Lotus Seven
MK7 #404

Lotus Seven, TBY 484, chassis # Mk.7/404, was built by Jack Richards, who was Competition Secretary of Club Lotus, in 1958. It is the second of the only five Sevens with Climax engines and de Dion rear suspension that were built by Lotus.

#404 was ex-works 20/12/1957 and road registered TBY 484 on 21st February 1958. Jack Richards built and used the car 'on the Hills'. Similar to #400 it had 15" wire wheels and 1098cc FWA Coventry Climax engine. It appears that TBY 484 is the third oldest surviving Lotus Seven.

Jack Richards was first owner of TBY 484, and the current owner is known of course, but little is known of the intervening years. No evidence has been found to suggest that TBY 404 was ever used on race circuits.

August 2107
MK7 #404 was displayed in public recently, and the spec has changed a little over the years, the car now having:
- ZF gearbox (rather than Morris Minor)
- 13" wire wheels (rather than 15")
- Series 2 GRP nose (rather than traditional Series 1 alminium 'droop-snoop')
- different profile aluminium front wings
- hydraulic clutch operation.

There is some debate as to the way forward for the car -- some in favour of sympathetic restoration and use, whilst others think it should be confined to a museum untouched...

Have a look over the current photos, and submit your thoughts here to: