1971 Lotus Seven Series 4
A genuine 1971 Lotus Seven Series 4, chassis DNY 7J, finished in original Lotus Yellow and one of only 664 examples built by Lotus before Caterham acquired the design rights. The car carries a meaningful competition history, having been raced extensively through the 1980s and 1990s in HSCC championships including the 1970s Road Sports series and the Holly Birkett 6-Hour relay events. It has been reunited with its original 1.6-litre Ford Kent Crossflow engine, comprehensively rebuilt, and recently recommissioned to fast-road specification with thorough mechanical overhaul throughout.
Ownership
- 2025-08-22Auction saleEstimate £12,000 – £15,000
- 1971 →Factory deliveryUnnamed ownerpartial documentation
Car delivered new in 1971 as a genuine Lotus Seven Series 4; precise early ownership chain not detailed in the catalogue.
- 2025 →Private saleCurrent vendorpartial documentation
Purchased earlier in 2025 with the intention of returning the car to standard trim for road and occasional track use; decided to sell after completing a mechanical recommissioning due to a full garage and limited available time.
- Date unknownPeriod competition owner(s) during 1980s and 1990spartial documentation
The car was actively campaigned in HSCC events and relay races during this era; period photographs and documentation from this period are present in the history file.
Competition
- —HSCC 1970s Road Sports ChampionshipHSCC 1970s Road Sports Championship
Car is believed to have been a regular competitor in this championship during its active racing career in the 1980s and 1990s.
- —Holly Birkett 6-Hour Relay Races
Described as a regular participant in these relay endurance events during its competition career.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2025Engine rebuildDS Motorsport UK
The original Kent Crossflow engine was refitted and comprehensively rebuilt, incorporating new pistons, lightened and balanced internals, and a dry-sump lubrication system. The original carburettor was also overhauled.
Part of a broader recommissioning programme costing approximately £7,500 in total; receipts on file.
- 2025MechanicalDS Motorsport UK
Full recommissioning covering suspension, braking, and fuel systems; new lines and refreshed components throughout. The fuel tank was removed, cleaned, internally treated, and reinstalled with new hoses. The Type-E gearbox was fitted with a lightweight flywheel and twin-plate clutch.
Supporting receipts totalling £7,500 accompany the car.
- —Modification
The original 1.6-litre Ford Kent Crossflow engine was replaced with a Twin-Cam unit for use during the car's competition career.
The Twin-Cam was run for much of the car's racing life before the original engine was later refitted.
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