BTR

Buy a seven, and I don’t believe you’ll be disappointed. I had a Lotus 7 series 2 for 15+ years and the thrills never ceased. Performance-wise for context, I had a heavily modified street legal ‘02 Mini: 235 whp, all fully adjustable suspension, etc. which was a really great car, but nothing like the Seven for what your Likes and priorities seem to be. I’m gathering parts for a Seven kit project now. Best Wishes for fun ahead! Rick

Congratulations on having nice problems to solve! I vote for the Caterham. They are so visceral, so immediate, and unwaveringly pleasing. The fifteen years I had a series 2 Super 7, it never faded in its joy. Best wishes on your next acquisition, whatever it may be.

You could have heard me asking myself the questions you just precisely answered—a huge help. Thank you so much. I’ve added it to my instruction list. Greatly appreciated!

Thanks MV8, that’s just what I needed to know. I’ll add it to the list. Just found that an acquaintance has some Cortina gauges that I think will meet some needs. Being old and sentimental, I enjoy looking at gauges that remind me of past vehicles, from my Super Seven, Minis, Austin A40 Farina, Lenham GT Midget, etc., and I’ve already got a Smiths speedo identical to the one I had in an XK140MC drophead, so lots of good memories. Thanks for the specific help.

I’m already enjoying my first hour in the group. Thanks for the information. I am just getting started on a project rehabbing and completing a partial Locost 7. Many years ago I owned a series 2 Lotus Super Seven for 15 years, lightly converting it from an SCCA D/Prod racer to a daily driver Southern California street car. I am now based in rural northeastern California, and am a bit fearful of the registration/licensing process ahead. Initially, the car will be running a 1968 crossflow and 4speed from a Cortina, with Miata front suspension and manual steering rack. The car was moderately damaged in last summer’s California Wiidfires, so re-wiring ahead, and I need to find sheet metal to reskin the rear end, and replace the rear fenders. As I am finishing up initial treatment for recently diagnosed multiple myeloma (cancer), I’m using time to stack up some parts before my project hands-on target date of about June 20. In reading recent posts here, seeing your vehicles listed, I was reminded that the last 7 I test drove was a 1987 Caterham 1700 Supersport (?) with a Cosworth BDR 1700, de Dion rear end and 5 speed. What a car! I’m very much looking forward to the work ahead, and seeing what others of you are doing.