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HISTORIC SEVEN PARTS ~ SUPPLIERS ~ FACTORY APPOINTED PARTS & SERVICE CENTRE ~ IJ REDLIIIE ~ COMPONENTS TEL: {01883} 346515 FAX: (01883} 341604 ":«.LTD TIMBER HALL, 19 TIMBER LANE, CATERHAM, SURREY CR3 6LZ \\

s e v e n s

Enthusiastic family business Parts and accessories available Old and new models maintained Lotus and specialists Menu servicing or bespoke for your use Modifications or upgrades for road & track

CONTINUOUS SEVEN 1977-2007 SERVICE FOR THIRTY YEARS

Caterham Approved Fireblade Parts I www.jameswhiting.com Appletree Works, 26-30 Glenfield Rd, Ashford, Middx TW I 5 IJL t) +44 (0) 1784 241466 f) +44 (0) 1784 25091 5 ....VI Club administration and membership services VI ·::;;rtl including Event Support Vehicle (ESV) bookings, Calendar :::l coordination and advertising in Lowflying ..c ....c

A Seven's tale Regalia and Brand Manager tracing the and the owners 26 David Nelson • [email protected] Our former Chairmen Area meetings directory 30 LRF I Ntl Coordinator Dave Mirylees (founder) Rachael Sangha* Lol Pilfold Nuke the Leuk, PO Box 585, A member's tale Cambridge CB1 OFN Nick Richens a weekend to remember 32 t: 01223 271440 m: 07974 097771 Roger Swift nuketheleu k@lotus 7club . com Keith Jecks Andrew Walker Classified advertisements 34 Members' Benefits Coordinator Geoff Brown • Steve Winterberg t: 01793 876465 Diary of events 36 [email protected]

Editor & Designer Trade advertising Tony Pashley• see Club administration, above t: 020 8771 8337 The Lotus Seven Club is the trading name of Seven Club Limited. Registered office: Horsingtons Yard. [email protected] For non-receipt of Lowflying, Tiverton Place, Lion St. Abergavenny NP7 5PN. Company registration number 3880568. change of address or back issues A copy of the Company's constitution and rules is available on written request to the Company Secretary. contact the Membership Secretary Submissions by post to: Please note: Views expressed herein are nat necessarily those of Seven Club Limited ('the Club'), merely the Lotus Seven Club, PO Box 7, Lowflying is printed by views and experiences of individual writers. Opinions (whether technical or otherwise)should not be construed Abergavenny NP7 5WQ Shanleys Ltd, as precise authoritative advice. The Club recommends readers to take specific professional advice and that Units 38-39 Britannia Way, technical and/or mechanical work is only undertaken by suitable qualified individuals. The Club does not accept Bolton BL2 2HH any liability for any loss or damage suffered by any reader after reading this publication, acting upon matters Submissions by email to: t: 01204 523773 discussed or taking part in events mentioned. Editorial coverage or advertising does not imply endorsement. articles@l otus7 clu b.com www.shanleys.co.uk

August 2010 Lowflying 1 Our Administration Secretary Sam Pearce reports from behind the scenes-or beyond the phone line ... SAM'SBLOG

On Saturday 3rd July, Dan and I made a trip witnessing the warm-up session before the Mark Durrant explained that they were too break to Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb to witness Round competition in the afternoon but, boy, were the timing beams used to get accurate times. 8 of the Club's Speed Championship. The the vehicles coming up quick! We watched a After Lunch we headed up the hill and settled weather was beautiful with glorious sunshine few go by, then headed to the paddock area. down under a tree near the 'S' bend with an and we knew it was going to be an exciting It was really good to be able to get up close ice cream. Shelsley Walsh is so picturesque day out. On the approach to the site we to the especially as there were many and the cars Looked stunning as they howled wondered if we'd taken a wrong turn: all we classic and unusual ones, although I was up the hill. We had the pleasure of meeting a could see for miles around were rolling hills doubtful that they would all go home in full few members including Lisa and Matthew dotted with trees and fields of Lazy sheep working order after the hillclimb! Willoughby and Mike Guest. and cattle. The line of Sevens was not difficult to spot and, Before we knew it the day had passed and We passed a few classic cars and so guessed we as usual. I tried to make intelligent observa­ everyone (apart from a few that had technical were still on the right road; suddenly the tions about each Seven to im press my husband. difficulties, or had left the track in style ...) had entrance to the car park (a field) was there and Unfortunately I have a habit of forgetting the taken their turn on the hill. as we pulled in we could make out the distant names of things and referred to the wheel screaming of engines and the smell of burnt arches as wheel covers and was totally flum­ I highly recommend a day out at Shelsley rubber and oil! Yes, we were in the right place. moxed as to what the black plastic things were Walsh as it is a lovely location; you can get up We put some sun lotion on and made our way on the front of each grill. I cleverly speculated close to the cars, there are many spots on to the fence overlooking the bottom of the that they may be some kind of air deflection the hill to stop and enjoy the action and the hill climb. It was before Lunch so we were just device and was later a bit embarrassed when atmosphere was electric. Simply brilliant!

Festival of Transport, Hellingly, East Sussex 28th-30th August

THE NORTH KENT AREA will be having a Club parking area displaying More about the event: our cars at the Festival of Transport, on the Bank Holiday weekend ­ An event flyer can be downloaded at http:/jtinyurl.comjFO T-Flyer that's August 28th, 29th and 30th. A brief video of just some of the attractions last year can be seen here: The show is held about ten miles to the north of Eastbourne, East http:/ jtinyurl.comj/FOT09 -video Sussex, on the A267 at Hellingly, East Sussex BN27 4DT. It's an interest­ and a clip of our hooning at http:/jtiny url.comjFOT09-sevens ing and varied event with everything from cycles, motorbikes, cars, To join the car's in the Club area: commercials, military vehicles and steam engines to an autojumble Weather permitting, we'll be there on the Sunday and Monday, and entry and trade stands. is free fo r pre-registered exhibitors. So, if you'd like to join us please There are events in the show ring (have you seen Traction Engine download and complete an entry form, as a pdf, from here racing?!), working exhibits such as a steam-driven timber mill, wood­ http:/jti nyurl.comj FOT1 0-Entryform crafts, and a steam laundry. On the form, under 'other details', please give a brief spec. of your car A beer tent provides refreshment for the adults, whilst a traditional (which may appear in the programme), and add "Lotus Seven Club stand". fairground with steam-drive n galloping-horse caro usel will keep the Please return entry form asap to secure enough space fo r our stand - the kids amused. deadline is shown as 30th June, but we've been given a few days' grace. About fifteen members had a great time last year, and a few of us were even invited into the show ring for some impromptu hooning! Return the form FAO Tim Young (Class X- Car Clubs), direct to his address Unfortunately Elf 'n' Safety have decided we can't do that this year, but which can be found on the conditions of entry pdf: http://tiny url.com/FOT10-Conditions there will be a parade lap and there is always the Lady and Vehicle competition to enter. . . Please also email [email protected] and let us know which There's free overnight camping and usually a live band in the beer day(s) you're coming so we can keep track of numbers and keep you up to tent in the evenings for those that wish to stay over (but you do need date with the plans. to book, as camping space is limited). We look forward to seeing you! NoRTH KENT ARs

--2 Lowflying August 2010 News and events A winner at Gawsworth Hall report from Kath Pendleton

Area Representative fo r Lancashi re and District Sevens (LADS), Pa ul Richards, won a prize for Best Modern Classic Above: Sevens out in force at Car out of hundreds of con tenders at the Gawsworth Hall Gawsworth. Left and above: Paul Richards took the prize for Classic Car Show in May. LADS attend this event annually Best Modern Classic; above, and we were all pleased for Paul as he'd spent the winter with his beautifully-presented working on his car-and it looks superb. His award was Seven and a Gold-Leaf Team presented to him by Rupert Richards (no relatio n), the son of Lotus-liveried Euro pa in the the fa mily at Gawsworth Hall , Cheshire. background.

oultonparll.co.uk

A chance to get on track on the glorious International circuit at Oulton Park in a Sevens-only group; photograph courtesy of xtreme photography

The Club has arranged an exclusive Club mem­ get 7 x 20 minute sessions on the day. We will 105db which all cars must pass - but this has bers' session at a trackday being shared with also have free use of a block of ten garages for not given us any problems in previous track circuit operators Club MSV and another trackday members to use. Track-driving instruction by days held at the circuit; entry fee is £175. operator. We will get exclusive use of one 20- two fully qualified ards instuctors is available An entry form is included in this month's minute session per hour, which means you will free of charge. There'll be a static noise test of Lowflying to enable you to book your place.

August 2010 Lowflying- 3 REIS REIS

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4 Lowflying August 2010 Membership matters The Lotus Seven Club says hello to new members who have recently joined us ... ur new members

Paul Allen, Sand hurst Graham Keen, Bardon And welcome back to these former members Robert Browne, Wallington Neil Ketley, Upminstcr who have returned to the fold ... Mr J and Mrs V Bywater, London Alistair Mcilroy, Newtown Abbey Mr C and Mrs J Anderson, Yelverton Mr D Cahill and Ms J Baldwin, Pin ner Mr Mand Mrs C Osborn, Petts Wood Mr J and Mrs H Fergusson, USA Guy Convert, London James Parker, Rciga te Mr P Milner and Miss C Hugeron, Epsom Antony Couch, Burnley Dr Robyn Pritchard, Basildon John Reed, Frampton Cotterell

Alastair Donald, Attlcborough Marco Salvini, Milan, I TALY Mr Mand Mrs K Renton, London Mr N and Mrs T Edwards, Henley-on-Thames Mr D Scott and Mrs K Vernon, Ta rporley

Mr J Fisher and Mrs S Fisher, Grand Rapids Mr C Smith and Mrs A Smith, Kirkcaldy We're always pleased to hear from new members: David Gardner, Swynnerton Duncan Williams, Bridgnorth tell us a little about yourself, haw you first became aware of the Seven and how you are Mr and Mrs J Henson, Manchester Mr J and Mrs S Wills, Kingston getting on with the Seven experience (or. perhaps, Mr K and Mrs D Hoods, Beckenham haw you tried, but couldn't live without one!).

l T H I NK I H AVE always been some kind of petrol-head. Cars and engines have always been of great interest to me. The cars became increasingly 'perfect' over the last thirty years and instead of getting more excitement these cars started to bore me more and more. l always liked the Volkswagen Beetle (no wonder for a German, I think!), so I bought a vw APAL Buggy: a nice car to drive around the countryside, but a little bit slow after a while ... So I started to look to Britain , where dozens of different kit-ca rs where driv­ ing around-an absolute paradise! To get started I bought a simple, and old, Dutton B+. The condition was not too good, but it had a German registration which was a very big adva ntage. I ended up working much more in the garage or looking fo r spare parts on the internet than I did enjoying the narrow and winding roads of Hohenlohe, where l live. JUrgen and his wife, Ricarda collect the Seven from So I sold the Dutton and went for the only original Seven you can get today Gunther Schleyer's dealership in Kempten. and bought a wonderful Caterham Academy 2005. The car was imported at the end of by Gunther Schleyer. Gunther runs a Caterham dealership in Kempten in the south of Germany. His competence and service is excellent and I really can recommend him to everybody who is thinking about an imported Seven. Jurgen Schwan

Like son, like father?

Following in his son's footsteps!? Publisher and Alan) has already managed a couple of top-ten Lotus Seven Club member Alan Whibley, fro m fin ishes in sprints at Curborough and Snetterton Groombridge in Kent. is racing for the charity and is preparing for the first race of his Oemelza House in this year's Caterham Academy Academy series at Rockingham in July. Series. He's following in the wheeltracks of his So far Alan's exploits have has raised over son, Ben, who won the Academy last year and £2000 for charity. If you'd like to donate, go to has already progressed to taking top-three fin ­ www.justgiving.comjgrovehousepublishing ishes in the Roadsport B series races. Or you can email him [email protected] Alan Whibley finished Alan, who has a one-year-old granddaughter, and he will donate any money raised by Club his first event at Snetterton, Daisie, (Who says a grandfather can't race? asks members to Nuke-the-Leuk. despite cracking a rib!

August 2010 Lowflying--- 5 Our tribute event, described by Martin Bushaway The Graham Nearn Memorial Blat Sunday 5th September

WHILST BRINGING ONE of the very special, and completely barmy, Caterham Levantes We also hope to assemble a selection of ex­ to a Surrey Area meeting last year, Russell Savory gave me an update to the ongoing press and 'motorshow' cars as these were of restoration of the fascinating Stow Maries Aerodrome-situated between Malden and pa rticular interest to Graham and Jane. To this end I'd appreciate it if owners of such cars South Woodham Ferrers in Essex; this has lain dormant for nea rly 100 years and who are planning to make the trip would get gives a fascinating insight into the lives of First World War officers, pilots and crew. in touch with me beforehand to allow us to Russell intimated we may be invited along sometime ... formulate a cu nning plan! Please email me at [email protected]

Since then, the Club has tried to think of a STARTING POINTS Whilst at the Aerodrome, Russell will give suitable way for us all to remember Graham guided tours to those wishing to learn more of Nearn since his untimely passing late last year Choose you r preferred start location from: this unique venue, with vintage planes hope­ and wondered how we could best show our Caterham South fully on display to complete the scenario. appreciation to his fami ly of the ongoing CATER HAM , Su RR EY CR3 6LB legacy we all know and love. Well, the seeds of Caterham Midlands, a masterplan were sown last winter; we hit a EARL SH ILTON, LEICESTERSHIRE LE9 7TJ little turbulence in that planning which means we have not been able to give as much notice Millwood Motor Company, as we would like-but here we are now ready DURSLEY, GLOUCESTERSHJRE G Lll SDH to take bookings for .. . The Graham Ncam Ketteringham Hall, J\l!emorinl Blat WYMONDHAM, NORFOLK, NR18 9RS. have kindly offered use of their showrooms fo r three of the start-points options and with little persuasion the BOOKING AND COSTS 'Carrotlanders' (Norfolk and Suffolk Areas) kindly agreed to incorporate their annual Big Ticket price is £12.50 per person or £10 if We need to gauge numbers in advance to Under 16s £10 per person Blat into this event and have arranged for allow us to sort out ca tering, loos and so forth. their starting point to be Ketteringham Hall, This includes a hog roast on , with a The ticket price is £12.50 per person or £10 if the former Lotus Headquarters. vegetarian option if preferred. you are under 16. This includes a hog roast on All this has tempted Rob and Jane Nearn to arrival with a vegetarian option if preferred. The ticket price also includes a charitable venture out in KAR 120c and join us in our donation to the Stow Maries Museum Trust The ticket prices also include a charitable congregation where, by massing together we which is to thank Russell for the extremely donation to the Stow Maries Museum Trust can pay tribute to the lasting legacy Graham generous use of the aerodrome. which is to thank Russell for the extremely has left us. They will be joined by those from generous use of the ae rodrome. An equal An equal amount will also be given to Ntl Caterham Cars, past and present, to relax and amount will also be given to NtL as the chosen as the chosen charity of the Nearn family. enjoy the day together with us all. charity of the Nearn fa mily. At each location you will find hot drinks Use the form opposite to order your tickets, We have a marquee booked for the event and food to help you on your way. food and event details. ki ndly provided by Caterham Cars but would The routes have been lovingly created using request those wishing a little comfort while the best Seven-friendly roads we can find with they eat bring their own picnic chairs to allow a veritable delight of bends, roundabouts and us some freedom for several uses of the mar­ possibly a tunnel for the full aural experience! quee as the day unfolds Drive at your own pace, hopefully following We arc hoping, weather perm itting, to So please fi ll out the form below, come and the route instructions provided, or follow the arrange an aerial photograph of all our cars in join us in a mass blat, soak up the atmosphere car in front and follow their interpretation of a formation on the runway (and I'm looking of this un iq ue First World War Aerodrome the route! You will eventually find yourself for volunteers to help me coordinate this!). We and meet friends old and new. parking at Stow Maries Aerodrome in Essex would then hope copies would be made avail­ Lets make this a record breaking gathering with fellow Seveners from around the country. able following the event. and do Graham proud. •

-6 Lowflying 4 'au

Fl star back behind the wheel of a Seven ...

Grand Prix driver , of Lotus Racing, was in Quebec City for a pre-race event at Savini wine bar prior to the Canadian GP. Also in attendence was Club member Raymond Poitras with his Seven. Trulli expressed his interest in the Seven by trying out Raymond's car for size­ although he'd demonstrated a bike-engine car in the past he admitted the Seven was an aspect of Lotus history he'd been Less familiar with.

In the photograph Jarno is seen (Left) shaking hands (Left) with Evilio (manager of Savini); between them, in the white shirt, is the proud Seven owner, Raymond. Trulli Looks very happy to be there and it must have made Raymond's day too!

Ifyou've ever wondered how an Italian racing driver comes to have a Scandinavian-sounding first name, he's named after Finnish motorcycling legend Jarno Saarinen. Saarinen and Renzo Pasolini died in a controversial crash at Monzo in '73. Trulli's father was a Jon, but such was the Finn's popularity that Jarno was not an uncommon name for Italian boys barn in the 'seventies. Tony

please use t his form, or a photocopy, or download from the Club website " ...... "." ...... The Graham Nearn Memorial Blat 5·9·10

Please send your completed form with MEMBERSHIP NO. cheque payable to Seven Club Ltd to: NAME Sam Pearce Lotus Seven Club EMAIL ADDRESS TEL NO. PO Box 7 Abergavenny NP7 5WQ NUMBER OF TICKETS REQUIRED AT £12.50 PER ADULT

NUMBER OF TICKETS REQUIRED AT £10 P ER UNDER- 16 If you do not own a cheque book, please contact Sam Pearce on 01873 736356 to TICK YOUR PREFERRED FOOD OPTION Hog roast ------arrange alternative payment. Vegetarian option You will receive an email confirming your TICK YOUR CHOSEN STARTING LOCATION Caterham South booking along with the final instructions Caterham Midlands and details of your chosen route. Mill woods If you do not have an email address, we will post details to the address we have Ketteringham Hall on file for you. Total amount

...... " ...... " ......

August 2010 Lowflying 7 WE ARE DELIGHTED to announce that john Bransfield will take over from Malcolm Godfrey as Event Support Vehicle Manager at the end of this year. John is from Haworth i11 West Yorkshire and has been a Club member for the last five years, regularly attending LADS meetings in his home-built Roadsport. Recently enjoying more leisure time after full-time employment as a printer, and married with two grown-up daughters, John is looking forward to meeting many of you during the course of 2011 and beyond. Adrian Williams

ESV manager, Malcolm Godfrey, who stands down at the end of the year, looks back on the first three years of the Club's high-profile asset.

To MANY Cws members, the ESV is a regular active Club members testing their cars and customer comments from operating the ESV, part of their summer sports and social activi­ abilities to the limit. Some venues are spartan I have worked closely with David to clear the ties, going together like Wimbledon and and the ESV provides shelter from rain, wind surplus. The way is now open for a new oper­ strawberries, cricket and cucumber sand­ and sun as well as sustenance. ati on, balancing customer preference with wiches or football and ... disappointment? For campers, the awning metamorphoses realistic sales potential. Those familiar with its silver livery and logos from a daytime cafe/shop to a bar at night may be surprised at the number of members I with tales of exploits and creative ideas of Three years in the life of the ESV have met who are getting its benefit fo r the what part of the (human) body should be hid­ What should I pick out as highlights? first time. den with what parts of a Caterham for next Members are proud of the ESV: It promotes Before I took over the operation, 1 myself year's calendar photo competition! the Club well alongside other clubs. They also thought the initials might refer to a develop­ The ESV also attends blats, Club activities appreciate the service it gives. So, as the oper­ ment of the Caterham Seven sv (I drive one and multi-club events-a Ia Stoneleigh - in ator you get the benefit of being a part of

myself that I built back in 2001). So, here is various parts of the country. With the latter something which has been worthwhile. some basic information . .. the emphasis shifts to promoting the Club to l have enjoyed watching people develop the public and possible membership recruit­ their driving skills. r have attended Dunsfold What is the ESV? ment. We have worked closely with our col­ Handling Day (a terrific event) five times. It is It is an extended-bodied Yolkwagen TDI 35 leagues at Caterham to mutual benefit. Often still great to see the slightly nervous first-event

LWB van (that's highline and long wheelbase) a member of the public sits in a Seven for the attendees transform to happy smiling faces at that the Club bought second-hand back in first time and says "I didn't realise they were the end of the day as they begin to rea lise the 2007 to replace the aged Beryl the Bus. so small." I refrain from m aking comments potential of the Seven in a safe off-the-road A bespoke awning altaches to the body and on burger consumptio n and diplomatically environment. A year later they can turn up an alloy frame to create a marquee and storage indicate an sv! sprinting at Curborough. area with an overall footprin t of 10m x 6m. There are perks as well. I have learnt more The inside of the van has a raised floor to store The role of the ESV operator about Sevens fro m chatting and picking up the bulk of the frame. The operator is responsible for the keep and tips from sitting in on GTKY7 sessions. Thanks Different equipment is required for differ­ maintenance o f the vehicle and associated also to those who have enabled me to enjoy ent events: apart from the cafe tables, chairs, equipment, as well as ensuring it turns up on some trackday time with them plus that trip generator and tea urn we also have a large time at the events. There is almost as much round the Top Gear circu it in John Reaks' plasma screen, DVD player, iPod dock and bar­ involved in the preparation for events as the Ferrari F430 Scuderia. becue, any of which can be used fo r the ben e­ event itself. It is a hands-on role, catering for But it's been the people that have made the fit of members or in promoting the Club. In members needs, as well as being an ambassa­ three years really so enjoyable. l have met liter­ addition, the bulk of the Club's regalia sales dor fo r the Club. all y hundreds of members of our great Club are currently made from the ES V. A large part of the operatio n is sell ing and made many friends in that time. regalia and worth particular mention. The What is interesting is that there is such a Events- diverse and otherwise range and stock holding had grown too exten­ rich mix of members but with a commo n I took over the operation in early 2008. By sive for a Cl ub our size· to operate ­ interest. There are also various active groups the end of this year I will have attended over cially. David Nelson took over as Regalia providing their own epicentre based on geog­ fifty events with the van; these include sprints, Manager at the time I joined the Management raphy or activity within the Club. hillclimbs and trackdays for some of our most Team. With the 'sharp end' sales detail and Members can regard their sub-group as >

-8 -Lowflying August 2010 team talk event support vehicle our name What's in a name? Mark Durrant concludes the debate.

MANY THANKS TO those who voted on the matter of a possible change to the name of the Club; the results are shown below.

Ballot results

Lotus Seven Club for Caterham and Lotus Seven enthusiasts 412

Caterham Seven Club for Caterham and Lotus Seven enthusiasts 63

Seven Club for Caterham and Lotus Seven enthusiasts 120

Caterham and Lotus 7 Club for Caterham and Lotus Seven enthusiasts 152

(spoilt ballot papers) 5

turnout 752 'The Club' as o ften there is limited crossover. A relatively new addition Each group has its own focus, character and to the Club, our Event Support Vehicle has already become a needs which can be a challenge to th e familiar and popular amenity Management Team. It has been a privilege of among members. Whilst the number of members voting would not my current role however, and an opportunity We thank Malcolm for the hard no t available to many, to have shared time work and enthusiasm that be sufficient to implement a change as a result of the with so many of these groups across the Club. has helped make this so, and ballot, it is very positive that of the votes cast, one look forward to supporting name achieved a clear majority. John Bransfield in building on In view of that decisive margin, we do not envisage A word of thanks this success from next year. T he current way of operating the ESV revisiting this topic in the foreseeable future. The team requires the support of many mem bers-from will now start work on including the strapline on the helping erect the awning in terrible weather to Club's websites, Event Support Vehicle, Membership advice on why don't I do it another way. To aU cards etc, to better explain the Club's identity. those who have given physical or moral sup­ Mark Durrant, CHA IRMAN port- THANK YOU. I am delighted john is taking over the role in

2011 and confi dent that it will move forward in his hands. For myself, I am looking forward to continuing as an active member of the Club Next month's Tean Talk will provide and being able to participate in more events in an update on Club Regalia. my own Seven. • Augusc 2010 lowflying- 9 Daydream Believers Since 1995, 700 ordinary men & women have made their racing driver dream come true in the Caterham Academy

Martin Jeffs, 56 Adam Pile, 19 Richard Davies, 26 Software Developer John Saunders, 48 Tennis Coach Dentist Train Driver

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The 7 Workshop 01992 470 480 www. 7workshop.com Unit B, Woodside Industrial Workshop GET TO KNOW YOUR This month we begin a major series looking at the essentials of maintaining your Seven. Even if you don't want to become a home mechanic, we hope this will encourage you to learn a little more about your car. The notes for this series are prepared by Andy Belcher, Rob Davis and Michael Calvert, and the photographs are by Jamie Jones. So, Let us begin .. .

Du ri ng t his series, we'll be looking at the followi ng:

Introduction Safety is a very important issue when work­ Raising and lowering the car • including front and rear axle stand ing on the car, so you must take the appropri­ OwNING A SEVEN can bring you a positions and trolley jack lifting points ate precautions; specific examples of this will wide range of experiences; one of these be emphasised as part of this series. It goes Engine and transmission oil is the opportunity to carry out the without saying that no work on any safety­ • oil change for dry sump and wet sumps, • oil filter removal and re-fitting, servicing of the car yourself. Although related area should be undertaken unless the • checking and topping-up gearbox oil, many prefer to entrust the main­ person undertaking that work is fully confi ­ • changing gearbox oil (specific models), dent in being able to complete the tasks to the tenance of their 'pride and joy' to one • checking and topping-up differential oil. of the many specialist garages available, required standard. Certain more complex jobs, outside of routine servicing, should only Front wheel bearings carryi ng out your own servicing • checking bearings for excessive play be tackled by a competent professional, or at can save you money, provide immense least with experienced help. If in doubt, a Wheel and tyres satisfaction and bring you a step request for help on BlatChat or at your local • checking tyre condition and tread depth, • wheel nut re-tightening torques closer to understanding the running of Club meeting is more likely than not to result your car. in the offer of assistance. Brakes Over the coming months, this series The CSR benefitted from many technical • checking condition of discs, • checking brake pad thickness, of articles will build upon the theme developments over Caterham's more tradi­ . • changing brake pads, tional variants, including inboard front sus­ of the Get to Know Your Seven ( GTKY7) • handbrake operation pension, independent rear suspension (and a experience days which have been -developed engine); the CSR pres­ Suspension regularly organised through the Club, ents certain particular servicing considera­ • general suspension security checks, • lubricating trunnions (where appropriate), and extend into providing an overview tions over the more fam iliar Series 3 cars. But • A-frame bush of the basic tasks and procedures re­ as far as possible this series is targeted at the quired to maintain your Seven. broad spectrum of Caterham owners across Prop-shaft • greasing universal joints on prop shaft Series 3, sv and CSR variants. (Series 3 and SV) Undertaking a yearly service will require you to have a basic knowledge of the workings Fuel system of the car- however it does not require you to • checking fuel lines for security and leaks be a mechanic or expert. This series of articles • changing fuel filter • carburettor balance and idle settings will take you through the service procedure, identifying any specific tools and parts Fluids required. Relevant pictures will add to the • checking coolant, brake and clutch fluid understanding of the steps, along with partic­ Air filter ular safety instructions. For owners who have • checking and changing air filters not undertaken such tasks before, or maybe General inspection items are not confident at this stage, we hope to pro­ • exhaust condition, lights and bulbs, vide encouragement in understanding the CV gaiters, hose condition and security, Andy Belcher (left) and Rob Davis workings of the Seven and a better under­ drive belts, headlight alignment, standing of what a garage would do on your battery condition, engine mounts, behalf as part of the service regime. wiper condition, seatbelts We begin with a resume of the main chassis Steering types of the various Caterham cars-as those • steering wheel alignment and play in differences in configuration can dictate some steering rack differences of procedure. Vehicle underside condition

------~-- --- 12 Lowflying August 2010 B H pTrackDays Ltd For your circuit driving experience Track Days We specialise in high quality open pit lane track days providing first class track access at selected racing circuits. Our aim is to provide relaxed but controlled days with a The essential differences ... personal touch. The Caterham Seven has m any d ifferent chassis and engine variants, so it is not possible to compre­ Culton Park, Brands Hatch, hensively cover every type here in great detail. Therefore, we will discuss general procedures and Snetterton, Castle Combe checks which should be applicable to most cars, Cadwell Park Croix-en-Ternois highlighting where they are relevant only to certain cars. T he most important thing to u nderstand initially, therefore, is which car chassis and engine Track Car Hire type you have ... The Series 3 chassis has traditionally been the main version supplied by Caterham, but m any des­ ignations have been used for different models within the Series 3 range, based on combinations of engine, major com ponents and interio r- these include the mo del names such as Supersprint, HPC, Classic, Suitable for exclusive hire or for up to four Supersport and Superlight. drivers sharing. Fully supported and with The basic dimensions of Series 3 chassis can trace initial instruction provided, but after that it's their origins to the Lotus Seven Series 3, although over to you. improvements such as the option of a 'Long cockpit' chassis from 1982, to improve comfort for the taller Tuition d river, and the introduction of the 'de Dion' rear Our fully qualified and experienced suspension from 1985 in place of the 'live axle' were instructors are available at all our events and just some of the changes implemented by Caterham over the yea rs. provide from basic track day tuition, to Engines offered with the Series 3 chassis have been advanced level. many and varied, but most popular over time have been Ford Crossflow (or 'Xflow'), Vauxhall 16v and Corporate 8v, Rover K-series, and most recently Ford Sigma. We provide full corporate driving experience

The SV ('Series s') chassis, whilst sharing similar days suitable for 40 to 80 guests, or ­ external proportions to the Series 3, has increased corporate events suitable for as few as 4 length and width to provide added cockpit and guests. sto rage space. These cars also use the de Dion rear suspension and are powered by Rover K-series and All corporate days can be individually Ford Sigma or Duratee engines. tailored to suit your individual requirements.

Th e CSR represents the latest chassis development (apart from subsequent detail changes to the 53) ­ BHP TrackDays Ltd, 23 Rushfords, l!:!ingfield RH7 6EG introduced in 2oos-and is of different construction to the Series 3 or sv, with fully independent rear Tel +44 (0)1342 837957 suspension and inboard, push-rod type, front sus­ Email [email protected] pension. The engine fitted to this car in the UK is the 2.3-litre Ford Cosworth Duratec; internationally, the Web www.bhptrackdays.co.uk 2.0 litre is now also available in EU4 variant. >

August 2010 Lowflying- 13 Workshop

We begin the series, with something straightforward but fundamental: getting the car off the ground, and sitting secure and stable for you to examine, explore or progress to other tasks. GET TO KNOW YOUR SEVEN PART 1: Raising the front and rear of the car

THIS ARTICLE COVERS the procedure A word about trolley jacks ... (turning them anticlockwise) before jacking for raising the car, front and rear, and Purchasing a trolley jack requires a little up­ the car up as this will be difficult once the placing onto axle stands to enable front consideration: jacks start at approxi­ vehicle is elevated. mately £30 with a typical m inimum 'saddle (Likewise, if you intend to simply change a the vehicle under body to be accessed height' (i.e. minimum clearance) of approx. wheel with the car supported by the jack easily. The tools required for this are 13cm. For many Sevens, particularly if fitted alone, slaken the wheelnuts first or you risk typically four axle-stands and a trolley with 13" wheels and low-profile tyres, this may pulling the car off of the jack.) jack (two jacks can be particularly not be low enough to fit under the chassis helpful if working on a CSR). without the car first being lifted in some other Raising the rear Axle stands (used here to support way, (driving onto planks of wood is a popular Starting at the rear of the car, release the the car by the tubular structure of the solution). handbrake and position the trolley jack saddle chassis) of two tonne capacity are Minimum saddle height is therefore a key as shown in Fig la for the S3/sv, or Fig lb consideration when choosing a jack to pur­ for the CSR. Take particular note of the lifting typically available in motor accessory chase- lower jacks are available, but tend to point on the car frame. Raise the car to allow outlets, and are more than sufficient cost more, perhaps upwards of £70, but are a the axle stands to be offered under the sup­ to carry the car weight of, which is good investment for ease of use. porting points on the car frame. approximately 6ookg. To reduce the Again, it is good practice to cover the jack's The axle support points for the CSR and risk of damage to the powder-coating saddle with carpet or other soft material to S3/sv de Dion cars are significantly different on your car's chassis tubes, it is reduce the risk of damaging the car's powder­ due to the frame construction. Note that when worthwhile placing a square of carpet coated frame. you start to raise the jack, at first only the de or corrugated cardboard on top Dion tube will rise as the springs compress. Preparation The support positions are shown in Fig 2a of each axle stand, which can be glued The trolley jack and axle stand support and Fig 2b respectively. Since the axle stand in place, or secured with cable ties. positions for the Series 3/SV and CSR frames positions fo r the CSR are closer together com­ vary significantly. The Series 3 construction pared to the S3, it is recommended- purely as covers the Roadsport and Series 5 the sv, a precaution- that people do not sit in the car whilst the CSR frame design is unique to that whilst it is supported. model. When raising the front of the car, it is very If the road wheels are going to be removed, important to allow the trolley jacks to creep it is prudent to slacken the wheel nuts a little rearwards during the jacking operation. >

-14 -----Lowflying- August 2010 Left: saddle of jack under centre of chassis at rear of CSR.

Right: axle stand supporting rear of 53 or SV (right-hand side), just ahead of the fuel tank.

Safety: This will happen due to the arc of travel of one, to avoid the possibility of excessive tor- the jack saddle, especially near th e:: lOp of i t ~ sion, or twisting forces, on the car's chassis. A few precautions need to be observed ­ height. Clearly, the car cannot move towards Simultaneously raise the car on the two for your vehicle and your own personal the jack as the rear is fixed, supported on axle jacks to the height required on the axle stand. safety-when attempting to work under One axle stand is then placed under the car the vehicle: stands. Therefore the trolley jack(s) must be allowed to move rearwards. frame at the cruciform beneath the lower sus­ • Never, under any circumstance work Check that the feet of the rear axle stands pension mount, as shown in Fig 4b. underneath a vehicle when the lifting remain in contact with the ground as a pre­ It is recommended that the two jacks are left jack is the only method of support. caution during this operation. in place as supplementary supports in addi­ • Make sure the jack and axle stand tion to the axle stand during maintenance, as positions are on firm and level ground. Raising the front, 53 or SV an added safety precaution since only one axle • Position the axle stands appropriately, The typical front jacking point is the center stand has been used. to secure a stable vehicle. of the cruciform, the cross of tubes between • When the car is raised, it may be the main chassis members as shown in Fig 3a. Lowering the car advisable to place a spare wheel under An alternative location, as recommended by Before lowering the car back to the ground, the ca r for added security should an Caterham in certain documentation, is to jack ensure that the wheels are replaced with the axle stand become dislodged or fail. under the single front towing eye. However, wheel-nuts loosely tightened, and double­ • When using a trolley jack, the car this to one side of the chassis and can make check that everything has been removed from should have the handbrake off, and be subsequent positio ning of the axle stands beneath the car. out of gear. As the car is lifted or challenging. Lower the car in the reverse sequence to lowered, either car or the jack's wheels Once the front is lifted to the appropriate raising; that is, front first. The same precau­ need to be free to move as the end height, axle stands sho uld be positioned under tion needs to be taken for allowing the trolley being lifting follows its arc. the main chassis cross member as in Fig 4a. jack to move-forwards this time- keeping a watchful eye on the rear axle stands. Equipment required: Raising the front, CSR Important: once the car is sitting on its • Four axle stands, safe lift-capacity To raise the CSR, two trolley jacks are used wheels again, remember to tighten the wheel 2 tonne per pair. placing the saddle of each jack under each of nuts to the appropriate to rque: 55 lb/ft for S3, • One hydraulic trolley jack the tow eyes at the front of the car. This is sv or CSR, and 45 lb/ft fo r a live-axle car. • (two jacks are advised for the CSR) shown in Fig 3b, in the main and inset photo­ graphs. Two jacks have been used rather than Figs 3a-4b can be found over the page ...

August 20 I 0 Lowflying- 15 Workshop

PART 1: Raising the front and rear of the car, continued

Lotus-Ford Twin Cam QED Pi stons ...... March 2010 Available in Standard, + 0 .20", +0.030", +0.040", + 0.060" QED Front Cover ...... January 2010 Original style new aluminium front covers QED Cylinder Head ...... In Stock Now! Only from QED, made with original Lotus tooling ...... 551 601959 U~UMU I UI

--16 Lowflying August 2010 Left: jack positioned Next time, we'll be looking under towing eye at front at oil and fi Iter changes. of CSR.

Right: square of carpet or other padding fixed to top of axle stand.

August 2010 Lowflying -17 Portfolio Seven ducks for a Seven, by Rob Elves. More images from our 2010 Calendar Competition entries.

By the medieval bridge at Cahors, France on his drive to Santiago de Compostela, from which the Rev. Hancock raised over £4000 for Ntl.

Below: Point of Ayre lighthouse, at the northernmost tip of the Isle of Man; right, a ladybird caught 'on the wing'. Pictures from Ross Maclagan.

A third variation on the traditional green­ with-yellow-nose livery, from Julian Davis.

18 .owflying August 20J0 Above: frosty morning blats in the Peak District, captured by Roger Needham.

Misty moments on the Isle of Man Tour; by John Gordon.

Auqust 2010 Lowflyin, -19 our on-going support for research into Leukaemia

2010, Lap 6

Monthly standing order from a shy, team sparring partner of old .. . 25.00 Monthly give-as-you-earn donation from another shy club member 25.00 John Vine passes on the compensation he received from his insurer following a complaint about the length of time it took them to settle his windscreen claim! 75.00 Stuart Carter says thanks to Giles for the carpet tiles 10.00 Sharon Worrall passes on the money raised at the GTKY7 event raffle 100.00 Three lucky winners received prizes donated by the hosts, Caterham Midlands Mark Madden cancelled his order for a rack as part of the bulk buy and asked Will Young to sell it and donate the proceeds 40.00 David Wilkins passes on the refund on his membership fee; having sold his car because of health reasons, he can no longer bear to read Lowflying each month! 20.50 Geof Carlton-Smith passes on money raised from the sale of tickets for the Classic Festival 63.03 Grant Taylor ran a parts recognition quiz and donates the proceeds 37.00 Susannah and Kevin Verity suggested Diane and David Gordon made a donation in lieu of a wedding present. 100.00 Good luck to the newlyweds! Graham King says thanks to Ian James for the loan of the boot bag for the LeMons trip 20.00 Mike C makes a donation in lieu of payment fo r a car inspection carried out by Ri chard 'Tricky Dicky' Ball 200.00 Sussex and Solent Se7ens members hosted a barbecue for some friends, including Florian Schluter, who were visiting from Germany for a factory visit 47.00 St eve Atkins says thanks to Malcolm Hickey for the immobiliser 15.00

This month's total: £777.53 2010 to date: £5657.11 Fundraising history, 1991 to 2009: £361,544.44 Total to date: £367,201.55

Please send cheques payable to Leukaemia Research Fund unless stated otherwise (there is no NtL account) . See the Ntl page on the Club website at www.lotussevenclub.com/ nuketheleuk.aspx for information about donations, Gift Aid and details of regular offers and fundraising initiatives. The Credit Suisse International Festival of Motoring took place in Jersey, on 4th-6th June. Crescent Motorcyles brought their Rizla race bikes and my husband, Steve, brought our 'matching' Seven, R500TOP along too. It was a great weekend and the action was 'non-competitive' so everyone was able to have a good time without any of the usual pressures.

Above, from the left, are, Martyn James of the Cresent's Worx-backed Suzuki team, Rosey's son Julius -already a Seven-veteran - and husband Steve Moffatt with the R500 Evo.

Jersey R500s

Here in Jersey there we have a group of three R500s ­ quite a gathering in such a small island, so we have formed an informal 'R500 Club' for doing island blats. Recently, we've been making good use of the beautiful weather here and recently got together for a lunch at the Moulin de Lecq at Greve de Lecq, followed by a serious afternoon sunburning blat around the island.

Seen above right at St. Quen are, in the yellow car owner Ian Brandon and his wife Anita, in their K-series RSOO; in the blue car, my husband Steve Moffatt (in our ex­ factory demonstrator K-series RSOO Evo); and in the orange car is James de La Cloche with an old school chum, Bob, in James's newer RSOO Duratec. So, a good range of the R500 variants: they certainly raise a few eyebrows, together! As we are all friends, we dedded to form the 'Jersey R500 Club' - there is also a fourth car which is sometimes on the island. Right: drivers and cars re·group at St. Catherine's.

If any other owners are visiting Jersey, please do get in touch with us. Rosey Moffatt, Archivist, Caterham Cars Ltd [email protected] Speed Championshi p Freestyle Motorsport- Lotus Seven Club Speed Championship

1 Ian Keen *66.16 100.00 1 Andrew Willoughby 75. 23 100.00 1 Alistair Gibbins 36.16 100.00 2 Alistair Gibbons 67.37 98.20 2 Alistair Gibbins 76.39 98.48 2 Andrew Willoughby 36.25 99.75 3 Alan Johnson 68.30 96.87 3 Steve Causey 78.07 96.36 3 Alan Johnson 36.83 98.18 4 Neil Fraser 69.18 95.63 4 Paul Brown 78.10 96.33 4 Paul Brown 37.93 95.33 5 Martin Lord 72.33 91.47 5 Neil Fraser 79.20 94.99 5 Peter Foster 38.41 94.14 6 Alan Johnson 79.44 94.70 6 Paul Boston 39.37 91.85

1 Chris Bramall *72.28 100.00 1 Matthew Jenkins 72.72 100.00 1 Matthew Jenkins 34.37 100.00 2 Brian Robbins 73.78 97.97 2 Alan Bowler 72.88 99 .78 2 Paul Collins 36.05 95.34 3 Roger Cumming 74.47 97.65 3 Brian Robbins 42.01 81.81 4 Graham Howard 74.80 97.22 5 David Dowson 76.55 95.00 1 Michael Calvert *61.34 100.00 6 Roger Legg 83.08 87.53 2 Jeffrey Smith 63.18 97.09 1 Richard Price *32.55 100.00 3 Tamara Calvert 65.34 93.88 2 Jeff Smith 33.79 96.33 4 Graham Holdstock 70.10 87.50 1 Matthew Willoughby 70.90 100.00 3 Grahame Wardall 34.51 94.32 2 Michael Calvert 71.06 99.77 4 David Horne 37.77 86.18 3 Grahame Wa rdall 71 .22 99.55 4 Jeff Smith 72 .48 97.82 1 Chris Howard-Harris *58.07 100.00 5 Chris Alston 75.32 94.13 2 Michael Sankey 5&.85

Adrian Williams 57.30 Robert Grigsby 65.20 Mark Durrant 30.97

* All class winners established class records. * All class winners established class records. * Denotes new class record. • 25 drivers competed across 6 classes, with • 40 drivers competed across 5 classes, with • 29 drivers competed across 5 classes, with 3 timed runs each. 2 timed runs each. 2 timed runs each. • Highest-scoring lady was Tamara Calvert; • Highest-scoring lady was Lynn Gilbert; see results for Class 3. see results for Class 4. • You can find more detailed results of this and previous rounds of the championship on the Club website, under "Competitors' Korner"

The Club's Speed Championship is supported by Freestyle Motorsport Solutions Ltd. Find out more about their products and services at www.freestylemotorsport.co.uk

-22 Lowflying August 2010 We have over 30 years experience supplying and developing components for the following engines ... Lotus-Ford Twin Cam Vauxhall C20XE i 3 Michael Sankey 4 695.08 4 Michael Calvert 3 694.73 5 Jeff Smith 3 689.67 Rover K-Series 6 Shaun Elwell 5 688.23 Vauxhall Ecotec :

5 433.90 Lotus 900-Series : 3 Suzanne Gibson 3 376.65 4 Tamara Calvert 3 374.09 5 Lisa Willoughby 1 264.61 Jess Dowson 2 81.12 Call or buy online! QEDMOTORSPORT.CO.UK

457.21 Nick Paul 4 337.89 01509 412 317 4 Soar Road, Quorn, Leicestershire, LE12 SBN 4 Tom Price 3 298.30 5 Crispin Scott 1 271.84 6 Martin Lord 268.45

(LASS 1 1 Alistair Gibbins 595.73 2 Andrew Willoughby 499.75 3 Ian Keen 488.96

(LASS 2 1 Matthew Jenkins 599.38 2 David Oowson 568.17 3 Graham Howard 490.01

(LASS 3 1 Michael Calvert 694.73 2 Jeff Smith 689.67 3 Richard Price 400.00

(LASS 4 1 Chris Howard-Harris 696.79 2 Michael Sankey 695.08 3 Nigel Fox 657.06

(LASS 5 1 Adrian Williams 695.17 2 Shaun Elwell 688.23 3 Mark Durrant 685.51

(LASS 6 1 Graham Ford 300.00 2 Dale Head 98.45 3 Michael Head 97.30

August 2010 Lowflying -23 For prices and booking information please contact: Sam Pearce on 01873 736356 or email [email protected]

Sf'EVE PJIRifER RJICING

Specialists in Fol'd based 7 s and eal'ly models All Seven work undertake n: • Road and race engines • Rebuilds, upgrades • Road and track suspension setup Telephone for more details: 01362 820831 or 07986 961948

We have moved:

46 Bale Road, Bradenham, Norfolk IP25 7RA Speak to-a specialist advisor call 68 38 or visit: caterham-insurance.com

Opening hours: 9:00am- 8:00pm Monday- Friday C~TER~ 9:00am - 5:00pm Saturdays & 1O:OOam -4:00pm Sundays ~

Classic car specialist is interested in buying any Ford based model from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s or 1990s.

Any condition from a car needing work to a beautiful example

CHARNOCK GRANGE, CHARNOCK RICHARD, LANCASHIRE PR7 5LH T: 01257 470034 F: 01257 470036 M: 07944 890271 E: [email protected] W: www.mikeabbasclassiccars.com Restoring a Series 3 Lotus Seven is only a part of the project that Renaud Richard has undertaken: keen to piece together the car's history, he has traced all but one if its previous owners. And as you might expect in the world of Sevens, they have all been interested and helpful.

As A TEENAGER in the 6os I was, just like my father, impassioned by car mechanics. 1998-2004, with Nicolas Pierre We were two-stroke motorbike engine tuners: we designed and built our own karts I bought the car from Nicolas in April 2004; and in 1960 we were among the very first licenced kart drivers and kart race he first registered it as 222 MKG 75 on june 9th organizers in France. The 6os were, of course, Lotus's first Formula One glory years 1998 at his address in Paris. The car was fitted and and Jim Clark were my heroes; the Seven was my dream car with a twin-cam engine when he bought it, as then and still is fifty years later. we will see later. The car was used on the road at first and then, in 2001, raced in the Trophee The karting years were followed by restorations of 1930s bikes. Then, in 1969 we Lotus. Twin-cams were not allowed in that restored (well, re-skinned mainly) my father's Sandford three-wheeler and won the series, so the engine was changed for a 16oo cc three-wheeler race at the first Coupes de l'Age d'Or at the historic Montlhery circuit crossflow with twin Webers. A straight-cut near Paris-against the badly-tuned and lowered British Morga n three-wheelers! gearbox was fitted and the twin-cam sold. When Nicolas moved home in 2001, the

Sadly, that wonderful car-that my father of money! Nevertheless, I fell in love with the car was re-registered as 436 CYG 91 (for the bought from Stuart Sandford himself in 1932- little thing, her true Lotusness did the rest and departement de I'Essone). was stolen from our shed in Brittany in 1989, I apologized to the very nice man from Oxford An the end of 2003 Nicolas began to dis­ never to be seen again; we miss it very much. (more about his Seven later. .. ). mantle the car in order to restore it; but he As a consequence of that theft, my father, who My kind and understanding (aren't they then found a Seven s2, and decided to sell the was So in 1989, decided to do what had proba­ all?) wife agreed to the funds and some weeks S3 'as is'. Which is how the selling price came bly been in his mind for the last fifty years: after the owner delivered the car to me. to fall within my budget! build a modern 3-wheeler of his own. After As bought in 2004, the car looked superfi­ some months at his drawing board, and some The h;story of Lotus Seven cially ok, but the condition of the chassis was years alone in his workshop (apart from some Series 3, No. SB 2489 uncertain, some of the aluminium work was help for the bending of the exhaust pipes, for I have gathered together the history of the roughly cut or dented, and some parts were example), he produced a beautiful Moto car, mostly from the previous owners who l broken or missing. It sat on non-original 205 Guzzi powered three-wheeler. managed to trace; it's correct to best of my wheels at the time, but there was a set of During the first days of 2004 I decided I had current knowledge. I was certainly very lucky period Ford aluminium wheels too. waited long enough- this had to be 'the year of that there were only six previous owners and There was no gearbox-the straight-cut box the Seven'. My budget was tight, around 10,000 they were all willing to help me piece together had been retained for the Series 2- the engine Euros (about £7,000 at the time), so it would the car's story. I must thank them and espe­ was dismantled and incomplete and the have to be an older Caterham, probably with cially John Hartley, John Hardman, David wiring loom needed at lot of attention, as did some work needing to be done. Parker and also John Watson of the Historic the hyraulics. There were a couple of card­ After following various leads to a selection Lotus Register (and the Club's tame Seven his­ board boxes full of parts, but it was far from of battered Caterhams in Britain, I found torian. Ed) who were kind enough to dig deep being a complete car. some very good ones, a bit nearer to my in their archives and memories for me. My That said a true Lotus Seven S3 for this price b udget. l was finally negotiating with a nice thanks to John Donohoe for his wonderful was, and is, unknown here. A good one, in chap near Oxford for a really beautiful website and dedication to our cars worldwide. running order- not mint, would be around Caterham when I found SB 2489 in an adver­ If not for the Johns, Watson and Donohoe, l 25 k, even an other-brand replica about 15k. tisement here in France! I took a day's leave would probably not have realized how impor­ Initially I'd had some doubts about the car's from work and drove the 1200 km to and from tant our car's history was per se and I would authenticity because the chassis plate was south of Paris to see it- on its trailer in an just have played with my toy on my solitary showing sc2480 over a previous SB2489, both underground garage. playground! manually engraved. I knew enough about The price of this one was within my budget My car's history was revealed to me in Sevens to know that an 'sc' prefix indicated too, a though of course what I was getting was reverse, going back into its li fe, so that's how I one of the handful of true twin-cams built by rather more a Lotus wreck than a perfectly shall re-tell it here, owner by owner, and the Lotus, but that sc248o was not one of those ... running Caterha m for about the same amount dates it was with them: Why that change of number?

- -·----·- ·------1 -26 Lowflying August 2010 A Seven's tale

The 1932 Sandford, which Renaud and his father restored, prepared and took to victory in the inaugural Coupes de l'Age d'Or at Montlhery in 1969- a three-wheeling interlude between bikes and karts and the inevitable Seven ...

I contacted John Watson-with the Arch Motors frame number and the two chassis plate numbers-and he confirmed that SB2489 should indeed have the Arch frame I had. Ouf!, as we say in French (roughly 'phew' I suppose), she was the real thing! The change was most probably set up when a twin-cam from an Elan replaced the Crossflow for a time, as we'll see later; at the time owner could not remember when the change happened.

582489, as bought by its 1995-98, with Bernard Mary present owner- as a car largely disassembled with Nicolas bought the car from Bernard Mary a view to restoration. in April 1998. As I had a copy of Bernard's carte grise (the ownership document), and his hometown of La Rochelle is not so large, it was not too difficult to track him down and I had the pleasure of making contact with him in the spring of 2004. The curious chassis plate Bernard is a very nice guy who, when I with the original '58' stated the purpose of my call replied: "Oh, so number (correct for the Arch frame number, and you bought my Seven! I should never have originally supplied as sold that wonderful car!" a single-carb crossflow We got on well and during our conversation car) and an 'SC' number I suggested he might buy another Seven, if {normally indicative he'd been so fond of it. of a twin-cam machine) marked over the top; I told him about the relatively inexpensive (see text). Caterhams in in the uk and the one I had so nearly bought in Oxford. And guess what? He called me a couple of weeks later to tell me had bought it- without even seeing it- and how nice it was to be Sevening again! I really enjoy that anecdote! The Seven virus had been alive in his blood all these years, just waiting to be rejuvenated!

When Bernard bought SB 2489, in July 1995, he registered it in the UK under a friend's name, a prete-nom (frontman), which can, for a time, circumvent some of the French tracasseries administratives. So, the car kept its UK plate e n 22H until the end of the year

when it was registered in France as 846 VQ 17. The car remained pretty much as it was bought and was used mainly on the road but also for some hillclimb events. >

August 2010 Lowflying 27 Top left: with the second owner, David Parker, shortly Above left: Circa 1980, with the then-owner after he bought the car. It came with the boxy, and John Hardman at the wheel. fairly ugly scoop on the top of the bonnet. Note the clothes and the hair- how very seventies! David said he Above right: 1995 in the UK, shortly before still has his hair, alt hough he keeps it a little shorter ... SB2489 began its new life in France.

Top right: David fitted the more conventional scoop Right: The original brazing-still sound when he switched to Weber carburettors. after all those years and a chequered history­ The stick-on number plate gave way to the traditional revealed when the chassis was sandblasted embossed plates (but in white and yellow) when ahead of refurbishment and rebuild. the car was resprayed all-over yellow. The car came with steel wheels: David said the Minilites in the picture were borrowed! Seen behind the Seven is the ubiquitous small utility vehicle of the era.

Left: The state of play in 2006, with refurbishment of the panelling well under way, when the project was temporarily halted. Work has since resumed to bring this Seven back to life.

--28 Lowflying- August 2010 582489

1980-95, with John Hartley 1972-76, with David Parker John owned the car from 1980. He in tended The next step back in time was a little to keep the car long-term and give it to his son harder: the previous owner was a sailing man when he reached twenty-one, but a change of and away a great dea l; at one point I thought I plans saw it sold on. It had a 1600 cc crossflow would never hear from him, but we eventually engine, but this was then replaced by the twin made contact and he was very fri endly and ··.-.u cam from his Elan. The live axle had a 3·55 cliff. helpful. l ie couldn't recall exactly when he got The chassis broke wit h this engine installed, so the car, 1971 he thought; he was the second a rebuild was in order. owner, but bought it from Caterham Cars and The sides were re-skinned; the inner panels remembered dealing with Graham Nearn. The were replaced with 22-gaugc stai nless steel to original reg was CJJ 22H and he had the name add rigidity and chassis was properly triangu­ of the original owner. I le also recalled going to SD;eo lated according to Dennis Ortenburger's rec­ pick the car up on a Sunday from what 'is?!~ ommendations, although little diffe rence was "seemed like a private house in Surrey and was ; noticed. The rack mounts were reinforced something to do with Caterham Cars" (Clea rly which, apparently, made a big improvement. tire origi11al Caterlram-oll-tlre- Hi /1 premises,

At this po int the pedals were moved for extra which 111a11y of liS remember: Ed.). At this stage leg room, and the car re-painted red. the car was green with a yell ow stripe. The interior vinyl had perished so john, a Some time later, David found the bill of sale tall driver, fitted air-inflatable seats to give the from his purchase of the car, for the sum of most comfort for the thinnest squab. £837·15, on March 30th, 1972 and signed by John was sad to see the car go, but he had a John Fit zgerald. He also unearthed some hith­ growing fam ily and a new-found passion for erto-forgotten pictures showing the va rious hand gliding ... changes made during the car's time with him. The car was sold on with a number of orig­ I was amazed and delighted by the trouble inal unused parts, some of which made there he'd gone to for me. way eventually to me, such as a bulged bonnet for a single-carb crossflow and a Lotus nose 19 9-72, H Ne-Port or Neport? cone which would after some rectification be From here, the research stalls; the previous usable (the chassis fittings had been revised and original owner is variously recorded as to accept a subsequent Caterham nose). The Ne-Port (in the Lotus chassis records) or crossflow and some more origin al wheels, I Neport (in David Parker's notes) and at an may yet be able to recover too. address in Tottenham, North London, but When I further stripped the ca r, the stain­ I've not yet been able to trace him. less panels were all still there, (very heavy, not The original identity of the car, with a si ngle Chapman-like at all!) as well as the repaired downdraft-ca rburetted engine, is confirmed tube, and the bracing of the engine bay ii Ia as having the Arch Motors stamped frame Orten burger. number AM 10 1 which is still present, as is the original (and correct) chassis number SB2489, 1976-80, with John Hardman beneath the subsequently-marked sc 2480. John acquired the car in 1976 from a college And the first registration, en 22H, is correct fri end. The engine was rebuilt in 1977 to 'half for London. If anyone can shed any light on the race spec.' with fla t-top pistons, lightened fly­ early life of this Seven, either wheel and high-lift camshaft, with machining Conclusion: recognizing its first registration or done in Bir mingham by Autospri11t and the In 2006, due to the general unkindness of perhaps even knowing its original assembly done in a University of Birmingham life, I had to cease working on sn 2489, but owner (see text), please do get in Engineering workshop! this yea r I was able to resume the project. As touch with us. It would be great to The car had previously had a couple of you can see, if you dismiss that one temporary add the final few lines to the story. minor scrapes and wing replacements, and 'owner' (before the car was formally registered had been re-painted yellow. John kept it in in France), I am the seventh owner of this In the meantime, we look forward to this spec. until it was sold to Mr Hartley. Seven. I'm sure it's good omen! • seeing the car running again.

A 1aw ZOiO Lowftying -29 Borders 7 Flanders, Belgium Kentish Weald Day and venue currently variable; Venue and dates variable, please Spotted Dog in Penshurst/Smarts Hill please contact AR more information contact for details 3rd Tues > Neville Mackay > Bruno Dewaelheyns +32 499 740 585 > Matthew Aves 01750 32705 [email protected] f8\ 01892 546738 [email protected] > Sven De Loenen +32 496 065 188 \...V [email protected]

Bristol and Bath Germany Lakes and Lochs

The Boa(s Head, Aust, BS35 4AX, Venue and dates variable, but most ~D Roving venue, roving organisers, please ring near the junction of the M48 and A403 at last Sundays of the month ~ for details southern end of the Severn crossing. please contact for latest details 2nd Wed 3rd lues > Andreas Seydell +49.171.4205424 (mobile) > Dave Eldon > Rupert Handley 07980 865259 [email protected]/Forum 01946 841558 > Florian SchlUter 06257.505717 Brussels & Wallonie region [email protected] Lancashire and District (LADS) Venue to be confi rmed, but held on ... www. caterhamcarclub. de The Blundell Arms, Chorley Old Rd. 7th of the month f8\ Horwich, nea r Bolton please contact for more details \...V Gloucestershire 1st Wed > Jean-Marc Bikx The Highwayman, off A417 at Ountisbourne > Paul Richards 00.32.(0) 495.249.239 (between Gloucester and Cirencester) 0161 763 5410 [email protected] 1st Thurs lads@lotus7 club.co.uk > Andy Couchman www.ladsl.co.uk Cambridge 01451 821982 [email protected] The Red Lion, High St, Grantchester Leics, Notts, Derby and Staffs 2nd Tues Guernsey, Channel Islands The King's Arms, at Hathern > Kevin Baker roving venue-contact Stuart for details: 1st Thurs 07833 363434 > Stuart Butler > Graham Bass [email protected] 01481 722070(h) 01481 704648(w) 01530 814546 (h) or 07710 155674 (m) > Rachael Sangha 07781128002 (m) [email protected] 07974 097771 or 01223 292 400 [email protected] rachael. sang ha@ lotus 7club.com Lincolnshire Hampshire (W) and Dorset The Royal Oak, Scopwick, LN4 3PA, on the Canada, West (Alberta) 1st Tues Empress of Blandings, Copythorne, 81188, approx 10 miles south of Lincoln meeting place and times currently S040 2PB, on A31 Romsey Road, nr. M27 J1 3rd Tues variable; please contact for details 3rd Tues Weld Arms, East Lulworth > AR po5ition vacant > Terry Johns > Adrian Bateman 00 1403 347 3117 01794 323776 [email protected] London (Central) or 00 1 403 872 2153 (m) Barbican Tandoori, 55 Aldersgate St. EC1 4LA. [email protected] Hertfordshire last Wed at 6.30pm 1st Wed the Long Arm & Short Arm pub, ) Paul Beirne Cheshire and Staffs Lemsford Village, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 7TH 07960 930548 The Swan Inn, Main Road, Wybunbury, Cheshire from around 8.30pm [email protected] 2nd Weds 3rd Sun Three Tuns Hotel, High St, Ashwell, > Nick Chan 01782 621818 or 07590 841674 nr Royston, SG7 5NL, from 12 noon; London (Clapham) [email protected] coffee, snacks and 1-hour blat All Bar One, 32 Northcote Road, > Richard Price ) Dick Dixon Clapham Junction, SW11. 01782 616493 or 07770 617127 01920 87115 [email protected] 1st Wed [email protected] > AR position vacant Isle of Man Cornwall The Crosby Hotel, Isle of Man Merseyside and District (MAD) roving venue and variable dates; 1st Tues The Ring O'Bells Pub, Oaresbury, Warrington A R position vacant > Mike Scott last Wed for current information please contact 01624 622192 or 07624 486500 > Martin Richards > Christian Storr [email protected] 07884 437652 01726 842396 [email protected] Chri stia n@corn ishse 7e ns. co. uk Jersey, Channel Islands > Stuart Forshaw www. cornishselens.co.uk roving venue, please contact for details stuart. forshaw@lotus7 club. co.uk 4th Sun Devon > Mark Le Lay Middlesex and London (West) Warren House In n, on Dartmoor 01534 867743 or 07797 728939 The Ace Cafe London, 1st We ds evening (April-Oct) [email protected] Ace Corner, Old North Circular Road, 1st Sun lunchtime (Nov-March ) > Ian Brandon Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD > Brian Robinson 01534 852098 (h) or 07797 743887 2nd Tues 07956 034941 [email protected] > Thomas Rosselle [email protected] 07917 598921 http:/jgroups .yohoo.comjgroupjlotuslsworea Kent and Sussex (East) thomas. rosselle@tgb. toyota. co. uk 2nd Thurs, at: Entre Deux Mers, France The Inn, Ringlestone Hamlet, Michigan, USA Chateau de La Tour, at Cadillac, (on the nr. , , ME17 1NX meeting place and times currently variable; Ave. Liberation, on the way to Beguey) > Rich Watson please contact for latest details last Sat 01634 670936 or 07725 610238 > John Donohoe > Hugh Dent [email protected] 001 517-655-5125 (h) @ +33 (0)55 623 9931 [email protected] [email protected] Kent (North) www.5imple5evens.org 1st Tues, at: Essex The Plough, Eynsford, Kent DA4 OAE New Zealand The Grange, Chelmsford, CM3 3HJ 3rd Sun, from around 12.30 for lunch at: meeting place and times currently variable; (A12 junction 19, next to the Premier Inn) The Woodman, Ide Hill, nr Sevenoaks TH14 6BU please contact for latest details last Tues from 7·30pm > Richard Brunero 07974 927618 > Nigel Riches fNZ\ > Debbie Stott > Ian Bruce 07973 291144 00 64 3318 1440 ~ 01277 354239 [email protected] emoi/s for both: [email protected] nigel.ste [email protected]

-30 Lowflying Augus! 2010 Norfolk Scotland Wales (South) The Scole Inn, at Scole (A140/A1066) Roving venue- please contact Paul for details Piercefield Inn, St Arvans, near Chepstow, near Diss. IP21 4DR > Paul Allison on the A466, 1 mile north of 1st Mon at 7 pm 07879 408714 Chepstow Racecourse entrance > Steve Wright 1st Thurs at 7.30pm 01787 882209 (h) Shropshire > Alan Henderson or 07789 907646 (m) 01633 413020 or 07779 958937 The Gate Pub at Bratton, off the B5063 [email protected] [email protected] last Tues at 7 .3Dpm www. corrotland.co.uk > Dave Jackson ) Robert Morris 07771 891947 01952 240730 [email protected] Northants, Beds and Bucks [email protected] The Navigation Inn, Thrupp Wharf, Somerset and Wessex Wales (West) 'The Nomads' Cosgrove, Milton Keynes MK19 7BE 3rd Weds The Rumwelllnn, Rumwell, Taunton, usually at The Cresseli Arms, Pontargothi, > Peter Griffiths Somerset TA4 1EL on the A40, east of Camarthen but please call, 07915 089161 1st Thurs at Spm as dotes and locations may change peter@griffiths7 3. plus. com > Paul Jacobs 2nd Weds > Simon Hill 01823 421748 or 07753 834151 > Alistair Gibbins 07779 164993 [email protected] 07837 950067 [email protected] [email protected] Staffs (Mid-) North East The Swan with Two Necks, Longdon, off A51, Warwickshire (North) The Church Mouse, on the A167 near between Rugeleyj lichfield The Boat Inn, Stockton, Chester-le-Street, Durham 3rd Thurs A426 between Dunchurch and Southam last Weds > Colin Heseltine 1st Weds > Brian Ramsey 07774 878475 coli [email protected] > Jane Varnum-Wilson 07887 570839 07788 411861 northeast@lotus 7club. co. uk Suffolk [email protected] The Scole Inn, at Scole (A140/A1066) Northern Ireland near Diss. (postcode IP21 4DR) Warwickshire 7s for current information, please contact 0 1st Mon at 7pm (Warwickshire South) > Johnty Lyons ) Geof Carlton Smith The Plough Inn, Eathorpe, CV33 9DQ 02897 542349 or 07774 672338 01728 860608 or 07775 938405 (m) last Weds at 7 .30pm [email protected] [email protected] > Kevin Scott www. carrot/and. ca. uk 07714 767371 (evenings) Northumbria [email protected] Newburn Motor Museum Surrey > Jamie Jones 07976 400043 or 0121 753 1329 2nd Wed The Parrot Inn, Forest Green, between [email protected] > John Sweeney Ockley and Ewhurst) www.warwickshirels.co.uk 01661 825623 3rd Tues j. sweeney 782@ btinternet.co n1 ) Martin Bushaway 07802 262876 su rreyao@lotus 7club . co. uk (North) Oxford Freke Arms on the B4019, Highworth to The Wagon and Horses, at Culham, on A415 Sussex ( East) Blunsden Road Abingdon- Dorchester Road The Wh ite Hart Inn, Ardingly Road, 2nd Weds Geoff Brown 1st Tues West Hoathly, RH19 4RA (on the B2028 > 01793 876465 > Brian Soper between Turners Hill and Ardingly) [email protected] 01235 531632 last Thurs brian .soper@ research-sites. com ) Nigel Roberts 01403 249299 nuttynige@uwclub. net Wilt shire (Sout h ) Pen nine Bell Inn, A361, side of Seend The Devonshire Arms, Cracoe, on B6265, Sussex (West) 3rd Weds David Smitheram 4 miles N. of Skipton. on Grassington Road. The Winterton Arms, Boxgrove, > 2nd Wed P018 OLH, near Chichester 07718 368173 david @ra celife. co. uk > Anthony Milli ng 2nd Weds 01484 653584 ) Steve Newman [email protected] 01243 601943 or 07771 907401 Worcestershire [email protected] Brook Inn, Callow Hill Lane, Elcocks Brook Penn Sevens 2nd Weds ()e Squirrel, Penn Street, Penn, Thames Va lley > Nigel Pug h The Pelican, Froxfield, on the A4, 2 miles 07894 263644 Bucks HP7 OPX West of Hungerford, towards Marlborough [email protected] last Sat at 12 noon 1st Weds > Mark Williams > Ben Long Yorkshire (North and East) 01908 521382(h) or 07798 766696(m) 01635 677996 or 07785 100 100 The Gold Cup Inn, Low Catton, [email protected] [email protected] near Stamford Bridge, York Y041 lEA > Carl van Baars 3rd Weds 07525 448924 Wales (North) > Steve Brown and Ann Brown [email protected] 01937 530950 ~ s Fryn, Rakes Lake, Mold http:jjpenn.lowjlying.co.uk [email protected] www.yorkl.org.uk Reading, North Hants and Berks All year. not just Winter as previously indicated! 1st Tue (ReHab) > Paul Formston Yorkshire (South) 2nd Wed and last Thurs 01352 754831 or 07970 663442 Ladybower Inn, Bamford, Hope Valley, The Hatchgate Inn, Bramshill, RG27 OJX [email protected] Derbyshire S33 OAX, > Andy Webber 07721 722111 on the A57, at end (or start) of Snake Pass [email protected] last Thurs 3rd Sun The 'AWESOME' meet at The Cricketers, > Nick Henstock Cricketers Lane, Warfield, Bracknell, at tpm 01226 765463 (h) 01977 655506 (w) > Tony Whitle y 07894 614217 (m) [email protected] www. lrehab. co.uk August 2010 Lowflying -31 A member's tale

In recording his much-enjoyed weekend trip to the GTKYl event in the Midlands, Aberdeen-based Neil Simpson takes a tongue-in-cheek look life with a Seven. 11MY CRUMMY WEEKEND''

Right: Sevens gather in the sun, while their owners kick tyres, chew the fat and learn a little more about the upkeep of their cars. Far right: Vital fluids, the use, monitoring and replenishment thereof- just one of the aspects covered.

DECIDED TO USE up a couple of clays' holiday Not much later the weather turned from qui te comfo rtably. Another argument for not and go to a Caterham maintenance day down warm to hot necessitating the use of 'sun tan having a Seven then! in 'Lesta' last week. It was organised by the lotion;. this is a liquid that when spread over Arrived at a Beefenterat Leicester Forest East Lotus Seven Club. Through reading an auto­ the exposed skin prevents it burning due to (j ust a couple of miles from Caterham mobile publication, I had ea rl ier found out the strength of the sunlight. Luckily, we had Midlands). Nothing special, but OK. that a Caterham ca r was the descendant of an some in the car which had been unopened for Out at 8.3oam Sa turday, still too warm to early 1930s design by a guy who ran Lotus, several years-can't remember when we keep roof on, jacket on or any other clothing; called Charlie Chaplin. bought it, probably 14 yea rs ago before we bright blue sky, no clouds. Set off late Thursday, t-shirt, fleece, bomber moved to Scotland. Arrived at Ca terham at 8.32, twenty other jacket, woolly hat, glasses and ear plugs (in Sevens there. Caterham 'facility' is a collection case any inadvertent conversation with wife of old fa rm build ings, not like a proper car If you wore a woolly hat and broke out ). sal es outfit like Arn old Clark, all internal drove a Corsa, you could take the Selkirk was the evening stop, via the nice exposed steelwork frame and glass exterior. speed bumps at about 93 mph straight r\90 and then down the A7. Progress Twenty ca rs in the show room, very little quite comfortably. was made steadily down the A90 under the choice, no people carrier or suv versions. Silly cover of the odd dark cloud and frolicking in little signs on each car giving bhp and sub-3, and out of caravans and wagons at a steady Our route took us through Cumbria and -4 or -5 second o-60 times. Sadly no mention 6smph. Onto the A7 and the weather had the Yorkshire Dales: again not a car in sight of fuel economy or C02 emissions data. The turned unusually warm, resulting in having to for miles, spectacular views over vast expanses salesmen seemed enthusiastic about their remove bomber jacket and woolly hat-only of countryside. Too many bends and gear product. Unlike Arnold Clark there was no issue here then bei ng lack of storage space changes. Lots of people waving at us as we paramedic, Brill Crea m at the ready to rush to in the little car. The "7 didn't have a single drove past ... wh)' couldn't they mind their the aid of a salesman with a misplaced hair. car, caravan or truck on it; unlike the A90 it own business and let us get on with it? Coffee Cars were arrivi ng every min ute or so: dis­ was pretty twisty- annoyingly, this required stop was at Alston, highest town in the UK, tant howls of very loud, obviously 'after mar­ frequent gear changes. Lots of scenery in the before pressing on to Weatherby fo r lunch, ket', exhausts turning into equally noisy cars sunshi ne, if yo u can be bothered with that outside a pub in the sunshine. Temperature parked at knee-cap height all over the place. sort of thing. properl y hot by this li me. So me guy came over By 9 am there were forty Sevens in the car Stayed at a Best Westem hotel (Philipburn to talk to me about his Westftelcl which he had park, the Lotus Seven Club van, Soft Bits for House) in Sel kirk which looked like it had had put through a hedge and now wondered Sevens van ... and the bacon-butty-and-burger a lot of money spent on refurbishing it. where he could get it repaired. Fobbed him va n. Prel ty sad really, lots of chaps stood Dinner consisted of a few pints of slim-line off as my sa rnie had arrived. around in boiling hot sunshine holding a Guinness and a chicken curry; the fr uit juice Freedom at last! joined a proper road called burger talking about cars. Borrrring! and salad seemed to be off the menu that the AI. Nice a straight aga in, the clutch-foot One guy-who I learned had built his car evening. Breakfast was a big fry-up, or direct could relax for a change. three yea rs ago, decided it wasn't fast enough injection of cholesterol if you couldn't be Got as fa r as Nottingham on the J\11 and the and had it upgraded from 120 to 150 bhp, was bothered wi th all the chewing. I think I must road was jammed; decided to go through 73 yea rs old! His wife pointed out to me that have walked straight past the cereal bar other­ Nottingham, making ten yards every thir ty one of my back tyres was mounted for the wise I would have had that. seconds in the rush hour traffic. Took a couple wrong rotation! I had a new tyre fitted recen tly Friday morning the weather was that warm of detours through surrounding villages, most after a puncture and didn't check it myself. .. I had to take the roof off and drive in only a of which are littered with speed humps every red face or what! t-shirt and sunglasses (no medall ion). The exit thirty yards. All the following traffic was get­ Tired of listening to car stories l turned to to th e hotel had been specifically set up to ting wound up as I crawled over them to stop the Lotus Seven Cl ub va n to buy some mer­ rip the sump from a car like the Seven (wish either the exhaust, sump or both getting chandise: unfortunately and inexplicably, I'd come in the diesel Fiesta- none of these mashed in the process. It did seem that if you everything had a number '7' on it. I would hassles and more mpg) so had to do a death­ wore a woolly hat and drove a Corsa, you have preferred ' 13' or a hem')' metal picture on defying dash out of the entrance. could take the speed bumps at about 93 mph a t-shirt, for example.

-32 Lowflying Au')IISl 2CIO The next three hours were spent with the for a meal at Hexham (300 miles away). tions will be shut after six"; they were . .. forc­ Caterham mechanics ripping three example Drove through Derbyshire (imagine Union ing a thirty-mile detour to Ripon. cars to bits and putting them back together. Street, 100 miles long but with more traffic Ten miles up the Al, though average-speed One girl in our group was studiously taking lights!). A different speed limit every 100 yards cameras sent us up the A66, over the moors to photos and jotting down notes with a view but none higher than so. I did spend 38 sec­ Hexham arriving half-an-hour late for our to putting her car back together after her onds in the same gear at one point (forgot to meal at Bouchon, a French restaurant which husband piling it into a barrier at Curborough go into neutral at the lights). Going so slowly, won best local restaurant recently on the F sprint. This mishap was down to 'suspension I could count the boards which were fitted in­ Word. The guy just said "don't rush, go have a malfu nction'-rather than drive r error- we between (just enough space) the speed cam­ shower, put your best party dress on and come were advised. eras which talked about motorcycle accidents, back when you are ready". Great food, great Soft Bits For Sevens had made me a nice the results being that 1,275,107 bikers have died service and not expensive. blue roof with a silver stripe and did the job of in the last three years in Derbyshire ... a sad Sunday: last fried breakfast to pig out on, fitting it all whilst I waited. Good job done. thought indeed. still boiling hot setting off, used every minor Left Caterham bored to tears at 2 pm, all Confidently ignored the wife's advice to get road possible on the return before cruising up exposed skin burnt to a crisp, and headed off petrol in Skipton as "all the village petrol sta- the A90. Back home for 4 pm ... and a G&T. •

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August 2010 Lowflying-­ 33 Caterham Seven 1.8K V) Cars for sale Supersport: Wanted Aug 1999, Metallic blue (similar to Viper blue), K-series 140bhp, 3: Caterham 7 1.4 Supersport: Seven: -o ..9 6-speed gearbox, wide-track front Q) Caterham Red, professionally built Always looking for Rover, Sigma ...0 suspension with adjustable ride 1994. Heater, full weather gear and Duratec Seven. And although ra ~ height, rear anti -roll bar, anti­ ·;u with hood bag, push start button, only VVC engines. ~ cavitation oil tank, carbon f/mud ­ Q) Momo Q/R steering wheel, anti­ I'm a German Caterham dealer, in -o guards, Q/R Momo steering wheel, Q) cavitation tank, 4-point Caterham England approximately every three ..c leather seats, full windscreen, ~ harnesses, FIA roll-bar, Caterham weeks. I pay cash. References ' hood inc. hood bag and tonneau, Q) Q) mats, tlared wings. Would benefit available if required. ' VI heater, 14" Minators, FJA bar, ra from bodywork TLC; in superb contact: Gunther 0049-831-95502 .j..) 4-point harnesses, 7 grille, immo­ c mechanical order. 63,300 miles. or email Q) biliser, new!)' serviced by E Timing belt changed by Caterham g .sch leyer@city-cars-kem pten. de Q) 7 specialist, MoT june 20 11, tax VI Cars I ,300 miles ago. Moving E Nov 20 I0, 17,000 miles, garaged ~ abroad is the unfortunate reason Any pre-1976 Q) inc. indoor cover, waxoyled, sum­ V) > for sale. £7,500. or parts: -o mer use. Lovely spec and genu ine ro contact: Liran 0782 6026581 or including engines, any condition reason for sale. £12,950. -o email [email protected] considered, especially Lotus 7 Q) Please phone for more details. models. GJ ~ (Ealing, London) 'Vi contact: Phil 07885 795659 contact: NeiL on 07944 413111 VI _!g (nr. Guildford, Surrey) Caterham 1.6 Supersport: .c ~u Series 2 or 3 Lotus 7: ro Registered 01/08/1998. 13,000 or Caterham as a restoration proj­ ~ miles. Brooklands Green . Roadsport, Sigma 1600/125: +-' · ~ ect. Basket case, damaged or E Cycle wings, 13" Minilites with 5-speed. Caterham yellow, First ...0 incomplete car considered. ::l Michelin Pilots, 4-point harnesses, registered 05/2008. Fast yet VI David Marsden economical touring example. Full contact: ~ full windscreen and weather weather equipment and£ 1300 [email protected] equipment, tonneau, '7' grille. or 01452 760474 MoT'd until April 20 II. Dry weath­ of Caterham extras: spare wheel Ads are accepted for and luggage rack, race 4-point er use only, garaged. Two owners Project 7: Cars for sale harnesses, tonneau with headrest from new. £1 0,995 ono. Cherished Crashed, damaged, restoration ­ (Sevens only please) pockets, leather seats, hood bag, Caterham plate also available anything considered . Parts and miscellaneous map pocket, aero filler, carbon rear separately (details on request). Also interested in any early Lotus, Wanted wing protectors, loud air horns. contact: Ian 07736 080926 from parts to complete car. Maximum 100 words Always garaged and never tracked. (Warwick) or Also wanted: 1960s /70s 40 11 dry rural miles. Immaculate email [email protected] Clubmans, FF or How much? condition. £17,650 or near offer. anything interesting. contact: Malcolm Club members, Free Silver Caterham Roadsport: contact: Barry on 01262 420917 or email (quote membership number) With Rover K-series engine, 122 01745 342378 or 07990 841093 Non-members, bhp. Brilliant Silver Metallic. Black [email protected] £10 per insertion, inc. VAT leather race seats. Quick-release Payment by cheque Momo steering wheel. Heated front Caterham 7 1.8 Scholarship: payable to 'Seven Club Limited' windscreen. All weather kit. 1998 Vauxhall 1.8 8-valve. sent to the address below 4-point harness. 16" 5-spoke alloys Blydenstein head conversion, Ford Where to? and spare tlared wi ngs and immo­ rear axle. Road legal but roof not biliser. Fai r weather car with fu ll fitted due to screen not fitted. by email, to: paperwork and receipts, Roof, spare set of wheels and many [email protected] MoTs. 9,559 miles. MoT until june other bits in garage. Under 15,000 or by post, to: 201 1. £10,000 offers considered. miles. £7000. Sam Pearce, Lotus Seven Club, contact: Alan Walker contact: Steve Collins 01708 PO Box 7, Abergavenny, NP7 5WQ 07790 848 203 or 722266 (office hours) email [email protected] Deadline? (Glasgow) Caterham Super 7: K-series ISOORS. Reg: X2 16 VPN to be received by 8th for inclusion the following month Caterham Supersport 1.8VVC: (2000) . Current Mileage: II K. Coin appeal: Registered in 1999, 20,000 mi les, Never Raced. Immaculate. FSH - all that unwanted cash is worth real Contact details? metallic ceramic blue with work carried out by Caterham money! Foreign coins, notes, Prisoner wheels, leather seats and Cars. Uprated front brakes. New obsolete ones from Euro countries, Please remember to include 6-speed gearbox. starter motor. Taxed until 30.09.1 0. pre-decimal ... LRF can use it. your contact details. Very good condition, garaged and MoT Aug. £1 5K ono. Any inspec­ please pass any such cash to Consider indicating your location: I this could be of concern to only summer use. tion test welcome. your AR: o buyer wonting to see o cor or contact: Peter 01435 830606 contact: Ted 07740 798341 collection service through local LRF collect ports. (Sussex) (Mayfield, East Sussex) branches. J -34 Lowflying August 2010 Amencan Luxury Classic Modified 4x4 Motorhome Campers Performance Spec1alist E Q ~ Sun 1 .c) Sat4 ::s Duxford Classic Car Show ~ Freestyle Motors port Lotus Seven Club at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford - Speed Championship, Cl) Join us for a great day out amongst other classic " round 12, Aintree, Liverpool (sprint) marques, legendary planes and military vehicles, set .a Entry forms will be sent to competitors who have Q in the beautiful Cambridge countryside. registered for the championship We have an area reserved to display our Sevens and -@) Simon Rogers, Competition Secretory get a discounted entry price of £9.50 per person Qj (usually £16.50), under 15s go free. ~ c:s Sun 5 No limit on numbers; the more the merrier! Qj For more information on the day please visit en Q, The Graham Nearn Memorial Slat http://duxford.iwm.org.uk/server/showjconEvent.3262 A drive from multiple starting points, converging To book a place, please contact Kevin with ~ ec:s on Stow Maries Aerodrome, near Maldon, Essex, in membership number, name, email and phone number. Cl) honour of the Caterham Cars founder. ) Kevin Baker 0 See announcement in this issue for more details +-' t : 07833 363434 e: [email protected] c: +-' .E Sat 11 Sat 7 ..0 Freestyle Motorsport Lotus Seven Club :::J cu VI Harewood (Invited Club event), Speed Championship, Q) round 13, Wiscombe Park, nr Honiton (hillclimb) Harewood Hill, near Wetherby (hillclimb) VI Not a championship event but an opportunity for ro Entry forms will be sent to competitors who have some practice; entry forms will be sent to competitors > ~ registered for the championship 0.. who have registered for the championship. GJ Simon Rogers, Competition Secretory ) Simon Rogers, Competition Secretary VI +-' t= Sat 11 Q) Sat7 -Sun 8 E Penn 7s I Herts Novice trackday '+- -c Uandow Circuit, Cowbridge lotus Seven Club International Meeting 2010 t= Our major gathering for the year, based on the Q) An excellent place to start track driving or gain a little 0 E more experience. 45 spaces available. £70 per driver. Woodvale Rally event, near Southport on the ro Open pit lane. 105dba. Camping available at site next Lancashire coast; organized by the 'LADS'. -c i : www. lclubintemational. co. uk t= door or at a nearby hotel (run by club member). e: internationa/2010@/otuslclub.eam ro Send cheque, payable to L/ondow Circuit to: A booking form is downloadable from the website. ~ Carl Van Baars, 34 Cuttsfield Terrace, Hemel Hempstead, · ~ Herts, HP1 2AWalong with your name, membership C' +-' no, car reg., phone no and email address. Q) Sun 8 -c Carl-Va n-Baars (aka Mad Hatter) Freestyle Motorsport Lotus Seven Club +-' t : 07525 448924 e: [email protected] res t= Speed Championship Q)

round 9, Harewood, near Weatherby (hillc/imb) UJ> Mon 13 Entry forms will be sent to competitors who have .... l otus Seven Club trackday registered for the championship ) Simon Rogers, Competition Secretory Cadwell Park, near Louth, lines. -o Open pit lane, free track driving instruction; 105db noise limit. Sat 14 > Geoff Pickin, Trackday Coordinator Freestyle Motorsport lotus Seven Club t: 01633 881837 Speed Championshi p e: [email protected] round 10, Loton Park, near Shrewsbury (hillclimb) Entry forms will be sent to competitors who have registered for the championship ) Simon Rogers, Competition Secretory Wed13 Sat28 Oulton Park trackday Marshals' Sprint at Curborough Oulton Park International Circuit, Cheshire. Curborough Sprint Course, Staffordshire Exclusive Club members sessions on a trackday being Not a championship event, but open to all Club shared with Club MSV and another track day operator. members; contact Simon for ent.y forms. Static noise limit of 105 db. Free track driving Featuring LlC- WSCC (Westfield) inter· club challenge instruction by qualified ARDS instructors. ) Simon Rogers, Competition Secretary > Geoff Pickin, Trackday Coordinator t: 01633 881837 Sat 28- Mon 30 e: [email protected] Booking forms in August's Lowflying Hellingly Festival ofTransport The Showground, Hellingly, BN27 4DT, Sat 16 approximately 10 miles North of Eastbourne, E. Sussex Club parking display. Freestyle Motorsport lotus Seven Club Free admission for car and two people if pre-registered Speed Championship, for Club parking area. See this month's Ne•vs and events round 14, Anglesey 1 (sprint) item for more information and booking details. Entry forms will be sent to competitors who have ) Ian Bruce registered for the championship t: 07973 291144 Simon Rogers, Competition Secretory e: [email protected] Sat 17 Sun 29 Freestyle Motorsport Lotus Seven Club Freestyle Motorsport Lotus Seven Club Speed Championship, Speed Cham pionship, round 15, Anglesey 2 (sprint) round 11, Curborough, nr Lichfield (sprint) Ent ry forms will be sent to competitors who have Entry forms will be in Lowflying; ESV in attendance. registered for the championship S1mon Rogers, Compeb"tion Secret01y > Simon Rogers, Competition Secretory -36 Lowflying August 2010 DESIGNED F 0 R RACING . B U I L T F 0 R LIVING

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