rider

Thanks, Mike. Appreciate the details. Build time is definitely longer than traditional manufacturing. But, this form of building is a huge asset when dealing with very low volume. I'm working on an idea; will contact you later to bounce it off for your thoughts.

Thanks. What's the build/print time, from simple part to complex? Do you scan a part to generate a CAD file and print from it? Looks super cool. Is this fully developed using 3D printing? Appears so, reading between the lines and scant details. Thanks; this is useful info. So, these Caterham-specific parts can be custom-built (3D-printed)? And others can be sourced from a variety of vendors?

Thanks, Graham. Mike, are you able to make "any" metal part? For example, how about an internal part of the engine or fuel pump, etc.? How are the quality and durability of the parts made? Would you be able to print by scanning a broken/failed part or need schematics? And, I'm guessing you can only print straight metal parts? Thanks. I was the Software Architect of a project for a major German company building an application in Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing). The process is very complicated. Our application layer focused on error detection and classifications at each layer on the Powder Bed. The expensive hardware and software get updated periodically, undermining investments. The parts need to be tested thoroughly. Automotive parts are very critical in their mission objectives. We don't want the clutch cable snapping or brake pedal giving out at a wrong time! Of course, 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing is the savior in not only automotive space, but in scores of other industries as well. 3D Printing a human organ? Already happening. Will only get better.

Sure, you'll have specialists rebuilding for well-heeled clientele. We have all kinds of restomods. Mainstream companies themselves offer such services; Porsche Classic, for example. For regular, almost-daily-driven (or, very frequently) cars such as Seven, I still maintain that steady supply of parts would be needed. Of course, competent techs/shops are mandatory as well. Such skill set would be sustained albeit in a smaller scale.

Yes, contemporary cars have so much electronics which would become obsolete sooner and unsupported. All the sensors, displays and such will evolve and older versions could become difficult to get. There might be few safer bets though. Porsche Classic is gaining traction in supporting older models. Or, Honda potentially making parts for NSX and S2000. Lotus may not be a good candidate for reliability though. Think Porsche. Leaving aside few well-documented issues in many models and generations, Porsches are generally reliable (its non-sports cars have a different track record though). At least, I don't carry a spare clutch cable as one or two Seven drivers suggest I do.....! I see your logic. However, that volume is highly fragmented in terms of models and generations. Parts overlap might be very little. So, for an individual supplier, the volume could still be really small. Now add the need to be making parts for contemporary models, that small supplier will be too stretched enough to give up on older models. Yes, I can see the scenario of ICE-aware technicians becoming too few, as others above have pointed out as well. Such skill set could become highly specialized and get pretty expensive. But, cars like Seven are pretty simple and not requiring special electronic tools. In other words, simpler the cars, better would be the chances of finding someone to work on. Thanks everyone for the feedback. However, I'm still not seeing a good pathway for the availability of parts given the need for a steady supply.

What do you guys think about very long term scenario on parts availability, long after ICE Seven's production ended? Based on my very extensive observation, except for the powertrain, Seven's parts have short lifespan. Reading from a ton of posts, over the years, it appears, every part is essentially a consumable, except the engine and transmission. They need to be closely monitored, inspected and replaced; ideally, before they fail! Parts are made for low cost and less weight. So, the specs are much lower than typical production sports cars which weigh much more. This results in parts wearing out sooner. So, we'll need steady supply of these parts. UK has set '30 as sunset for ICE. Seven will switch to electric; they already have a prototype, as you know. So, when the ICE ends, Caterham's suppliers will simply stop making/sourcing parts soon after. The volume of the series production is low to begin with, which means, its suppliers already have a very small market to serve. Some parts can be fabricated; but, most can't be. So, what's your prognosis on how will this play out? How do you plan to keep your Seven still humming for a very long time? If I decide to go ahead with my plan of getting one, I plan to keep it for good! If my body gives out, will simply find a way to park it in my Home Office (I'll be working/coding till I kick the bucket....!) or Home Gym (and, lifting....)!! Thanks.

Is the wind buffeting from the back? Guessing you have windshield and side curtains? If you wear a full-brim hat, would help. S3 is narrow. You think you would be comfortable in SV?

That's pretty awesome, @Stevensonjr! Pretty hardcore mix of rides. Totally agree, those vehicles are definitely keeping you sharp! Yes, it's all about ageing well. Fitness and a diverse life style, among other things, are critical. Thanks for sharing.

Fair point! If you don't get out, you can stay in and keep driving.....! I really hope insulation exists and works! Hot foot-well, especially for the passenger, will be a big problem! I drove a 420R for about 10 mins in cooler ambient and higher elevation. So, have no idea how it is in more representative driving conditions and situations. The reason I wanna avoid removable steering wheel is to eliminate yet another point of failure. Over time, it'll develop a play, simply from usage. I'll be spec'in Trackday Rollcage. I read it helps a lot with ingress/egress. Thanks CBuff. Glad to hear insulation exists. Do your pedal box and passenger foot-well get warm or hot? And, is there space to add additional layer of insulation? Also, do you feel heat from the Transmission Tunnel? If you do, is there space to add insulation in there?

28k with assist? Very impressive! I'm guessing you're able to get in/out of Miata. At least you still have open-top driving. Keep it going as long as you can safely.

Thanks, theDreamer. Your experience is inspiring. When we're young, we all do some stuff that come back and bite us in later years of our lives. But, you're able to make it work. If you had Trackday Rollcage would have helped with ingress/egress. I'll be spec'in it. Driving the Seven could actually be helping you to keep your spirits high. This forum is great. Have had a ton of great feedback from members. I've decided to go all-in! This is one of the reasons I'm bit torn on classic cars per se. Aside from the "feel", the handling, etc. have moved on to a different planet! Another score for Seven: classic car looks and feel with modern handling! Wow, despite these challenges, you're still rolling in the Seven. Impressive indeed! I've no excuse! Thanks again for sharing.

Yes, having a kit onboard for a long travel will make a big difference. Will add to the list. Thanks. Agree on the LED lights; will spec them. Will check on the sailing jacket though have many jackets (and related gear) for different use cases and temps. Besides living in Frozen Tundra aka MN makes you prep for a wide temp variation...! I actually understand that sentiment and can relate....! It's all about diversified experiences! That's one of the reasons Seven is still thriving. Only the mandated sunset of ICE will make it go away.....! (An EV Seven isn't a Seven....!) Guessing you have a Countach? Super cool car!

Sorry gentlemen, for the delayed response. I was traveling for business; had no time at all to do personal messaging. Your statement reaffirms what I've learned spending enormous amount of time on various forums, reading through tons of posts, over the years: Seven's reliability is extremely sensitive to who and how it was built and maintained! 'evo' magazine picked up their new. long-term 420R from the factory. On their way home, the fuel gauge failed! Brand freakin' new car, built by the factory!! So, no, I wouldn't touch someone else's Seven with a ten-foot pole, as a buyer! Thanks for the tip on A-Frame. Added to my list. Will post up a separate thread on this topic (Common Failures and Remediation). As a long-time rider of Gen 1 MV Agusta F4 (Gen 2 is a softie, relatively!), and a few other bikes, I can relate to your comments with respect to bikes. Constant exposure to wind noise is really bad for the ears. We'll pay a price beyond certain age. Ear plugs could cut down 20-30 db. But, if you're starting with a high #, due to Aero Screens, no door/Side Curtains, even with Ear Plugs, the noise level will remain higher than safe limit. Your seat makes a big difference too. Heated leather seats will work in your favor over fiberglass....! Sounds like your Seven is setup for an "extreme" experience! If it hinders enjoying in more scenarios without stressing mentally, you could consider toning it down. In my observation, out of the box, for the street, near-stock specs seem just right. It is easy to get lost in mods and setup tweaks. Yes, being visible is a start. But, many drivers are so zoned out, they look at you but don't "see" you! Their minds are elsewhere. Lack of focus is the real problem. Seven is so low to the ground, it needs even more careful placement/positioning than a motorcycle, which is much taller. I'll be spec'ing Track Day Cage. So, I expect ingress/egress to be lot easier. Cabin, particularly foot well, heat is my biggest concern. During about 10 minutes of driving I had, I don't remember feeling any heat. But, I would need more than 10 minutes and in traffic conditions. It was a cool morning at a high elevation. So, not true representation. Would carbon fiber side panels, on the inside, help? Stock 420 is well insulated, I was told. I won't enjoy hot foot well or cabin, especially for my passenger. This is a real concern for me. So, you don't have doors and side curtains. Combined, will make a huge difference. But, I hear you about having to keep your arm tucked in. Since yours is S3 (I think), makes it bit uncomfortable. My spec is SV with arm support on the doors. So, I'm hoping I should be fine. All good points, John; thanks. If Seven were a normal sports car, I probably wouldn't be so obsessed about it! For a regular sports car, I really don't think there is anything better out there than a Porsche! I'm a Porschephile! As a package, there is no substitute! However, thankfully, a Seven is not a Porsche! Yes, let's celebrate it!

Agree; there are number of things we can (and should) do to keep active as late into our life as possible. yes, keep enjoying and never to stop! Good to hear Carl. Isn't having Rollcage helping to get in/out? I do plan to spec Trackday Roll Cage. Thanks for sharing. I'm in MN. Few questions: - Heat: I see you've '21 Birkin. I was told current Caterhams have heat insulation. So, your Birkin is different? - Wind Pressure: Have you tried ear plugs? With Windscreen and door, Seven is no different from any other Roadster, right? Only wind buffeting is from the back. All my cars but one have been Roadsters. I wear ear plugs to minimize wind noise/pressure. - I'm guessing you meant, "things 'don't' fit". Could you elaborate on this? Thanks Vovchandr. Could your challenges be due to the following? - Aero Screen instead of Windscreen - Do you have doors? - Are you running harder suspension setting? I'm trying to stack up your experience against others who do road trips in their Sevens. In fact, right below, jbcollier has different experience in his '69. Love it! I'm a big road trip guy. Taking the Seven over long distance trips sound super cool. How is the reliability?

Thanks everyone; appreciate your sharing, experiences and views. Seven-driving seems to peak between mid-60s to low-mid 70s. Few hardened diehards still dancing into 80s. Given my obsession with fitness and driving/riding, I can see myself driving a Seven into my 80s. It's all about diversified experiences. Seven is like no other. By choosing cars and motorcycles with different experience, I can maintain a fun, visceral and exciting driving/riding life. So, Seven is "GO". No more validations needed. It's gonna be a fun journey spec'ing then waiting.....!