February, 2007 - David Porter writes:
The original series 1 Lotus Seven was inverted by me at Paddock Bend. It was rebuilt and converted to i.r.s. by the late Hugh Haskell, at the time a Lotus development engineer at Cheshunt. Colin Chapman provided the Lotus 20 suspension parts hence the car was also known as the Lotus 7/20. The original car had a B.M.C. engine but this was replaced with a Ford 105E Cosworth Formula Junior unit.

Images above, left to right: 1961 prior to irs conversion, Wendy Hamblin Lotus 7 irs at Brands Hatch, David Porter at Prescott Hillclimb, 1963

Images left to right:
Colin Chapman at Silverstone 6 hour relay in1963, David Porter at Goodwood 1963, Porter at Goodwood 1963

In 1962 and 1963 the car scored victories at Aintree, Mallory Park, Goodwood, Snetterton, Brands Hatch, Ouston, Castle Combe,Oulton Park, and a 3rd at Elvington where the abrasive surface wore out a new set of racing tyres in 10 laps. It also finished 5th in the Leinster Trophy race where thanks to the hump-back bridges it finished the race with the differential supported only by the drive shafts and propellar shaft.

Colin Chapman drove the car in the 750 MC Silverstone 6 hour relay race in 1963.

I believe the is currently in an exhibition hall in Japan but I have no idea where. Can anyone enlighten me? Please email SimpleSevens with information.