Taber10

IF I were going, I KNOW I would need help with my suspension......

theduke, Welcome aboard! I didn't know there was another LSIS in the panhandle, although at our Brits on the Bay car show in April, another Caterham--1989 S3--showed up from the Atlanta area. Last year we had Tripp's recently restored Lotus 7 S2, featured in the Nov 2014 issue of Hemmings. I don't autocross, but it would be neat to watch your car some day--it looks good sitting still, and as you mentioned, looks very fast on the course. Taber

Can anyone offer an opinion about a '74 Lotus 7 Series 4 (http://www.taylormadeclassiccars.com/sevens4.html) made in New Zealand by Steel Brothers? Basically, would it have the same collectability as a UK produced Lotus? Would parts interchange? (Not really an issue--who has S4 parts....) But mainly, would this detract from the value? Just wondering if anyone has an opinion. Thanks,

Again I'm glad I have the SV--as you know everything is bigger and has more clearance on the SV, so the door locks presumably don't jam as bad!

Looks a lot like Gert's. He's on here.

RIP David. What a great guy, and his repair to my CAT7SV during GBB was critical to me at the time. Not to disagree with Skip--noted scholar, driver and overall gentleman that he is--but Joan also got a ride in the Hayabusa-powered car--I know cause she has never stopped talking about David, the ride, and SKIP for that matter! Taber

I enjoyed the show, esp. as Edd mentioned that ANY car, regardless of how well maintained, has things that can be done to improve it. I'm seriously not interested in the installation of the lowered seat pans, or changing to a lightweight flywheel, or repainting and "rebadging" my Cat7SV, but the air box looked like a good idea, and I'd love a fob start similar to my Vette. Basically, they changed it to a "road car" from a "track car" and made it so Edd could ride along--it was mentioned that they were starting with the largest cockpit, so I "assume" an SV. I'm wondering why they didn't move the "kill" switch to the cockpit, to make it more accessible in a "road" car, as I had done during manufacture of mine. Overall a good show, but I'm surprised that they sold it to a broker rather than waiting for an individual/enthusiast/driver to buy it, as I'm sure it could bring more to someone not planning on reselling to make a profit. Mike mentioned how well the Caterham holds value. Best shot of the whole show was the two rows of Caterhams sitting at their facility.

Tokulski, Thanks for the article--it is a very interesting perspective on touring in the Cat! My wife and I have learned that sunblock, hats, noise-cancelling headphones and proper attire for the weather are a must for our Cat, which of course must be an SV for my 6'3" with size twelve shoes. We have several multi-day trips of 250-400 miles per day, although neither of us could actually do ten hours in a day. I can barely do that in the spacious "Tow Vehicle" these days. But we would love to do another tour at any time.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Super-Seven-super-seven-/262249673456?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3d0f4c72f0:g:ZdEAAOSwqYBWntwk&item=262249673456 If this link works, the add says that Robin Hood "....bought the rights...." to continue production of the Seven. I guess that is why this one is so expensive! Taber

Blokko and Sean, Thanks for the information! I guess I had never thought about the windscreen poppers, and the breakdown on the VIN is equally helpful.

Skip, Congratulations! Maybe you have to start small and build up....

Bruce, Beautiful pictures; great shop! Wish I was close enough to visit.

Of the many, many reports in print and on line, that is a quote rarely, if ever, seen! I also have a "car count" way short of Skips' 356, and that is why I read each of his comments very thoroughly. Also, I've often wished I had been able to get my Caterham many, many years earlier, as I was under 30 years old when I first test drove one, and about 56 when I finally got one. Thanks for the posts Taber

Skip, Really a great looking car collection you've got there! Taber

Reading about your "trip home" from purchasing the S4 was both the "high point" and "low point" of my day yesterday! Thanks for posting such an interesting story. I say low point because I was disappointed for you since the trip was so challenging and so uncomfortable. On to the car: I am only one of 36 people watching the car, so I am pretty sure it will sell soon. But, I am totally confused by a "Steel Brothers" car made "under license" from Lotus. I hate to say this on this forum, but does that mean, "It isn't a real Lotus?" I think Caterham also produced a few S4s, and perhaps they are rarer than actual cars made by Lotus, but I doubt that they would bring as good a price. Really a great looking car, and at a good price--at least for a Lotus S4. Taber

I concur with above posts: I look forward to the Saturday morning insights MORE than I look forward to the particular LSISs available for sale. Thanks,

I have the "cheaper spec" Caterham, and it came with the plastic cap. While I agree with Gert--you certainly can't steal much gas from a Caterham, I like having a key that says "Rover" on it! How many Rovers do you see anymore???? I've never had to say it's only a Rover gas cap.... Taber

Beautiful car! Someone spent some time on polishing that body.

Michael, Thanks, always good info to know a good Ford parts guy. I had real trouble replacing a connector on my Zetec SVT at my local Ford dealer, and it is getting harder to find anyone who knows the "SVT-peculiar" parts. Taber

Al, I'd be interested in either an event at the Tail or at Barber's. Of course, that is a long time off, so it is hard to definitely commit this early. I know it takes that long to plan and advertise a first class event. Taber

Skip, Thanks for the update--I had the same questions. I also "owe" Ben and RMSCI for my build, and Jon for the parts for my "rebuild" after the bear incident. I wish Jon the best in what ever direction he is heading. Taber

I wish I could remember back when I had a 36" waist--I guess it is a good thing I got the SV.

I've gotten the same questions--and pretty much used the same answers. But, I was wondering, now that it seems that the Caterham (or Superformance) trend is toward "rollers" with the motor still sourced separately, maybe I'll need to give more explanation on the "kit car" question. It seems that casual commenters, like at gas stations, are asking about the car before them, while some of the more serious questions that I have gotten, specifically at auto events, car shows, etc. the intent is more on what that individual can encounter on the market, and maybe deserves more thought to the "kit car" question......

Bob, Thanks for the pictures! I really wanted to make this exhibit, but the schedule is too full. Taber