Registration - Q514 APN

Chassis No. - WPH190355

M.O.T. - March 2023

Odometer - 5,640

Colin Chapman’s ubiquitous Lotus Seven was launched as long ago as 1957, yet the concept is, if anything, more popular today than it was then. When Lotus ceased Seven production in 1972/1973, Caterham acquired the manufacturing rights and have built cars to the original design ever since. However, such has always been the demand for affordable wind-in-the-hair machines that a number of other companies have successfully marketed look-alike models, among which was Robin Hood Engineering of Sherwood, Nottingham, who manufactured such two-seaters from 1980 to 2006, when its assets were purchased by Great British Sports Cars.

The company’s stainless steel monocoque S7 model proved very popular when offered between 1989 and 1999, examples of which were generally fitted with Ford Pinto engines, and it was a 1.6-litre version of that unit that originally supplied the power for ‘Q514 APN’. However, it would seem one of the car’s five previous keepers was a Triumph fan, and it is now a 2.0-litre TR7 powerplant that nestles below the stainless steel engine cover. In all other respects this tidy example is probably much as when it was constructed in 1996, with the red fibregless wings and nose cone contrasting perfectly with the polished stainless steel tub and bonnet, and Minilite-style wheels. Indeed, the only obvious amendment is the discreet cage the vendor has had built around the fuel tank as added protection in the event of an accident. He presently views the four-cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission, bodywork, paintwork and upholstery as all being in ‘good’ condition, and is only selling the potent little two-seater as he has nowhere to store it in the winter.

In summary:

• Equipped with a 2.0-litre Triumph TR7 engine
• Accompanied by expensive paperwork
• Rides on Minilite-style wheels shod with Falken tyres