Croc

Oh no...you cannot do that to us....we want photos to check out your new ride! :cooldude:

John - Why Emerald and not Westfield for a wiring harness for a Westfield? Naughty boy - you been sliding around on the roads again? :iamwithstupid:

Oh look! In the second photo I see Bessie the Seven. She was always a classy lady on this Forum! Sorry Al, I know you hate that name, but I could not resist The red and ali Birkin looks to be Dave H's.

From all the sale prices I have seen over the last few years I constructed percentage depreciation curves for Caterham, Birkin, Westfield, and Stalker. Caterham and Birkin are close enough to be largely the same when the depreciation curves are expressed as percentages. Maybe the earlier years for Caterham are less steep than Birkin but that sorts itself out as you add more years of age. Westfield curves are not meaningful since there are so few. Stalker curves give meaningless results given the shift from V6's to V8s in recent years - more time and sales needed there to sort out something reliable. Of course when you apply those percentage curves to starting dollars the dollar value is going to be higher in a Caterham at any age point simply because the starting dollar value/price was higher. That should not be taken as proof that Caterhams hold their value better - higher dollar value just means that the original purchaser paid more dollars for their Caterham than the original Birkin purchaser. It also means that Birkins will fall into your designated price point at an earlier age in their life. Depreciation and its relation, resale value, is very much affected by: - the economy - season of the year (higher in Summer) - the maintenance level and quality of presentation - amount of investment by the owner during their ownership - the state of title - the generally limited number of sales which creates statistical volatility Even geography plays an influence as there is a distinct East versus West coast trend. I think there is a small SB100 premium in CA cars for buyers from that state - legacy of the perceived hassles in getting an SB100 pass? At your price point of $25k whether you buy the circa 10yo Birkin or the circa 15+ year Caterham S3 (usually a classic or very early Zetec) then a 3 year ownership depreciation is going to lose you somewhere around $2k at most (give or take) if you keep the car at its current level or better. There is a good chance your actual depreciation is zero over that period if you choose a desirable car that will be easier to sell and put some modest improvements on it. Last time I expressed these views on this forum I was flamed badly - lets see if I start the same again! Always from the Caterham owners... :jester:

This is the type of ad where you know you don't want to buy sight unseen!

Birkin Direct USA (Tom Carlin) is the official US and Canada importer for Birkin. Yes all imports go through them. Give him a call - a top guy in my dealings!

I got an attorney to opine on this issue during my import process of a few (too many) cars that had some classification issues requiring sorting. The answer is that no it cannot change status once it is in the country. It needs to be exported and then re-imported. It comes down to the car classification and paperwork issued at time of import. The import approval forms come as a package and show which classification of import the car entered the US under. Its then a case of once a duck always a duck. If you import as an over 25 year old car then you receive (amongst many other forms) - a CBP Form 3461 which shows it is a valid import. Form 3461 is attached with EPA3520-1 which shows what category of import for EPA purposes (i.e. over 21 year old gets EPA exempted so it can be acceptable for road use) plus your HS-7 form which shows what category the car was imported under. States want the entirety of the customs import approval package for title/registration as this shows that it is not an imported race car being registered as a regular car. Some states also insist on having a foreign title for the vehicle to surrender for a state title (makes it fun/impossible when you have a no-title country). If you brought a car in under the race or show&tell category then their paperwork approving import would be critically different as it will show different classification for import or EPA treatment. Remember also that EPA require their pre-approval prior to import of any race cars. So trying to bring in a regular road car under 25 years old will not fly since it will not look like a "race car" plus you cannot show the evidence of how it will fit into existing race classes (since I bet there are no others currently racing). My attorney advised against trying to argue that an under 25 year old road car was being brought to the US for preparation as a race car since the EPA always reject that from his past experience. But thats not the way you want to go anyway. The only way to modify import paperwork package from a race/show import to show it as an over 25 year old car is to export and re-import. This would then produce a completely new documentation package showing the correct classification as over 25 years old and show the correct EPA exemption classification on that form. There are time delays around export and re-import cycling times but I have not gone into that in detail as I approached things by waiting for the 25 year mark to hit. I suggest finding a friendly CBP person who can take you through the intricacies for your situation specifics. It may take a few calls but they are out there. I am happy to talk you through the actual paperwork trail from my various cars by phone when I get back in the country in late August - PM if you want that.

Its track only. Over 25 years old? No. Then needs to comply with the NHTSA/EPA rules governing new cars. No chance of that. These cannot be disassembled as they fall foul of Sean's (very memorable) "virgin" rule. Once together then must stay together (i.e. once fu...then never a virgin again...). So race only for import purposes. Need the EPA certification/approval prior to import. That can take some time. Do you have a race license and history of races and/or track time. But I have heard these cars have had a hard life.... I know people in Turkey. One of my good colleagues from NY is now there running a big chain of rug sellers of all things. :cooldude: For shipping I would trust my friends at Cosdel. For fraud, I look at anything in Pennsylvania! :jester:

Thank you for filling in the price sold. I knew it had been up for sale before but could not find when in my notes but I have located it now. Seems an ambitious flip to make an 75% gain in a few months for not much apparent change in the car? We will have to see how that plays out. Lovely looking thing - I like the gold wheels with the red.

Bifkin? No that was only the name for Kitcat's Birkin. :jester: MightyMike's old Birkin in great shape http://bringatrailer.com/listing/2001-birkin-s3/ Brenton Super Stalker. Price is beginning to move down -now at $38k http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replica-Kit-Makes-Brunton-Superstalker-Super-Stalker-/331921292068?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4d480cfb24:g:GRsAAOSwOVpXYp8V&item=331921292068 Nice S2 back from last week. Kudos to seller for highlighting uncertain provenance http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Super-7-/331917121973?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4d47cd59b5:g:Ff4AAOSwEjFXfwFn&item=331917121973 The world's most modified Superformance S1 makes another appearance at $38k http://www.ebay.com/itm/Other-Makes-/331921292071?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4d480cfb27:g:ohkAAOSwoBtW1uMP&item=331921292071 The yellow Lotus 7 S4 is now down to $26k (rounded). If its condition is as pristine as dealer described then we are in the upper end of the range for the right value for this car. If not then a physical inspection allows a negotiation to get it to the right price. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Super-Seven-S4-/282112703539?forcerrptr=true&hash=item41af3a3c33:g:eUwAAOSwTZ1Xlj1L&item=282112703539 and here http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/super-seven/1783033.html Its not a seven but it is for the pilots who are on this forum http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replica-Kit-Makes-Jet-Car-READY-FOR-HOLLYWOOD-/112068143676?forcerrptr=true&hash=item1a17c82a3c:g:7FQAAOSwARZXlArs&item=112068143676 Fancy buying a production slot waitlist for a customized seven race car? http://www.ebay.com/itm/2016-Lotus-7-race-car-by-Paragon-Autosport-L7R-2-0L-Ford-Ecoboost-Replica-/182220537614?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2a6d30bf0e:g:FcUAAOSw0fhXjkFs&item=182220537614 2005 Birkin S3 for $26k in TX http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/5702168252.html 2001 Caterham S3 with some select track mods for $45k in CA http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/5685282889.html 1988 crossflow Caterham in prisoner colors in CA for $23500 https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/5664821655.html Superformance S1 in NC in a fetching shade of deep blue. Needs engine and transmission installed. S2000 kit supplied. Needs love $24k. Just needs http://greensboro.craigslist.org/cto/5693628735.html Superformance S1 in TX in a fetching shade of deep blue. Does not appear to have needs. $20k http://lubbock.craigslist.org/cto/5688903374.html Yet another 2002 Superformance S1 zetec in a very nice maroon. At Wire Wheels $22900 http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/superformance/s1-roadster/1856884.html 1990 Westfield RHD crossflow $15k Has to be worth a look at that price. I am sure the monster aero wing could be removed easily. Car in FL? https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/5671068808.html and http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/5671091265.html Whizzy's Westfield $18950 https://tulsa.craigslist.org/cto/5707516223.html Lotus 7 S4 $1500. Needs work.... http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/cto/5690463254.html 1996 Caterham classic crossflow in prisoner colors at $34900 in OH http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/caterham/super-7/1843275.html 1999 Caterham classic in prisoner colors, crossflow $28000 in CA http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/lotus/caterham/1858372.html Lotus 7 S4 at Wirewheel $22900 http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/super-seven/1857071.html 1963 Lotus Seven in red. Race provenance according to the ad. Located Calgary Alberta US$39750 http://assets.hemmings.com/uimage/55618959-770-0@2x.jpg?rev=1 http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/lotus/super-seven/1843916.html 1980 Robin Hood in Atlanta http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/super-seven/1838524.html Stalker V6 TX $18500 http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/lotus/7/1832388.html 1969 Lotus 7 - no photos in ad of actual car. CA located. $22k http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/lotus/7/1827972.html Superformance S1 $29900 http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/super-seven/1810916.html A grab bag of others http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/lotus/super-seven/1800207.html http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/super-seven/1763637.html https://classiccars.com/listings/view/715384/1969-lotus-seven-for-sale-in-spokane-washington-99208 Have fun without me on this thread for 3 weeks. I am off to Italy to work on a few things.:seeya:

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2016%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/WSPS-NJMPDC-070216-0109_10_zpsfco2z4s6.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2016%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/WSPS-NJMPDC-070216-0120_10_zpsxlfkx3pn.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2016%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/WSPS-NJMPDC-070216-0144_10_zpsr5w1kt2p.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2016%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/WSPS-NJMPDC-070216-0105_10_zpsumzxhf04.jpg

For those of you who participated, I just sent around the 2 group photos in high quality printable format. If you are interested in the other photos taken by Mike Woellner of Windshadow Photography then check out the following link: http://www.windshadowstudios.net/njmp-dc-070216 A sampling here: http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2016%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/WSPS-NJMPDC-070216-0002_10_zpsmfsegfyi.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2016%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/WSPS-NJMPDC-070216-0003_10_zps8qmgupl5.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2016%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/WSPS-NJMPDC-070216-0032_10_zpsw9j1ssxq.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2016%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/WSPS-NJMPDC-070216-0021_10_zpsye3l5wsu.jpg

Was at the Owl's Head Transport Museum this last weekend and they were having a open day for restored trucks, tractors and classic cars. If you are ever up exploring the Maine coast this is a place to add on the list to see (maybe not for the better half though...) I found this lovely Lotus 7 down by the biplanes with no owner around although I saw him later as he drove past. Dont think it is anyone on here? http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/1B609DB4-B6CD-44A8-B6B6-D94E984EFE11_zps28bcyxds.jpg

Yes but can she open her mouth that wide? scratch that...she is a blonde

Rikker - A thread got confused from the North East area and they strayed into here. Relax - he is still on the other side of the country from you! Today there is a car from Poland being advertised. Be careful on your import rules... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Super-Seven-black-/152173249440?forcerrptr=true&hash=item236e3b83a0:g:hKAAAOSwnFZXVZ7D&item=152173249440 An MK Sportscars seven - bike engined http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Super-Seven-/291825587966?forcerrptr=true&hash=item43f22916fe:g:aEoAAOSwhMFXkpJJ&item=291825587966 1989 Westfield in CA. The Ebay data field says it is in LA. The description says it is in Japan and they can ship it - RORO for the cheapest. Its 1989 so should sail through US import restrictions if you have a validated data plate and all the documentary evidence. But...its BIN is $20900 and delivery to US is on top of that at $1800 for what is a very beautiful looking crossflow Westfield - probably overvalued at that point. And then is my reluctance to send anything RORO as the car is exposed to the salt air and bored crewmen looking for souvenirs or things to do. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Other-Makes-Westfield-Super-7-Super-7-/191929329436?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2cafe1271c:g:rwQAAOSwsTxXkGPN&item=191929329436 My suggestion is to go onto a few of the Japan used car websites done in English and cut out the middle man and do it yourself if you want to go down this road. More hassle yes but cheaper. The new/semi-new Marshall Goldman sevens are still out there http://www.ebay.com/itm/Other-Makes-/391501994036?forcerrptr=true&hash=item5b27565834:g:NgIAAOSwvg9XfqIk&item=391501994036 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Other-Makes-/391501997643?forcerrptr=true&hash=item5b2756664b:g:AqYAAOSwhOVXfqQl&item=391501997643 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Other-Makes-/391502007098?forcerrptr=true&hash=item5b27568b3a:g:9QQAAOSwvg9XfqeJ&item=391502007098 Lotus 7 S2 2L Ford Cosworth YBB. Seller gets kudos for explaining the chain of originality is not strong - possibly a recent build up and not an original chassis. BIN of $32900 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Super-7-/331917121973?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4d47cd59b5:g:Ff4AAOSwEjFXfwFn&item=331917121973 Ad says it is a true survivor. I agree it is - been for sale for eons! http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Super-Seven-S4-/282103831681?forcerrptr=true&hash=item41aeb2dc81:g:P4UAAOSw6WdXi0WO&item=282103831681 A home built replica in Seattle http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/5683961259.html 2001 Caterham S3 Zetec in Orange County CA at $45k http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/5685282889.html 1988 Caterham S3 Classic in prisoner colors in CA. Crossflow 5 spd. Right hand drive. For $23500 http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=11445&stc=1 https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/5664821655.html Superformance S1 at $28k Honda S2000 engine. Engine transplant not done. Need to install engine and transmission. Given these were designed for a Zetec then the installation should be interesting. I suspect the S2000 is too tall for an S1 without modifying the bonnet? http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=11446&stc=1 http://greensboro.craigslist.org/cto/5693628735.html But why would you purchase this dusty, neglected engineless car needing work when you could buy an immaculate looking S1 with zetec in TX for $20k. Yes an actual working car in beautiful looking condition for $8k discount to the above. Same color too! http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=11447&stc=1 http://lubbock.craigslist.org/cto/5688903374.html 1990 crossflow Westfield is still out there - RHD. $15000 so keenly priced https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/5671068808.html Yes, Miami is the land of the optimist. A Lotus 7 S4. http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/cto/5690463254.html ooh...its price has been cut.... Now $3650. I am sure you will all form an orderly line.... https://huntsville.craigslist.org/cto/5679160416.html

Have a embed link on me!

Think I also see John's ali car getting similar engine work to Dr Doug?

Dan - I need to send you the email I sent Dave with the products and links to what I use. I would not bother changing cameras, just change the mount - I suspect that will solve the issue. The Braun sixzero is pretty old by current standards - a gopro black will kill it for quality and it probably matches a go pro silver.

Hi Seb - Have an embed on me! And for getting sound on video I suggest you read this thread http://www.usa7s.net/vb/showthread.php?8791-Getting-decent-video-audio-on-your-Seven&highlight=video+sound

Mike To respond to your observations on lines, I would say it is a question of sacrifice. No, not virgins, turns! Is it better to sacrifice turn 2/3 for turn 4 or vice versa? Your assessment is that compromising the exit of turn 2 and entry of turn 3 is better than (a) the lightweight line, being turn 2/3 into a single arc double apex with a right hand exit to allow an uncompromised turn 4 with higher average speed maintained going onto turn 5, or (b) the Porker/Corvette line, being turn 2/3 into a single arc double apex with a left hand exit to allow an compromised turn 4 with slower exit (but then these cars have more power to rocket out on exit. In fairness I don't know the answer as I have not got enough track logging data of your line to test the theory that your approach maintains a higher average speed through the 2/3/4 complex. But I accept you may be right because if nothing else it is a line that you feel most confident using to get your fastest lap times plus you are travelling less distance by constraining the 2/3 steering arc (albeit with less speed). I know I prefer a hybrid of (a) and your method where I like the single arc curve through 2/3 as the car is nicely settled with no steering input changes (higher speed this way but further in-corner distance), then (similar to you) straight shoot from exit of 3 to somewhat early apex 4 as there is more room on the turn 4 exit than most people think plus I can put power down early to best grab speed over to turn 5. I suspect at the end of the day it is 6 of one and half dozen of the other!

Sorry, late this weekend as I was moving house....usual saga... The 3 new/near new Caterhams at Marshall Goldman are still on Ebay at what seems like a good price for a new Caterham? I am sure there is some sort of back story to this. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Other-Makes-/391501994036?forcerrptr=true&hash=item5b27565834:g:NgIAAOSwvg9XfqIk&item=391501994036 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Other-Makes-/391501997643?forcerrptr=true&hash=item5b2756664b:g:AqYAAOSwhOVXfqQl&item=391501997643 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Other-Makes-/391502007098?forcerrptr=true&hash=item5b27568b3a:g:9QQAAOSwvg9XfqeJ&item=391502007098 1988 Westfield in Ontario, Canada. Buy it now at C$30k or US$23k area which seems high for spec? Maybe a Canada market thing? Not sure about swapping the pre-lit for fiberglass as the pre-lit was quite desirable to my mind. Spec is: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Super-Seven-/291819954066?forcerrptr=true&hash=item43f1d31f92:g:NBoAAOSwZVlXiVxl&item=291819954066 Champion 7 - current bid $9150 Looks like they tried to copy the Caterham swoopy dash chassis? I thought the Champion plans were more traditional? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Other-seven-/162137658438?forcerrptr=true&hash=item25c0285446:g:XdoAAOSwtnpXiTuR&item=162137658438 The super modified S1 is back again http://www.ebay.com/itm/Other-Makes-/331893562635?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4d4665dd0b:g:ohkAAOSwoBtW1uMP&item=331893562635 Well it has dropped in price from the $30s... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Super-Seven-S4-/282103831681?forcerrptr=true&hash=item41aeb2dc81:g:P4UAAOSw6WdXi0WO&item=282103831681 A Brunton SuperStalker http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replica-Kit-Makes-Brunton-Superstalker-Super-Stalker-/331893562640?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4d4665dd10:g:GRsAAOSwOVpXYp8V&item=331893562640 A 2001 Caterham S3 in CA. Looks very much like the one for sale a while back in Sonoma but I don't think it is. Too many differences from that one? http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=11415&stc=1 Asking $45k. Price is a little close to the Marshall Goldman cars for sale although this has lots of interesting track upgrades. https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/5685282889.html 1990 Westfield for $15k in FL - seems keenly priced? https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/5671072415.html and http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/5671091265.html Denver S4 with BDR still for sale at $23900 http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=11416&stc=1 http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/5643318395.html 2012 Locost/Seven special - asking $7500 http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/5683961259.html 2016 Lotus 7 race car - interesting details. Ecoboost is an interesting modern engine choice. I find it a little strange that you are bidding on a production slot for a car order instead of a real car? I guess the shop needs the cashflow to fund the production? Many interesting details when you study the photos - definitely worth a closer look of the link. http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=11418&stc=1 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-L7R-/182203459918?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368

Surfacing again now that I have moved house these last few days. Here is the video link for you Mike I have not forgotten to email the group photo around. I have been distracted by a few home issues and will get to it this week.

Rizone - I suggest you PM MrMustang as he has always said on this forum it is easy. So he knows something that no-one else has been able to work out. If that does not help, then PM me offline - I have 2 Caterhams in NJ and used to have another NJ Caterham that I sold and so can talk you through the process I experienced on a variety of sevens and share what each other individual seven owner has done in NJ since 2008. Sorry thread hijack is over.

:rofl: