By Dean Larson

Photos: Seller, eBay

“Simplify, then add lightness.” That simple phrase from Colin Chapman would go on to be the guiding principle at Lotus Cars to this day. Fewer parts means fewer possible failures, and that usually circles back to less weight as well. Practicing what he preached, Chapman designed one of the most iconic Lotus products ever built, the simplified, lightweight Lotus Seven. As a testament to its qualities, the Seven has been in production nonstop, since its debut in 1957.

Lotus used a whole host of engines in its Sevens through the years, from Ford side-valve engines, to Coventry Climax and Cosworth-modified Fords later on. Even so, most original Seven powerplants made 100 hp or less. But the explosion of reproductions in the kit and low-volume world has placed all sorts of engines between the Seven’s fenders, including extreme examples like this Locost Seven powered by a Suzuki GSX-R 1000 sport bike engine.

I’ll admit, it was initially the cost that peaked my interest when I found this Seven on eBay. It’s a great looking, turnkey car, so I was a bit surprised by its low $14,500 price. But with the street bike engine, that price makes sense, since you’ll have no reverse gear. Also, as the seller has indicated, this Seven might be a little tricky to get registered if emissions testing is required where you live. Otherwise, the seller states that the car is street legal.

But what you’ll lose in street practicality, this Seven makes up for in performance. The car weighs just 1,100 pounds, and has a dyno-verified 168 hp, which is directed by a balanced driveshaft to a Mazda RX7 rear differential. The sequential motorcycle transmission also allows for lightening-quick shifts, clearly evident in the seller’s track video at Atlanta Motorsports Park.

The downsides that come with the motorcycle driveline indicate pretty clearly that this Seven is not for everyone. That being said, there are ways to get around that, and you’d be hard-pressed to go faster for this price — on four wheels at least.

See the seller’s ad here on eBay.