This Classic – four-speed, live axle and with the handbrake where it belongs,
under the dash – was built from a kit for the first owner by Chas Berger
Motorsport. As an SE it has better seats and more power than the base model.
Its third owner has had it since 2015, and old MoTs confirm the limited mileage.
The history file includes the original invoice plus bills for servicing – and it
appears to never have needed anything major, or any damage repairs.
It’s in honest, driveable condition with a few scrapes to the aluminium
(especially under the front), some dings in the wing protectors and nicks in the
glassfibre, plus various event stickers attesting that it’s been enjoyed. The nose
(one of its fasteners is missing) is wrapped, and green underneath. The front
suspension and some of the lower chassis tubes are showing signs of surface
corrosion – curing this is an easy home project, at which time the perished
anti-roll-bar end bushes could be changed; the main mounts appear to be poly.
Typically, the diff is damp so the A-frame central bushes are, too, but so far look
in good shape – this is a 10-minute swap using Mole grips and a scissor jack. The
tyres are 2013-dated Falkens with lots of tread, the spare unused; the roof is
good, with a clear rear window, and the sidescreens are the moulded type with
extra elbow room. The leather seats have a little wear to their outer bolsters.
The 1700 motor has the typical Kent oil mist; the lubricant is darkish and
near ‘max’, the coolant clean and pink. It starts instantly, soon settles down to
a steady idle and drives really well, making all the right fighter-plane noises
and popping through the sidepipe on the overrun. You notice the extra power
over the base 100bhp model once over 5000rpm, and oil pressure is 3.5bar at
3500rpm once temperature is steady at 80ºC. It tracks and brakes straight
and the gearchange is as direct as they get, with good synchros. There’s a slight
squeak from the steering column top bush when manoeuvring, but no play.
The Q-plate keeps the price down, but if you don’t mind that – or some clean-up
work on the chassis and suspension – this is super value for a Lotus-spec Seven.SUMMARY
EXTERIOR
Good to fair; front suspension
looks ‘used’
INTERIOR
Slight wear to seat edges
MECHANICALS
In good health; a few bushes need
changing; sold with a new MoT
VALUE ★★★★★★★★✩✩
For Good value, and good to drive
Against Some of it needs
rustproofing and painting
SHOULD I BUY IT?
If you’re seriously in the market
for an old-school Seven, this is
very tempting at the moneyCase histories
CATERHAMCLASSICSESUPERSPRINT
Year of manufacture 1995 Recorded mileage 38,444
Asking price £10,995 Vendor European Classic Cars, Wilts;
07813 394167; http://www.europeanclassiccars.co.uk
WHEN IT WAS NEW
Price £9357.45 (plus £1000 build) Max power 135bhp Max torque 122lb ft
0-60mph 5.9 secs Top speed 111mph Mpg 20We test the classics that you can b y
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High Street, Cranfield Beds MK43 0BS
email: [email protected] • http://www.awsportscars.co.ukhttp://www.awsportscars.co.uk