Lotus Seven Matters

Sir,
The letter from Mr. M.C. Mercer in last month’s issue was of particular interest to me as during the last three years I have owned two Lotus Sevens. My latest Seven is the 1500 Cosworth model. My younger brother also owns a 1500 Seven, and we both have a number of friends who own Sevens of various types in the south of Hampshire.

Unfortunately, we have all found that assembly of these cars has taken considerably longer than advertised, and often parts are missing or do not fit properly. The Spare Parts Dept. at Lotus are often out of spares, and having to wait two to three weeks is not unusual. Although on some occasions delivery of parts has been very prompt, and I have found the same department very helpful at answering any technical queries. I would also like to add that whenever I have visited the factory and asked for a demonstration run I have always been given one with only a few minutes’ wait.

I also find the car tremendous fun to own and drive. It does, of course, represent excellent performance for money value. The latest versions are very much more comfortable than many people seem to believe. Having to supply and fits one’s own fuel gauge and external petrol filler cap (made up from tractor spares!) is, to say the least, annoying. I also feel that the seats could be greatly improved. Apart from the usual breakage of fan blades, half-shafts, and occasional cracking of the axle casing, the car has proved fairly reliable and cheap to run. As I am very much an enthusiast, I am able to overlook these shortcomings, and look forward to the day when I can afford an Elan.

Chandlers Ford. P.A. Bisset.