Lotus Mk VII 1957
See specifications below illustration Useful link: www.simplesevens.org
Page 163A To The Prisoner's Lotus 7
Lotus Mk 7 1957 specifications
Engine (Ford)
4 Cylinder inline water cooled
Displacement: 1,172 cc
Bore : 63.5mm
Stroke: 92.5mm
Valves: 8, side
Compression ratio: 8.5 to 1
Carburettors: 2 horizontal SU
or Zenith downdraught
Max Power: 48bhp at 6,000 rpm

Performance
Maximum speed: 80.4mph
0-50mph: 11.5secs
Approx fuel consump.: 30mpg

Construction
Multi-tubular (1” & 3/4” square & round) space-frame with steel riveted alluminium panels & cycle wings

Brakes
Hydraulic 8in drums,
Friction area: 80sq in

Wheels & Tyres
Bolt on 15in steel disc,
5.20 tubeless tyres

Transmission
Clutch: Borg & Beck
single dry-plate
Prop shaft: Hardy Spicer open
Gearbox: 3-speed,
Ratios: Top 4.875, 2nd: 9.78
1st: 17.85 Reverse:23.35

Steering
Worm & nut(first 25)
Rack & pinion later cars

Suspension
Front: independent coil with transverse wishbone,
anti-rollbar with vertical links
Rear: Live axle and coil spring, Telescopic shock absorbers

Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 7ft 4in
Track - front: 3ft 11in
Track - rear: 3ft 10in
Overall length: 10ft 9in
Overall width: 4ft 7in
Overall height: 3ft 7.5in
Ground clearance: 4in
Kerb weight: 8.75cwt
Tank capacity: 7gals

Production
Sept 1957- june 1960: approx 243 produced
Price new in 1958 (no extras): £1,172 17s inc purchase tax