lucky dawg

I was at the Corvette factory in October 2005. There was a badly damaged Z06 under a tarp. Aparently one of the engineers checked out the preproduction car and took it to show off at his high school reunion (insert your own geek comment here). He showed off a little too much and hit a large inanimate object. Alcohol may have been involved. The engineer did not lose his job but did lose his access to checking out cars, including for testing, which is a definite career limiting problem. They wouldn't let me take any photos. GM probably did not want public postings like this one.

Or your cars. Or your equipment.

That is an impressive winter photo, especially the green/silver 7 in the middle: no doors, top or windshield. Probably also lacking a heater, but the a/c was at full blast.

Took mine out last week without top or doors. Temp in the upper 30s. Felt like I was driving a dog sled in Alaska. It was great.

Just passed to the guy that was open.

Probably too late, I believe the flood was several years ago.

A very nice article in today's Seattle Times about a local Caterham CSR http://blog.nwautos.com/2013/01/father-son_project_yields_two_roadsters_several_life_lessons.html . It also has a sidebar mentioning the local retailer, Beachman Racing.

The only thing frosty in Seattle right now is the roads. Mid 20s the last few nights and low 30s during the days. At least it's sunny, the skies are blue and the mountains have lots of snow.

All of a sudden, I am just a little bit less self-impressed with my 45 minute drive in 35 degree weather today. But it was beautiful out.

Just the highlights: '70 Dodge Dart 340 (my 1st car, factory underrated at 275hp small block); '68 Dodge GTS (original 383 with a 4speed, only 600 made, few survived); '79 Dodge Little Red Express (oddly fun, w/ vertical exhaust stacks); '89 Ford E-350 Ambulance (great for tailgating & embarrassing daughter); '91 Jeep Cherokee (amazing off-road, especially with a few modifications) '04 Corvette (best ratio of fast-for-price of any car) '08 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (remote locking diffs and sway bar disconnect) '12 Caterham CSR 260 (owned

Of course, I'm not sure how much 7s really add to society. But they make us feel good and don't seem to hurt anyone else. Glad they are still legal

If it was read on Fox News, Rush, or any similar site, you can safely disregard it.

Had a 2004 (last year of the C5) until a year ago. Sold it to buy a CSR. The Corvette is a great performance car for the price, no matter which model you get. It's usable year 'round, has a/c, a sound system, and just about everything else a 7 doesn't have. And I haven't regretted my choice for a second. Many of the owners of new 'vettes are like the guy in the commercial: an older male (even older than me) finally getting their dream. Tend to drive in the slow lane, afraid to use the right pedal, and like owning the car more than driving it.

The words "Mayan Riviera" greatly reduce the sympathy factor (for you, not your 7).

Bruce just completed my CSR a few weeks ago and did a great job. He probably knows as much as anyone about taking these apart and putting them back together.

So wrong, yet so right.

Seems like an efficient way to do it. Hope to see you in August.

Wife and I are definite hopefuls for this. Will know for sure when we get closer.

And keep in mind, when Caterham says "all parts" they mean not necessarily at the same time.

and the Caterham is home. It looks good (deep amethyst with a champagne stripe) and drives amazing. Best of all, Wife loves it as much as I do. Several people had told me that after the first 20 miles, all the waits, delays, missing, parts, costs, etc, would be forgiven or forgotten. It only took 10. Here are a few of the early photos: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/c5dawg/Caterham%20Build/DSC00897_edited-1.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/c5dawg/Caterham%20Build/DSC00893_edited-1.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/c5dawg/Caterham%20Build/P1010036_edited-1.jpg

The CSR is pretty much all done now except for the missing parts, including windscreen support plates and part of the dry sump system. Cosworth was great about sending the absent air filter housing by overnight express. Caterham, not so great. The parts may be on the way, or they may not, not really sure since I can't get that specific question answered. I'm hoping to have the car completed before the one year anniversary of ordering it, but even that minimal goal may not happen. Regardless, summer is just about over, so there won't be too many good days left that I can drive it. All that being said, I must add in, that even with some delay caused frustrations, in the end this will all be worth it. And after the first 20 minutes of driving all will be forgiven or forgotten. http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/c5dawg/Caterham%20Build/IMG956816.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/c5dawg/Caterham%20Build/IMG953616.jpg

The assembly is well past the half way point. So far the only missing parts are the speedometer cable, windscreen supports, some trim pieces and many of the fasteners. I'm hoping the factory will FedEx these. I have an inspection appointment on the 13th, so it will be tight.

Thanks, though since there's only about a one in fifity chance of me being in your state, I'll go with my local laws and see if this will qualify for a Replica designation. So, my question still stands: If this can be a Replica, what would be the best year?

When my CSR goes for it's first licensing inspection, I may have the option of a "Replica" designation. If I am lucky enough for that to happen, what year would be best? I'm thinking a 1966. That would be pre just about all regulations. Your thoughts?

On a related subject: In Washington (state) I may be able to register my CSR as a Replica. If so, what year Lotus should I tell them it most closely resembles, and therefore have on the title? I'm thinking a '66 sounds good. Your thoughts?