1969 LOTUS SEVEN SERIES 3

12,705 Miles Indicated | Ford 1600 Crossflow | Nearly 30 Years of Documented Ownership

WHY WE LOVE IT

The Lotus Seven is one of the purest driver's cars ever produced. Designed around Colin Chapman's philosophy of simplicity and lightweight performance, the Seven delivers an experience that remains largely unmatched more than fifty years after production.

This 1969 Lotus Seven Series 3 stands apart not only because of its originality and preservation, but because of the remarkable documentation accompanying the car. Included is an extensive archive spanning nearly three decades of ownership, restoration, maintenance, parts sourcing, club participation, technical literature, period correspondence, invoices, photographs, and historical records.

Factory research confirms chassis LSB2426 was completed on March 7, 1969 and delivered through Lotus Canada. The car remains powered by its documented Ford 1600 Crossflow engine and is offered with one of the most comprehensive history files we have encountered accompanying a Lotus Seven.

The odometer currently displays 12,705 miles, with documented service records showing 12,499 miles in 2014 and 12,547 miles in 2016.

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

• Chassis LSB2426

• Factory-built Lotus Seven Series 3

• Completed March 7, 1969

• Delivered through Lotus Canada

• Ford 1600 Crossflow engine

• Weber 32DGV carburetor

• Ford 4-speed manual transmission

• Documented engine number 9A3288

• Current odometer reading of 12,705 miles

• Nearly 30 years of documented Indianapolis-area ownership

• Extensive service, restoration, and ownership archive

• Accompanied by historical photographs, invoices, correspondence, and technical records

OWNERSHIP HISTORY

Documentation within the accompanying archive establishes ownership history dating back to at least 1978. Historical title records document ownership in Michigan before acquisition by the current Indianapolis-area owner in August 1997.

ncluded within the file are acquisition records, transportation documents, ownership correspondence, period photographs, Lotus club materials, registration records, and extensive maintenance documentation accumulated during nearly three decades of stewardship. The resulting archive provides an unusually detailed history of the vehicle's preservation and care and represents one of the most complete documentation collections we have encountered for a Series 3 Seven.

DOCUMENTATION INCLUDED

The accompanying history file includes:

• Lotus Seven Club factory verification records

• Historical title records

• Original acquisition documentation

• Ownership correspondence

• Transportation records

• Indiana collector registration records

• Service invoices

• Restoration records

• Parts invoices

• Technical manuals

• Lotus Owners Group materials

• Lotus Marque newsletters

• Historical photographs

• Supplier correspondence

• Restoration planning notes

• Parts catalogs and technical literature

SERVICE HISTORY

August–September 1997 - Initial recommissioning work begins following acquisition.

Documented parts purchases include:

• Fuel pump

• Water pump

• Ignition components

• Brake system components

• Clutch hydraulic components

• Windscreen seals

• Cooling system components

• Air cleaner components

September 1997 - Dahlke-Hiday Automotive Specialists - Noblesville, Indiana

• Front brake rotors resurfaced

2001–2002

Comprehensive mechanical recommissioning completed.

Work documented includes:

• Differential removal and service

• Rear suspension refurbishment

• Front suspension rebuild

• Tie rod replacement

• Wheel bearing service

• Front brake service

• Rear wheel cylinder rebuilds

• Brake hydraulic rebuild

• Clutch master and slave cylinder rebuilds

• Water pump replacement

• Ignition service

• Spark plug replacement

• Fuel system service

• Carburetor adjustment

• Radiator repair

• Cooling system overhaul

• Electrical repairs and wiring service

• Windshield seal replacement

• Transmission service

January 2002

Tire Rack

• Four Dunlop SP20 tires purchased

Clark Tire - Fishers, Indiana

• Tire mounting and balancing

May 2004

Donato & Sons Motors - Logansport, Indiana

Major drivetrain service including:

• Clutch replacement

• Pressure plate replacement

• Flywheel resurfacing

• Rear main seal replacement

• Crankshaft seal replacement

• Timing cover gasket replacement

• Transmission seal replacement

• Engine compartment detailing

August 2004 - Donato & Sons Motors

• Carburetor rebuild

• Fuel system service

February 2012 - Hash Imports - Fishers, Indiana

• Front brake caliper rebuild

July–August 2014 - Hash Imports

Mileage recorded: 12,499

Services included:

• Starter replacement

• Charging system service

• Cooling system service

• Clutch hydraulic service

• Lighting repairs

• General recommissioning

October 2015 - Hash Imports

• Cooling system flush

• Radiator service

• Electrical repairs

• Lighting repairs

• Mirror repairs

October 2016 - Hash Imports

Mileage recorded: 12,547

Services included:

• Front brake hoses replaced

• Brake hydraulic service

• Brake shoe relining

• Carburetor rebuild

• Spark plug replacement

• Cooling system service

• Road testing and tuning

TIRES

Dunlop SP20 A/S

Size: 165R13 82S

Front Date Code: 25/01

Rear Date Code: 25/01

Front Tread Depth: 8/32"

Rear Tread Depth: 8/32"

Documentation included with the vehicle supports purchase of a set of Dunlop SP20 tires through Tire Rack in January 2002. While tread depth remains substantial, the tires are over two decades old and should be evaluated by the next owner prior to regular road use.

HISTORICAL TIMELINE

March 7, 1969

Completed at Lotus Cars in Hethel, England.

1969

Delivered through Lotus Canada.

August 1978

Historical title documentation establishes ownership in Michigan.

August 1997

Acquired by Indianapolis-area ownership.

November 1997

Lotus Seven Club historian John W. Watson confirms factory specifications and historical records for chassis LSB2426.

2001–2002

Major mechanical recommissioning completed.

2004

Clutch, drivetrain, and carburetor servicing completed.

2012–2016

Specialist servicing completed by Hash Imports.

Present Day

Offered with 12,705 miles indicated and accompanied by an extensive documentation archive accumulated over nearly three decades of enthusiast ownership.

INCLUDED WITH SALE

• Clean Indiana title

• Historical ownership records

• Factory verification records

• Service invoices

• Restoration records

• Parts invoices

• Technical manuals

• Lotus club materials

• Historical photographs

• Registration records

• Extensive documentation archive

CONTACT

Brian @ MOTORVAULT
317-520-4663
brian@motorvault.com

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, MOTORVAULT makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information contained herein. All specifications, descriptions, and details are provided by third-party sources or prior ownership and are subject to errors and omissions. Prospective buyers are encouraged to independently verify all information prior to purchase. All vehicles are sold as-is unless otherwise stated.