Lotus Seven Series 2

Lotus Seven Series 2

The Lotus Seven is perhaps the most influential small sports car ever created. Designed by Colin Chapman and launched in 1957, it embodied his famous maxim: 'Simplify, then add lightness.' The Seven was a tubular spaceframe chassis clothed in minimal aluminum bodywork, with cycle fenders, no doors (just cutaways), no roof, and barely enough room for two adults. It was brilliantly, savagely simple. What made the Seven special was its weight — or lack thereof. At under 500 kg, even modest engines provided extraordinary performance. The Series 2 (1960-68) is considered the definitive version, with improved suspension, a wider body, and the option of Ford's Kent or Cosworth-tuned engines. The driving experience was — and remains — intoxicating: no power steering, no ABS, no electronic aids, just a direct mechanical connection between driver and road. The Seven was hugely popular as a kit car, allowing buyers to save on purchase tax. When Lotus wanted to move upmarket, Chapman sold the Seven rights to Caterham Cars in 1973, who continue to build it today in essentially the same form. The Seven and its derivatives have been the backbone of club racing for over six decades, and its influence can be seen in everything from the Ariel Atom to the BAC Mono.