Lotus Seven at Queen Creek Cars & Coffee, Rock Point Church
Just a couple of days ago my sister, who still lives in California, and I were discussing over a phone conversation what it might be like to own and drive a Lotus Seven. I opined that it might be similar to riding a motorcycle - quick, responsive, invigorating and driving with elevated awareness around you in traffic. She said that it might be very close to driving an Austin Healey Sprite, a car that she has now owned for decades. I suspect that most Sevens would be a lot quicker than most Sprites. Anyway, it was simply a thought exercise in conversation.
Seeing this one in the photo above was great - an actual Lotus Seven - its temporary license plate indicated 1960 as the year of manufacture and stating its manufacturer as Lotus..
Unlike a lot of cars at the Cars & Coffee shows in this area, there weren’t people hanging around this one which gave me clear, uninterrupted access for photos. I suspect that the majority of spectators here where I live did not know what in the world it was. Most enthusiast cars here tend to be built for acceleration, boulevard cruising or off road, not for the track. Perhaps they passed this little car with exposed suspension off as someone’s minuscule, quirky little garage-built special, not aware that the ‘someone’ was the legendary and esteemed Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman, CBE RDI*, more commonly known as Colin Chapman.
The engine cover was removed and then propped up at the rear of the car, giving clear visual access to the engine compartment without the usual hood/bonnet raised up on its hinges! Also of note, this one is fitted with a Mazda DOHC 4-cylinder engine. My guess is that it is one that belongs in a Mazda MX-5/Miata. Comments welcome!
License plates visible have been altered for privacy.
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*CBE = Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
RDI = Royal Designer for Industry
Lotus Seven at Queen Creek Cars & Coffee, Rock Point Church
Just a couple of days ago my sister, who still lives in California, and I were discussing over a phone conversation what it might be like to own and drive a Lotus Seven. I opined that it might be similar to riding a motorcycle - quick, responsive, invigorating and driving with elevated awareness around you in traffic. She said that it might be very close to driving an Austin Healey Sprite, a car that she has now owned for decades. I suspect that most Sevens would be a lot quicker than most Sprites. Anyway, it was simply a thought exercise in conversation.
Seeing this one in the photo above was great - an actual Lotus Seven - its temporary license plate indicated 1960 as the year of manufacture and stating its manufacturer as Lotus..
Unlike a lot of cars at the Cars & Coffee shows in this area, there weren’t people hanging around this one which gave me clear, uninterrupted access for photos. I suspect that the majority of spectators here where I live did not know what in the world it was. Most enthusiast cars here tend to be built for acceleration, boulevard cruising or off road, not for the track. Perhaps they passed this little car with exposed suspension off as someone’s minuscule, quirky little garage-built special, not aware that the ‘someone’ was the legendary and esteemed Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman, CBE RDI*, more commonly known as Colin Chapman.
The engine cover was removed and then propped up at the rear of the car, giving clear visual access to the engine compartment without the usual hood/bonnet raised up on its hinges! Also of note, this one is fitted with a Mazda DOHC 4-cylinder engine. My guess is that it is one that belongs in a Mazda MX-5/Miata. Comments welcome!
License plates visible have been altered for privacy.
=====================
*CBE = Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
RDI = Royal Designer for Industry