Lotus 7 Replica Hits the South African Market

Millenium 7, the South African replica of the Lotus 7, designed and built by Colin Chapman in England in 1957, will be available to more enthusiasts in the future. So far, about 20 cars have been built or are in the process of being built, the main driver of the project, Chris Carstens, announced.

"We are delighted at the response to our invitation for motor enthusiasts to come and view the latest version of the Millennium 7 and are looking forward to this becoming another iconic local sports car brand," Chris Carstens said in a release.

This Millennium 7 project uses a complex space frame of CR12 cold rolled square tubing covered by aluminum stressed skin panels to increase stiffness. Bodywork, which is made by DAW, is of glass fibre and weighs less than 40kg. The cockpit, however, is much larger than the original Lotus 7.

The designers say the standard offering will be a 2.0-liter Ford Duratec engine with BMW E30 3-Series rear differential and drive shafts. Disc brakes also come from the BMW 3er, but four-piston calipers may also be available.  Also available is the unique windscreen, which is installed at a 55-degree rake.

The Millennium 7 do-it-yourself kit, without the differential, drive shafts, engine, gearbox, instruments, radiator, steering wheel, tires, or wheels, will cost around 13,500 euros. For that, you will get the frame, alloy double skin panelling, bodywork, front and rear suspension, fuel tank, brakes, brake tubing, pedal box and master cylinders, steering system and a basic wiring harness.

The Millenium 7 is the brainchild of aeronautical engineer Chris Carstens, who created the car with his friend Kobus van der Walt, advised by former Honda F1 chief mechanic Alastair Gibson.