Anaximander

Ah, but the joy of 2.5 years ownership of that gem in the slightly rough that you so diligently presented on "Any Given Sunday" when not too hung over :cheers:

So says the guy that puts Red Bull in his gas tank so his cars have "wings".

I had an issue purchasing a car sight unseen on Craigslist that Croc had found and posted. The seller/builder of the car was a superb constructor but did not know a lot about mechanical issues. I had driven half way across the country to find that the car had a leaking intake manifold with antifreeze clearly visible on the engine block. I checked the oil and there was no indication of antifreeze incursion into the oil. The seller was truly apologetic and offered to pay half of the necessary guesstimated repair which I thought was more than fair. Had the seller been something of a crook, there could have been numerous undisclosed discrepancies that would have made the deal untenable. I try to buy from people that have a public history of being on the up and up and tend to shy away from people that do not have a positive public presence. If it were me, I would try and contact someone on our site that lives close to the car of interest and have them give it a once over before considering moving forward. Unless the car is a steal and it doesn't matter what is wrong and can be fixed within a reasonable budget. Even, then, I would carefully query the seller to understand what is what with the car?

Hey, I resemble that remark! :cuss: http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=16018&stc=1 Now you have done it Croc! Pee Wee is on a rampage (poor Mr. Bill and Les Suave) and you don't want to get in his path.

I rescind by statement about you being supportive! Well, maybe just a little :smash:. It really was agonizing in one instance because I was pulling for someone that is a regular on this site. Timing is not always in our favor for every endeavor. The recipient of the car is also a very experienced exotic car owner and knew exactly what he was looking for so that is a very good thing.

This is probably the most difficult post I have ever made on this beautiful site. Someone called and purchased the car over the phone this afternoon. I had talked with two other wonderful people that wanted to buy the car but circumstances prevented them from making an instant decision and sending funds. I fully understand this but realize that it was my obligation to sell the car to the first person who said "I will take it" and sends the money. I got to know in a brief time, the other two potential buyers and know that this post will cause some heartache which frankly causes me some pain. However, I know that money talks the loudest and I was fully transparent with all that were interested. I only wish that I had two more like this to sell to these two other fine people. Thank you all for being so supportive and especially to Croc for his continued support of us crazy se7en lovers!

Bruce, I am so with you on the color of the car accentuating or dumbing down the angular looks of the C7 and likely the C8. On the C8, I like it in red. On the C7, I really prefer the white with some limited black trim and just about lost it when I saw my first white C7 many years ago. I love your descriptor of the "Bruntonvoort". It is so right/appropriate when I look at both offerings and should be considered for a rear badge as I removed the "Stalker" badging because of my concern for the PCness of the term. There is much flattery from Brunton toward the Donkervoort. I wonder if Scott Minehart was aware of that body design when he designed the XL? In terms of visceral feel, there is likely no comparison between the XL and a Vette. The Vette is very tame relatively speaking and is really just a car with tons of complex and almost superfluous systems. The XL is a consuming experience with the wind, sights/sounds, G forces and raw acceleration that cannot be matched with a conventional car. On my third drive with the XL, a Dodge Hellcat foolishly challenged me at a light to a bit of an acceleration contest. Those 707 ponies in a 4600 pound car were no match whatsoever for a 495 pony 1860 pound dart that was much easier to hook up than his heavy "go straight" hot rod. I felt like a teenager when I had a two-car hole shot starting off in second gear and barely shifted to third before I stopped that nonsense and realized that it does not play fair with these porky sleds.

Bruce, I will send you an email answering your specific questions and send more details. In terms of something more exciting, it involves anything that will get my wife to come along on rides. Many years ago, I had a Lexus SC400 that she liked due to its amenities and comfort factors. I am no longer an aficionado of that genre. Have kicked around the possibility of the new C8 Vette but am currently not willing to pay the exorbitant markups the dealers are getting for them due to the limited supply for 2020. Whatever, I do get, it will have to be something she is willing to ride around in. That part of the equation is a work in progress because my stable has been dominated by se7enesque cars for the past 5 years. When I was in high school in Southern California, I came very close to getting a 1962 Lotus 7 and so had to play out that dream over the past 5 years.

Bruce, It's kind of wild but I bought my last Stalker before this XL through pictures and a call with the builder. Turned out to be a magnificent car that I had Scott Minehart tweak and kept for 2.5 years. Scott has also had his trained hands on this Stalker as well. In a PM tonight, I mentioned that I had not received a text but I don't get any feedback of a PM going through so I don't know if spam blockers are involved? The number again is 850-491-2222. Thanks again and congrats on the upcoming article on your Alpha and the sale of the WCM. The WCM was also a beautiful and obviously well sorted car. It would be terrific if you did an update to your upgrade manuals to include Stalkers. With all of the adjustability that Scott builds into these cars, I am sure that much can be learned and gleaned from folks like yourself that understand the complexities of suspension setup. Bob

Bruce, I heard a new-to-me saying this past week. "If not now, when?" Thank you for appreciating what this particular car represents in terms of value and performance. I priced it to move it and was less concerned about the money than it going to someone who will have a ball with it. You are quite welcome to call and discuss the car if so inclined. I have been keeping up with the mods you made to that special Alfa Romeo 4C coupe. This would be a fun and smokin' fast stable mate.

2015 Brunton Stalker XL for sale in immaculate condition. This car currently has 6905 miles and is registered/licensed for the street in Florida as a 1962 Lotus Replica Kit Car with a Florida VIN#. No accidents or damage history and exceptionally well built. This car has been used occasionally by Stalker Cars of Clearwater, Florida as a demonstrator because of its superb build quality and performance. The builder of the car is a former aircraft kit builder and this was the third Stalker that he had built. The car can comfortably accommodate persons that are 6'4" with the driver's seat on slides and a large foot box for big-footed drivers. Stalker XL's are the top of the line and are 10" wider and 10" longer than the M-Spec Stalker and designed for stable road or track handling The car's fluids are all current and the car weighs approximately 1850 pounds. Factory replacement cost for the car is approximately $54,000.00. Also have a Stalker tilt drive-on trailer for sale that was designed for the XL series and factory replacement costs is approximately $3800.00. All of the components used to build this car were new and include: Crate GM LS3/480 engine producing 480hp and 475lbft of torque T56 magnum 6 speed transmission CTS-V Differential Wilwood 6-piston front brakes with proportional bias control and designed for ABS Wilwood 4-piston rear brakes with proportional bias control and designed for ABS Electric in column power steering Kirkey seats with extra lumbar/seat padding with 4-point seat belts and the 5th point available for install XXR 18" black-chrome wheels Toyo R888 tires Speedhut custom gauges Custom cockpit tonneau cover and canvas fitted sun shade for roll bar Selling price for the car is $35,000.00 FOB Florida and the trailer with new tires is being sold for $2800.00 to the purchaser of the car. This is my fourth and final Stalker (spousal unit would like an enclosed rocket to accompany me) . They are exceptionally well designed, very reliable cars with incredibly refined suspension systems that liberally utilize Heim joints for amazing adjustability (http://stalkercars.com/models/stalker-xl/). Because these cars are made in America by a very experienced designer/craftsman/owner/driver, parts and service support are second to none.

Less says yes but PeeWee says no way. I'm likely going to even sell my 2019 Tri Glide Ultra trike. I need to "shift gears" so to speak and want to play with some other toys. Having owned 4 Storkers (2 Classics, 1 M-Spec and the XL) along with one Caterham Superlight 300r, I feel like I have had some of the best of what sevens have had to offer. They are, without a doubt, some of the most fun you can have in a car. My wife is encouraging me to consider a C8 Vette or something with an enclosed cockpit and air conditioning that she would feel comfortable riding in. The XL is set up to add air but it is not an enclosed cockpit without having the factory make a bunch of mods.

Well, I just spent a couple of days cruising around the North Carolina/Georgia/South Carolina mountains and have decided that I am going to sell my lovely 2015 Stalker XL powered by a LS3/480 crate engine with T56 Magnum transmission and CTS-V rear-end. The car is in superb condition and drives like a dream with power-assist steering. The car was assembled by a former sport aircraft constructor/salesman who had previously built a Classic Super Stalker, an M-Spec and then this XL. The XL likely shines the best on a track where the wider stance and longer wheelbase allows for incredible stability at high speeds. People as large as 6'4" can fit in the car and the pedal box is spacious for large feet. It is also fun on the street and I did a comfortable 200 mile day in the mountains just a couple of days ago. It has not seen a track other than a few autox events and only has about 7k easy miles on it. I will shortly put up an ad but I know that there have been a couple of people thinking about getting one of these jewels and I wanted to float the idea before I put up all the particulars on this almost like-new Stalker. I am serious this time about wanting to get into some hobbies yet to be explored. Someone will save a lot of money on this beautiful example and I also have a Stalker tilt open trailer that can be purchased with the car. http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=15951&stc=1

Jeez Louise Mike, To hell with the for sale updates. Let me just be your personal concierge and carry your bags in all of the exotic places you will be going to in the next couple of weeks! I looked at the track at Anglesey and the layout and location are to die for. I have only seen references to Marrakech in the movies and know that it is an ancient trading route. I have been to Geneva but liked Lucerne better so am not jonesing for that part of your upcoming itinerary. I had a fine glass of wine and a shot of tequila tonight so my withdrawal symptoms for seven listings has slightly subsided. Thanks for the partial remedy of missing your interesting weekly search. Bawwwwwb

Dear Numpty, I am slipping into a state of withdrawal without my Sunday morning "fix" of se7ens for sale.:willy_nilly:

Bruce K, I hadn't looked at the Donkervoort website in some time but you are completely correct. Some of their models look strikingly similar to the XL Stalkers. I hadn't ever thought of the hood as a "Lurch-coffin" but it kind of fits the billing. It is really fun to look down that long nose at the big shiny headlights and the cycle front fenders with air slots for those inclined to test the upper limits of the car's speed performance. The nice thing about the semi-open engine compartment is that this Stalker runs amazingly cool in our hot/humid Florida weather and the inside tunnel next to my legs remain moderately warm but not smokin' hot. In fact, at times, it runs a bit on the cool side for an LS engine which reportedly likes to run in the 210-215 f range. The brakes on this car even though they do not have an anti-lock feature on them stop me on a dime and can give me about 7 cents change. Very confidence inspiring. The electric power assist incorporated into the design does not make it as "arrow-like" as the Caterham but does reduce the steering wheel forces when I run the car through a slalom on a autox course. Very little body roll as the suspension is extremely well thought out and very effective in keeping things in shape. One of the very fun things about these Storkers is that if you step the rear end out a bit more than desired, a slight lift on the throttle and the car stabilizes rapidly and tracks very true. Makes average drivers like myself look better than I actually am which is a bonus.

Thanks for the kinds words on the Storker. A friend, Bob Berube built the car and this was his third Stalker that he built. He used to sell and build kit airplanes so he is quite experienced at expert fabrication. This car has 315/30/18's on the rear and are over 12" wide. You can spec these cars with slightly smaller rotors/calipers and they are then set up to have smaller wheels/tires for the track. I will include a picture of what the 315's looks like. The rears are pretty wide but sit inside the wheel wells. The fronts are 255/45/18's with 6 piston Wilwoods on the front and 4 piston Wilwoods on the back with a proportioner. I removed the "STALKER" lettering on the tail of the car because of the multiple interpretations of what that word conjures up these days. I didn't want the local fathers/mothers hiding their beautiful daughters thinking there was a "Stalker" on the road. http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=15863&stc=1

Bruce +1000000000000 on your sentiments about Croc's contributions. Having briefly owned a Caterham r300 Superlight with r400 engine specs, and now on my fourth Brunton Stalker, I fully agree with your analogy of arrows vs spears in contrasting a Caterham with a Brunton. The older Brunton Classics were more "arrow" like but the newer Brunton's are definitely more "spear" like and generally run in E Mod for SCCA Solo events. OTOH, one of Scott Minehart's brothers is thinking seriously about having Scott build him a car that is 2.0 litres and can run in the D Mod class which has lighter car weight requirements. However, since I am a simple-minded spear chucker, having a 495 hp LS3/480 Stalker XL is one hell of a lot of fun! As someone opined, these LS engines pull like diesels. http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=15862&stc=1

Shane, I am glad that you weighed in on the selection of wheels/tires for the Classic Stalkers. Glenn is used to autox and does not have any personal experience running on a track. RNR needs to heed your advice except for any "flying instructions" you might offer .

rnr, I was talking with Glen Minehart this afternoon discussing the impending hurricane that is putting Florida in the crosshairs. Glen recommended that your car would do best with 13" wheels front and back with the front tires being about 9" wide and 20-22" in diameter. For the rears, he suggested 13" wheels that are 10" wide with the diameter no greater than 22" lest the tires hit the fenders. He suggested considering altering the ride height if necessary. He mentioned Avons or Hoosiers work well with the Stalkers and John Berget is a great source for gently used race tires. You can see John's website at: https://www.jbracingtires.net/ Hope that helps get you started in the right direction so to speak.

rnr, You ended up with one very beautiful Storker! I don't road race but have some limited experience with autocrossing Stalkers. My first Stalker was an LT1 equipped prototype M-Spec that I purchased from Scott Minehart of Brunton Auto. I had racing slicks for that car and that was my first autocross car. Then purchased a NA V6 Classic Stalker and then my third Stalker was a supercharged L32 that I had racing slicks/wheels to do autocross and the thing really performed. My latest Storker is a XL with the LS3/480 and I absolutely LOVE the torque and horsepower that it provides for my 1860 pound car. Your chassis being #159, you have one of the very last Classic Stalkers that was ever produced. The upgrades you have with the new Wilwoods and other mods to your LS3-engined car make your car a veritable hot rod. Shane knows all about them because he can run a track or fly through the air with the greatest of ease:rofl: Glen Minehart, Scott's father can suggest all kinds of wheels/tires for track use. They have a Brunton AXR along with their son Jason and have tried all kinds of tires and compounds for the best performance. In fact, most of the family will be out in Lincoln, Nebraska this coming week running at the SCCA National Solo Championships.

+3

I am a psychologist who used to treat worriers. When a person articulates that they would consider a best offer, they have not set any time limits so they might be willing to wait a decade for the "best offer". Kitcat, funny story about a continuing education program I attended many years ago from a psychologist/lawyer who was comfortable wearing both hats. He suggested that lawyers view conflicts as emanating from the client's opposition and so blame them whereas a psychologist suggests to the client that they consider modifying their own behavior. I suspect that the presenter had some cogent insights into the differences in conflict resolution.

:( "sob". Will miss the little jewels you seem to find and am a bit jealous that you will be bobbing around the North Sea. Have fun and have a mimosa for me!

That is one beautiful paint job!!!