoat repairs, was re-epoxied, and refinished in green with a distinctive yellow nose stripe. Additional work in 2019 included repainting the left clamshell fender and repairing the side curtains. Exterior details include a bright grille, black side mirrors, Wipac headlamps, a rear fog light, and a folding black canvas soft top complemented by a black vinyl tonneau cover.
Inside the cockpit, fixed-back bucket seats trimmed in black vinyl with contrasting patterned inserts provide driver and passenger comfort. These are secured with Sabelt four-point harnesses. Additional interior features include a roll bar with a fire extinguisher mounted behind the passenger seat, a dash-mounted mirror, a wood shift knob, and a center armrest. The three-spoke steering wheel frames classic Smiths instrumentation installed in 2016, including a 140-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, oil pressure, coolant temperature, fuel level, and ammeter gauges, plus a clock located ahead of the passenger seat. The five-digit mechanical odometer displays just over 300 miles, although total mileage is unknown.
Under the hood, the “Big Valve” 1.6L twin-cam inline-four was reportedly installed in 1981. Significant engine work was performed by John Wilcox Competition Engines in 2014, which included overboring the cylinders, resurfacing the block face, and machining the intake ports. New components fitted during this rebuild featured dual Weber 45 DCOE carburetors, L1 camshafts from Kent Cams, forged pistons, ARP big-end bolts, steel main-bearing caps and studs, and replacement fuel and water pumps. Dynamometer test results from 2014 demonstrate the engine’s performance following these upgrades.
Since then, the engine has been further maintained with the installation of a PerTronix ignition system and replacement freeze plugs. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission, with a replacement clutch assembly installed in 2014. The exhaust system consists of a four-into-one header that flows into stainless-steel piping and terminates with a muffler at the rear.
The chassis was refurbished in 1982 to maintain structural integrity and performance. Overall, this well-maintained and thoughtfully restored 1973 Lotus Super Seven is presented with a clean California title, accompanied by a collection of purchase records, prior correspondence, and service documents.
Currently offered on dealer consignment, this iconic British lightweight roadster represents a compelling opportunity for enthusiasts seeking a classic Lotus experience with tasteful upgrades and documented history.
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