philso

Thanks for the reference to the Caterham dealers in Canada. My intent is to purchase a 7 here, in the US, so I can enjoy it for a few years before I move back to Vancouver.

Thanks for the words of encouragement. Yes. One of the members of the local Lotus owners club took me for an hour and a half drive through the countryside in one of his three 7s. He drove a second 7. It was exhilarating, even when we were caught in a sudden rainstorm and got soaked to the skin. I found that Kitsilano Mini Storage on W 11th charges about $130 CDN per month for indoor storage with 24 hour access Finding a place with more garage space is likely to cost significantly more than that in Vancouver. They appear to cater to the collector market and are located relatively close to one of the neighborhoods where I am likely to settle. It's good to hear that there is a reasonable number of people with Elise's with Rover K series engines in Canada. Surely, at least one of them knows how to get parts. If I recall correctly, there is a big, annual, British car show in the botanical garden across the street from my high school so that would be worth a visit after I retire and move back.

Thanks for your concern. The Canadian government considers anything over 15 years old to be an antique. I am not considering anything that would be a "true antique" such as Lotuses built in the 60's and 70's. A schoolmate had a 7 replica built in the 70's and found it too difficult to support. Just to clarify, I do anticipate having space to work, but only after I get settled. If it takes me 1-2 years to find a suitable place then spend another 1-2 years to build a kit, I am not likely to finish before I am 70 years old. On the other hand, I have found places in Vancouver that will store collectible cars, at a reasonable price. Thus, it is acceptable if the first place I move to does not have an enclosed garage. I can also enjoy driving it in the time before I retire. I agree that no known support system is a concern. That is why I am asking the specific questions regarding 7s with Europe only engines. If there actually is some support for these engine types, it may not be a problem. If no parts are available, the amount of trust I have in a shop becomes irrelevant.

I am now finally able to seriously pursue looking for a 7. My preference is to purchase one that was completed 15 to 25 years ago. The 15 year limit is due to a requirement that kit cars being imported into Canada must have been completed at least 15 years before the date of importation. I am currently resident in the US and will return to Canada when I retire in a few years. The 25 year limit comes from my preference for a 7 with independent rear suspension and for a more modern engine with EFI. Are my parameters for choosing a 7 reasonable? I have considered building a kit after I return to Canada but it is unlikely that I will have the space to do such work. Real estate in Vancouver is rather expensive. I have considered a variety of 7s using Vauxhall, Peugeot, and Rover K series engines. I don't believe that cars using those engines were ever sold in North America. Would it be troublesome to find someone who knows how to service these engines and to find the parts? Would it be better to stick with 7s built using Ford engines (Zetec, Duratec)? Many 7s appear to have been built using Ford Type 9 transmissions and Sierra differentials. Would there be problems getting these serviced? Is it at all reasonable to attempt a swap to a Ford Duratec with a Miata transmission or a bike engine if I encounter engine and/or transmission problems?

Thanks for your feedback. It appears that you are saying that the suspension is something that can be adjusted (with reasonable cost and effort) after purchase, unlike cockpit size.

I would like to ask how easy or difficult it is to adjust (soften) the suspension stiffness on a 7. I have been in (and out) of the market for a 7 for some time now. I have found I have been mainly attracted to some of the more hard-core examples (often with race-prepped engines) that appear to have been built for mainly track or autocross use. Many of these are using GAZ adjustable coil-overs or similar. My intended usage would be mostly on the road with 2 or 3 track days a year. One of my friends warned me that I might find the suspension on the track-oriented cars too harsh for my intended use. Previously, he had graciously let me take one of his Caterhams for an hour-long drive on some local country roads. I think it was one of the lower end models. I was quite happy with the ride quality in that car and probably could have tolerated a somewhat stiffer ride. I am aiming to go have a closer look at some of these cars to see how one of these track-oriented cars feel on the road. If possible, I would aim to do the suspension work myself.

Apparently, it is still available. The seller stated "I was told An engineering company in England build the frame from drawings that came with the kit. The engine is a Rover SD1 V8 It’s an aluminum block, I’m told it’s the same as the Buick V8 engine over here in the USA. The rear axle is solid. It’s not independent on the rear. 5 speed manual transmission"

I found this 7 near my area on facebook marketplace https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/558861065521167

Thanks for the great info on the lights, Tony. Sorry to hear about the restrictions due to your surgery. Hopefully, you can still enjoy your 7 after you recover. I am just getting back into things after some eye surgery but the restrictions on activities were nowhere near as serious as yours.

Just curious. What sort of high powered head lights did you get? Did you do a lot of night driving? Thanks. Phil

Thanks for the reply, Rick. I will message you directly to converse more.

Hi Rick Is your Birkin still available? Do you happen to know what type of vehicle was used as the donor for the engine? Will the tonneau, top and side doors fit with the custom roll cage and windshield that is currently installed or do they only fit with the original roll bar and windshield? Are all five wheels and tires the same size? Does your Birkin have a heater? Edited to add: Am I correct in thinking it is painted in metallic green? My first car happened to be metallic green :-) Thanks. Phil

A friend sent me a link to this Brunton Super Stalker. It looks like a sale is pending now but it is worth keeping an eye on in case the deal falls through. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1895328974188783/

I did that twice in the last two weeks. The first time was the first week the ad showed up in the weekly list Croc puts together. The seller, finally contacted me today. They are a multi-marque dealership with Mercedes, Aston, Volvo and Lotus so maybe selling a more obscure brand was not a high priority for them.

Is there a trick to contacting the sellers through Hemmings? I have tried sending messages to the seller of above Caterham twice over the last two weeks and have never received any response.