The car when new

The Lotus Seven S4 was originally bought 50/50 by college friends Nelson Briceno and Alan Beagle. According to Lotus records this particular car LBS4/2894/GT left the factory in Norwich configured with a 1600 cc Ford crossflow engine, a Ford standard gearbox and was red. The car was shipped as a kit direct to the US, in November 1970, but not registered until 1971.

The following show the subject of the restoration project when it was new. All the photographs are courtesy of Deana Briceno. [link] shows a view of the car with soft top roof (hood) stowed. The original bright orange/red paint looks muted in the photograph, but the black painted chassis and black interior are clear. [link] shows a front quarter view with the car with the soft top (hood) and side screens in place being flanked by the original co-owners. The addition of a black nose ring and center stripe are evident. [link] shows a clearer view of the car with Alan Beagle and a friend. The position of the wing mirrors and the addition of stone-chip guard on the rear wing (fender) may be seen. The final photograph ( [link] ) shows Nelson struggling with the rear clips of the roof. It is interesting to note the addition of a checkered flag motif on the right rear wing.