Lotus 7 History update: I spoke with Jim Gallagher the famous Mazda Rotary transplant man and he remembers picking up this Lotus 7 in Long Beach, California with his friend Gerry Main.The car was purchased from Caterham in England. Jim helped with/oversaw the Mazda 12A engine install. He readily recognizes the roll bar, franz filter, the unique Dedion and long trailing arms. Jim raced the car in what he describes as fun runs when owners would swap car for laughs. The car competed in SCCSCC slaloms in California.The Seven went from Gerry Main to Harlan Schwartz in the mid seventies and I bought the beast in 2005. (Photo shows Gallagher driving)

This car has been sitting indoors in California for approx 20 years. The previous owner got involved in buying 3 Lotus cars, and assorted other racers. The cars sat and never got finished. This car was running when he bought it . Previous owner told me he put about 35 miles on the car and then ran into problems in life and all cars just sat in place. The car was raced in California. I bought the car as a package deal w/ a Lotus Elite. I have a nearly restored Seven so this car is for sale.

To me it can be restored with this engine as I'm told they are extremely fast of one can fit a more period Lotus Ford based engine. I would use triumph splined hub adapters and mount wires or change the rear end and fit bolt on wheels. It seems Jim Gallagher was one of the first to fit a Mazda engine to a Seven and has some connection with this car.

Chassis: original Lotus chassis. w/original lotus components id plate

Modifications:

Shock pick up points have been moved inward to accommodate new shock position w/ De Dion rear end. Original pick up points are still in original position. Roll bar added. Lower tubes from cockpit to rear of chassis are moved a few inches inward to clear new suspension arms. Tunnel area is braced along tunnel w/ square tube. Roll bar added. Front tube could use replacement. Rest of frame is orig and seems very solid and undamaged, with no mods. Original rad mounting points are still in place, I have 1 original rad top support.

Engine: 1972 Rotary Mazda engine, supposedly w/ steel crank,. Oil cooler mounted in front. The engne is mounted on orig seven mounts w. bar ala Elite. Very nice job of placement & fit. I'm told it should start right up.

Radiator: custom made large capacity for Mazda engine

Gearbox: supposedly close ratio Cortina 4 speed. Missing spring/ ball that keeps shifter captive .

Rear end: Dedion , not sure of make, pix shows top view & splined hubs.

Body, Aluminum: This seems to be an all original Pritchard and Williams body. I believe this body could be easily repairable if painted. Below front wings I have sanded the black paint and found only slight bits of spot putty , no glut of bondo! Tunnel looks to be cut and pushed inward for poss more room, cheaply made cover over orig tunnel. Hood scoop added.

Body, Fiberglass: front wings have some cracks but appear easily repairable. Car is fitted w/ later rear wings to accommodate wide wheels. Nose cone: very minor crazing, notched to allow for rad filler neck. Support for rear clamshell wing supports are not used, and were not supplied w/ car. Front supports are visible and are orig. Wings look to be original.

Windscreen: original w/ new side pillars

Interior: custom made vinyl seats in excellent condition. I pulled of much or the black vinyl from side panels and cheap rugs from floors.

Front suspension: all original in excellent condition.

Shocks: vintage koni, on all 4 corners

Electrical: fabricated/ modified loom. Gauges a mix of US/Brit

Notice on front driver side in front suspension pix there is electrical socket to plug in headlamps ala lotus elevennot sure if this is orig but looks great.

Steering: original steering column, orig rack and pinion, small alloy steering wheel.

Brakes: front brakes are original calipers, rear are unknown calipers brake/clutch masters and brake supports are all original.

Pedals/assembly: original

Wheels: front wheels standard in excellent shape, rear are wide centerline.

Tow bar: towbar made for this car, clamps on front crossmember, attaches to standard ball fitting

Fuel Tank: non existent, fuel cell rotted and thrown away.

Misc parts: original convertible top, 2 headlamps, black bullet type, exc shape, aluminum dash with original hole placement.