11Budlite

That Lotus 23 has a similar paint scheme to the Allen Grant Cobra that raced in the 60's and that George Lucas did the paintwork design for. I think it had a similar yellow color with black stripes going across the fenders/hood. I also noticed Ole Oleson's name on the credits, who was also involved with the Grant Cobra team. Pete Brock also had a "little" involvement with Cobras over the years if I remember correctly! Cool video! Bruce :7drive:

I don't think I'm quite ready for that car, but I'd sure like to give it a try!! :yesnod: Bruce :7drive:

Looks good Hank! The quality of the suspension, uprights, etc, looks pretty impressive! When do you hope to have it finished? Bruce :7drive:

Not sure how this translates to BBC America but I think at some point we'll be able to see a new Caterham R500 driven by the Stig timed on the Top Gear track. Should be interesting to see how it stacks up against some of the exotics. Here's a report from Caterham Cars James Drake that I borrowed from Blatchat: "Dear all, Having just returned from a bitterly cold Dunsfold aerodrome, I am happy to report that all went well. As you will have no doubt worked out by now, contrary to belief we weren't winding up the entire owners club last week, and we knew all along that we were confirmed to be on the track for timed laps and a studio segment. Obviously we couldn't tell you this directly, although the "will they / won't they" conspiracy theories have been keeping us amused in the office all week - it is heartening to see such passion from the club and to know how much you all care for the marque, so thank you for all your support. Today was extremely cold, with a peak temperature of just 1degree. The Stig completed approximately 20 timed laps, and reported back to us through a series of grunts, whistles and sign language that he felt that the car was set up perfectly, and that he was very much enjoying driving it. However, due to the extremely low temperatures he did struggle to get heat into the tyres, so the car's ultimate lap time was somewhat compromised. We worked extremely hard to make sure that the car was in absolutely A1 condition, and i am sure that when you see the program on Sunday night you will agree that the car looked stunning. Thanks must go to all at Caterham who haven't had a weekend for the last fortnight, and to everyone who was still working late into the night - it was all worth it. As for the lap time, Stig was adamant that the car had "much more still to come in better conditions", so hopefully we will be invited back in the summer to really depress the supercar boys! So, without further ado, to find out how fast the car was... tune in to BBC2 on Sunday at 8pm... Best Wishes, James Drake, Marketing Coordinator, Caterham Cars." Bruce :7drive:

Randall - I enjoyed your account on the Birkinowners group but I always seem to be about 3 days behind on my e-mails at home so I'm seldom able to respond. Thanks for sharing your adventure here as well, you are definitely a true se7en enthusiast!! Bruce :7drive:

Congrats and welcome Randall! I probably should have made the connection from the Birkinowners group but I guess I'm not too quick. I'd post the account of the trip back to Calif in the general sevens discussion and then share some pictures of your car in the members ride section. Bruce :7drive: Edit: I see you posted it in the members rides section but we still need pics! Edit #2: I see we no longer need pics! Thanks

You are a sick, sick man Gary! I'm surprised you were able to find "volunteers" for a 1st ride!! Bruce :7drive:

No affiliation, etc: http://auto-europe-sales.ebizautos.com/webdetail.aspx?iid=3525473 http://www.usa7s.net/ASPNETFORUM/upload/357251155_3525473_3.jpg Bruce :7drive:

I don't know the car, but it looks like it's still for sale: http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/lotus/7/726767.html Seems like a great deal.... Bruce :7drive:

It's amazing the amount of fun I've had driving only 2700 miles in the Birkin this year, but I would have to say the most fun was meeting all the fellow se7en owners at Carlisle back in May....even though I probably put less than a mile on the car! Actually I'm hoping the best moment is still yet to come! Bruce :7drive:

Did another 100 miles on Saturday morning so I'm up to 2745 miles for the year. Had a nice drive on backroads through the northwest corner of the state in 30-40 degree weather...even stopped for some hot cocoa to warm up! Unfortunately it rained/sleeted/snowed some today so if they sanded the roads I could be done for the year. We'll see how bad it is tomorrow on the way to work... Bruce :7drive:

No affiliation, etc: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___Lotus-Super-7-Replica_W0QQitemZ160301607865QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item160301607865&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A317%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318 http://www.usa7s.net/ASPNETFORUM/upload/589082530_ea40_1.jpg Bruce :7drive:

2645 miles so far this year and I'm still hoping for more. I'm sure we would have done better, but it was hard to fit Nancy and an 8 month old baby in the Birkin. I have a feeling next year is going to be better! Bruce :7drive:

I'm not positive Ian, but I believe the metric chassis is the new mig-welded one made by Caged as opposed to the original chassis made by Arch that were brazed. Bruce :7drive:

"That is the tiniest motor. It almost looks fake." - You're correct Robert. I still have the 948cc engine from my wrecked Bugeye Sprite sitting on a shelf below my workbench in the basement. It's traveled with me to 3 apartments, 2 houses, and about 825 miles from where it came to it's final demise over 30 years ago. In my younger days I was able to yank the engine/transmission out with a rope and a pipe all by myself. Try that with your typical small block V-8! Bruce :7drive:

Congrats Andrew, that's great news. Enjoy!! :7fume: Bruce

No affiliation, etc: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Lotus-7a-1964-Lotus-7a_W0QQitemZ160300165867QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item160300165867&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A317%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318 http://www.usa7s.net/ASPNETFORUM/upload/1169423097_2ffb_12.jpg Bruce :7drive:

Rob, If you meant 24046, then that's a 1/24 scale version with a lot less detail. I'm sure it'd still be fun to build. The 1/12 10202 model is very impressive in it's detail. Bruce :7drive:

Bob S, I heard back from Dave at Emerald on the turnaround for the K3 upgrade. Here's his reply: "About one week to get it back in the post to you, that serial number is fine for upgrade. You will get new software and a manual update with the conversion and the ECU will contain your original map. If you want a map switch just say so and we will set up the software to suit. I think a switch is about £20 pre-wired to go into the aux port next to comms. Dave Walker" I think I'll get the switch while I'm at it. Bruce :7drive: PS: Just found a weld on my alternator bracket is cracked, so add that to my repair list. Hopefully a guy at work can fix it tomorrow.

They're re-running the Caterham episode on Top Gear right now! Bruce :7fume:

Thanks Kelly, If I'm remembering my BMC engine info correctly, the original engine in your Lotus was a 948cc A-series high compression "screamer" of maybe 43-48hp. Quite a difference from the BDA! Bruce :7drive:

Hi Kelly, You wouldn't have the chassis number would you? Something along the lines of SB1234 or similar. Thanks, Bruce :7drive:

Who's the newbie posting cars for sale that are already sold??? :nonod: http://www.usa7s.net/ASPNETFORUM/DEFAULT.ASPX?g=posts&t=3135 Sorry Mazda, I couldn't resist! Bruce :7drive:

Nice work Morgan, thanks for sharing. Bruce :7drive:

Congrats Rod, that has to be a great feeling. Sounds awesome, enjoy!! Bruce :7drive: