1959 Lotus Super Seven America

2dr Roadster

4-cyl. 948cc/37hp 1bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$29,700 CAD*

-1.3%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph01/2404/2407/24$10k$20k$30kOct 2024
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1957-1972 Lotus Seven stats
Highest sale
$338,878 CAD
Lowest sale
$5,053 CAD
Most recent sale
$24,375 CAD
Sales
43

Photos

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Model overview

Model description

Aside from the Shelby Cobra, there is perhaps no other car more aped by kit and replica manufacturers than the simple Lotus Seven. More than 150 companies have tried their hand at Seven replicas--some more ably than others--and it is a testament to the special driving characteristics inherent in these little British roadsters that even today they are still recognized as one of the best-driving machines on the road.

The automotive world has Colin Chapman to thank for the Lotus marque. Chapman was both an engineer and a tinkerer, and he gained a reputation in the 1950s as a man capable of constructing winning race cars. Lessons learned from his day job at British Aluminum translated easily into what would become his pursuit of "adding lightness" to his little racers.

Chapman earned a devoted following through his advanced Mark VI sports racer, and by 1957 had been approached by a regular customer to design and build a road-going car capable of success in hillclimbs and track events as well.

The result was the Lotus Seven, a cycle-fendered open two-seater powered by an 1,172cc Ford 100E 4-cylinder with a deDion rear suspension and 4.5:1 final drive. The engine was capable of anywhere from 28 to 40 hp, depending on compression ratio and carburetion; a single downdraft Solex carb was standard, though twin SUs could be fitted. A Ford 3-speed manual transmission with Lotus gear change mechanisms put power to the rear wheels, which were bolted to live rear axles borrowed from the Nash Metropolitan.

The Seven evolved over four series, and would include several powerplants, ranging from mundane to spectacular, including the rare Twin-Cam SS of 1969, with just 13 built. But all Sevens shared the same basic philosophy that would characterize every subsequent Lotus, from road cars to World Championship-winning Formula One machines: light weight and simplicity.

Unstressed, unadorned aluminum body panels were stretched over a lightweight steel space frame, and early cars weighed as little as 725 pounds. Many were delivered unpainted, and polished-aluminum Sevens are not uncommon. Front suspension was independent, courtesy of transverse wishbones with an anti-roll bar and MacPherson struts, while the solid rear axle used twin parallel trailing arms and a diagonal link. Common to all Sevens were rudimentary accommodations and a lack of refinement, with no apologies. Creature comforts were non-existent and weather-proofing was more a rumor than a reality, with side curtains and tops optional.

With a wheelbase of just 88 inches, the entire package resulted in a road car teetering on the edge of go-kartishness. Acceleration was brisk at worst and stunning at best, depending upon the powerplant, and rarely has a car been so nimble.

Differences among the Series 1 through Series 4 cars deal mostly with the engines powering them. Dozens of motors would make their way into the cars over the years, from 998-cc, 43-hp units from the Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite to 1,600-cc Cosworth racing engines tuned for more than 125 hp.

In all, about 3,000 Sevens were built between 1957 and 1972, before Caterham Cars acquired the rights to produce them, which it does to this day.

Colin Chapman changed the face of performance car manufacturing with his humble little Seven. By placing the emphasis on small displacement and simple, lightweight chassis, he pioneered the "less is more" philosophy that would revolutionize the racing business throughout the 1960s, and which would see his own F1 teams win several World Championships.

All by adding lightness.

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Common Questions

The value of a 1959 Lotus Super Seven America can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $22,000 USD for a 1959 Lotus Super Seven America in good condition with average spec.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are representative of stock condition vehicles only and based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. Value adjustments for optional equipment are in U.S. dollars. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.CA/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of the Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.