The Lotus Seven was a lightweight British roadster produced from 1957 to 1973. The Seven combines simple mechanics, a lightweight body, excellent handling, and good looks. That formula explains why the car is so often replicated in kit form. There’s a sweet fully-assembled example, a Stalker XL, for sale now on eBay.
The Stalker XL takes its styling cues from the Lotus Seven
The seller calls the eBay car a 1964 Super Seven, thanks to its shape. But the race car is titled in Colorado as a 2014 model—with 3,500 miles on the odometer.
1970 Lotus Super Seven sales leaflet
Lotus Super Seven History
The Lotus Super Seven was the brainchild of famed designer Colin Chapman, best known for his mantra of simplicity. Production started in 1957 and continued until 1972 under the Lotus name.
Thanks to its timeless styling and superb handling, the Super Seven refused to die.
The secret to the Super Seven’s longevity is its low price and enthusiasts’ ability to add components. Moreover, the design’s simplicity means that builders can assemble a kit version in a matter of days.
Lotus offered variations over the years, from the Seven S2 in 1960 to the redesigned S4 in 1970.
The company avoided Britain’s tax surcharge by offering the car only as a kit. When England switched to a value added tax, Lotus sold licensing rights to Caterham in 1973. The cars are still offered today under this moniker.
The Caterham website explains the origins of the Seven:
“Chapman wanted owners to experience the joy and pride of building their own car and then take it on track.”
The Lotus Seven came with various engines, including a 400-hp inline Ford power plant. It handles like a dream. The highest part of the car is about three feet off the ground.
Stalker’s Lotus Seven
An LS3 engine powers this Stalker XL, a descendent of the Lotus Seven.
In 2001, Lotus enthusiast Dennis Brunton created his version of the Lotus Seven. The Florida builder labels its cars as “Brunton Stalkers,” but the heritage is unmistakable.
In 2010, his frame-master Scott Minehart took over the reins of the outfit now known as Stalker Cars. The company has produced more than 200 Stalker kits.
The seller states:
“You cannot match the performance of a Stalker for the money, or hardly at all for that matter. Zero to 60 mph times range from 2.4 to 4 seconds, and 0-100 mph times are clocked in under 5 seconds.
“The Stalker will leave you breathless almost every time you ride. Speed is only part of the equation. The turning capabilities are unsurpassed.”
Super Seven for Sale on eBay
This current eBay offering features GM’s LS3 crate engine producing 430 horsepower. A Tremec T-56 Magnum transmission puts power to the wheels. The car has Wilwood brakes with a double-wishbone front suspension.
The Stalker Seven is street legal. But it’s ready for the track.
The seller says the Lotus Seven for sale on eBay has never been raced but has taken open track times. Because it’s street legal, a buyer could use the Stalker on common streets for daily use. But when you get the need for speed, the Lotus Seven is ready for the track.
The Lotus/Stalker Seven is designed for simplicity—and eBay has plentiful parts for a Lotus Seven. So you can continue to make it look cooler and go even faster, fulfilling Colin Chapman’s legacy.
See Lotus Super Seven for sale on eBay.
