Croc

Craigslist ad is still live for this car so I assume it is still for sale.

Ted - Only paid up members can create a post in that sub-forum. What you can do is add a post on the end of the Cars for sale in Ebay/Craigslist thread that already exists there in the Cars for Sale section.

Lucky - You remind me when I broke my right foot in August 2014. As some forum members witnessed, I would take off the rigid boot, put on an action sandal and go and tear up laps with the Caterham at NJMP, heel and toeing madly, before coming back into the pits and putting the boot back on. And I wondered why my foot had done an Elephant Man impersonation with its swelling later that day?

Who is feeling brave and looking for an alternative source of cheaper sevens? Well what about looking in Japan. Here is one likely option: https://www.tradecarview.com/used_car/japan%20car/lotus/lotus+others/16601945/ Asking $19k, its 1988 Caterham so over 25 years old and ok for the US. Crossflow. Nicely presented. Add a couple of thousand for delivery from Japan using a RoRo and import duties/fees (seems to be less than $2500). Downside is that it is RHD but I don't see that as an issue. But I hear you say thats a lot to pay for an 1980s crossflow - despite its detailing is very good but....you might be right so what about this next one? https://www.tradecarview.com/used_car/japan%20car/lotus/lotus+others/15882705/ Asking $21k, another beautifully looked after Japanese car. 1985 Caterham so over 25 years old and ok for the US. This has a little surprise - a genuine BD under the bonnet. Not sure what spec but how many times have you seen one of these engines offered? Last one I saw was decently into the $30s on Lemmings. I would take a $5k+ discount for an RHD car any day. I know enough people who have had purchased through this site with no issues. All have expressed some concern buying sight unseen but it all worked out despite the communication/language difficulties. There are others listed - 4 Birkins, 4 Caterhams and even one of these: Not sure what it is but its a 1995 so not eligible for the US but could make it to Canada. Shipping offered is usually done via RoRo. No I am not imitating Scooby Doo but referring to Roll On Roll Off vessels. Not ideal if there is anything loose to be shipped as that will be stolen more likely than not. The shipping is cheap that way as no crating or containers needed. So I have always been told it works out around $2-2.5k for shipping, duties, inspection, insurance, etc. So long as you get a copy of the former owner registration papers, pay for a Engrish translation then that along with your US importation paperwork would be sufficient to register it. Worst case you need a bonded title for $350-450 area for 3 years. Japan is Birkin's second largest market so there must be lots of them lurking around to find? Happy hunting!

Shane you look good in that welding outfit! You remind be of Darth Vader when he tried welding. However, he just used the force... Are you going to paint or powder coat the chassis or leave it a la naturel?

For some reason, Searchbot fell over last night and screwed up the results. Nothing from Hemmings today, probably because I insulted them as slow last week. But you can look Hemmings up directly - just remember to google any dealers for quality feedback issues as there is always at least one on there. Kansas City lotus 7 clone with 347 V8 asking $14500 OBO http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/5228239176.html The purple Westfield in Tulsa is still out there asking $19950 http://tulsa.craigslist.org/cto/5249878334.html Westfield Lotus 11 replica surfaced in GA in battleship gray. I think I prefer them with the rear fin for stability (I guess it went fast enough to need it?). Dealer asking $30900 http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/ctd/5264198367.html Superformance S1 in blue in Rhode Island back again asking $25000. I am sort of surprised this has not sold as it looks great and these are quite accomplished cars quality built. http://southcoast.craigslist.org/cto/5226272058.html Locost project. Mustang engine but I guess it was the 4 cyl version for this one. Still a project and needs work. Asking $7000 http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/5258765934.html Now this looks like a good deal. Stalker race car. 3.8L V6 SC. Looks very well sorted. Clearly not ever going to be a road car but could be. The driver is my style of guy as you can see in the photo of him chasing an open wheeler on track. I would say first job after acquiring it is reprofiling or moving the rear tire guards so that it does not slice open your wide slicks - first photo shows the risk well! Easy job. Asking $15000 which I think is very fair for a track weapon. http://neworleans.craigslist.org/cto/5263210494.html Stalker V6 from TX is back. Road car and looks pretty. Asking $24000 http://easttexas.craigslist.org/cto/5241471454.html its back at $25000....again... http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/5266389898.html Another back again - clone chassis at $4850. Now if it were an Arch chassis then I would be more interested. http://huntsville.craigslist.org/cto/5238209056.html Now here is a new ad - a Locost in AZ. Nicely presented. Lots of attention to details. I love the wood trim detailing around the trunk/boot area. I would remove the foam off the roll bar - make it black. I would also move the fuses, currently beautifully position to attack knuckles as they reach for a gear. Its got the Cologne V6 which I remember as a bit of a dog of an engine when standard in an old Ford Capri (the UK/European version) but once it was allowed to breathe better plus the seller has dropped an SC on it then I bet it rips ladies knickers off real quick. Asking $16000 http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/5268639852.html Now slightly off the wall but here is a Berrien Sand Buggy with a 2.5L Subaru engine. Its like a seven with a rear engine. Suspension so you don't break your back when you go off road and jumping humps. Asking $8250 http://littlerock.craigslist.org/cto/5232171808.html 40th anniversary Caterham. 1600cc crossflow. In BRG/yellow combination. Nicely detailed. Not sure about the chrome roll bar - chroming supposedly weakens it so just don't crash if you buy it (although I am the first to admit it looks pretty). At a dealer in CA Current bid $26500 with reserve not met and 14 hours to run http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replica-Kit-Makes-Classic-40th-Anniversary-Super-7-LOTUS-7-/321888101105?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4af206a2f1:g:aKMAAOSwKsRWFrtq&item=321888101105 Another crossflow seven from the same dealer as the 40th anniversary one above. 1988 Caterham 1700cc crossflow. Bidding at $25k with 14 hours to run and reserve not met. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replica-Kit-Makes-DE-DION-LONG-COCKPIT-SUPER-SPRINT-1700cc-LOTUS-7-/321888100201?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4af2069f69:g:bjoAAOSw~bFWFr4c&item=321888100201 1972 Lotus 7 S4. I recognize these are an acquired taste but I quite like them in certain colors - this being one. 17000 original miles. 1600cc crossflow. It looks so fresh in the photos I would say it is a recent restoration but the dealer text does state the fiberglass has patina so that just demonstrates never believe a photo. I guess it is an older restoration? That interior looks new except for the gauges which have pitting on the chrome bezels so I bet they are original and S4 dashes were actually quite durable so it is likely the original. Not sure why the cowl is black? The ones I have seen have all been body color. I also see touches of overspray in black underneath but not sure if that was just from when it was being touched up for sale or something older? Either way - if you want to buy then go see it and inspect. I would love to know the back history to this and whether the car comes with any documentation. Buy it now at $44995 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Super-Seven-S4-/272019029475?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3f5598fde3:g:8KMAAOSwYHxWIlKK&item=272019029475 And forum member Cmaxcliff is selling his 2003 Caterham SV in PA. Polished ali with green highlights looks great Originally a CA car with I guess a zetec (look for the patched exhaust hole) now with a 2.3L Duratec from SBD in the UK with a claimed 235hp. SBD have a well known reputation for Caterham engines and Caterham ECUs. They are also not cheap. T9 5 speed. Some photos on this forum show it with 17 inch wagon wheels which Cmax has changed out for some tasteful looking minilites. Very clever looking side mirror solution which I would love to see and try in person - very clean approach. Clearly a well maintained car although I am not sure the ad photos do it justice - dull day with some out of focus photos. Starting bid is $38k and buy it now is $45k with 3 days to run. It is stated that it is no reserve which makes sense at that starting bid. Car is in PA. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replica-Kit-Makes-Caterham-Lotus-7-SV-235hp-Duratec-DeDion-5-Speed-/262093705250?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3d06009022:g:MdAAAOSw5VFWHn4W&item=262093705250

Sorry to hear that Porky...oops...I mean Portly....sorry...Jim. Your car is so overweight that it is reaching Stalkeresque proportions. :willy_nilly: If you let it go much longer soon it will be as obese as a Miata. :ack: Dr Croc recommends a high fiber diet of carbon, magnesium wheels, lightweight aloooooominum and lots of cash taken out of that fat wallet. :jester:

I vaguely recall the comment but not the car and for some reason the search is not producing a post where I said dune buggy. All I hope if that you bought the right car at a fair price and you are chucking the 22s for something more reasonable....unless you are now offloading it? :jester: BTW I think dune buggies have a rightful place in life as the second most important alternative usage of a beetle. The first would be crushing... I bet the car classifieds in Hairdresser Monthly is more bitchy than this forum or even me? :troll:

That is sensational if they can deliver the spec at that price. Brunton have impressed me with their efforts in recent years. Caterham and Birkin have gone too upmarket in price and there is a sizable market segment of people looking for better value.

Oh and for the dealer who was critical on my views of his car's sale price and emailed me personally off-forum, I would point out that if your car is under sale for a long period and has not sold then I conclude one or more of several things: 1) The seller has not marketed the car properly and does not know how to do their job properly. 2) The price is too high for what the car is. Again seller has not done their homework on comparables or know their market. 3) The car does not withstand critical inspection in person. 4) The ad is a fake and intended to draw people in under false pretenses

Many thanks for the comments - I find it always helpful to reset one's thinking with some outside feedback to make sure I am not going off the rails. Although I did get 3 new negative PMs (no paid up members) so I guess they must be upset sellers plus another from the original messager. Interestingly none of the critical guys made their views public - I leave it to others to conclude why. Advertised as a 1968 Lotus 7. It has a Caterham VIN with the SDK prefix. It says it is a 40th anniversary but it does not have the anniversary paint job - spec'ed as a BRG with yellow stripe with clams. Dash plaque confirms it as a true anniversary edition. It says it is a classic - so that was the basic model when it was offered. So I guess it is a 1997? It does have a crossflow from the photo and the text says 1600cc and a 5spd. I like the effort made by the original builder to give it the "historic look". The best bit is the all the records of build and receipts. Interesting Monterey Motorsports Reunion plaque on the dash from 2010 - could you buy those or did you have to enter something? Current bid is $16620 with 7 days to run. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replica-Kit-Makes-Classic-40th-Anniversary-Super-7-LOTUS-7-/321888101105?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4af206a2f1&item=321888101105 I infer this as a 2002 Birkin although listed as a 1967 Lotus. Zetec engine with throttle bodies. Sort of looks like a Dick Brink car based on the spec and choice of upgrade parts (thats not a bad thing either). Quite a good list of upgrades. However.... I accept on the reproduce cost but 2002 Birkins going for $43k? Ummm...where? I just spent 30 minutes going through old price records back to 2008 and I cannot see a Birkin pricing over $40k unless it was brand new or within 1-3 years of new. 2002 year would put it into the 20s and low 30s based on prior sale comparables. Hell, I would sell my maroon 2002 Caterham SV with zetec for $35k if I was in the mind to sell. Seller asking $45k buy it now. Opening bid $39900 with zero bids and a day to go. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Super-Seven-series-3-/191706687848?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2ca29be968&item=191706687848 2010 Brunton Super Stalker. Titled in GA as a 2010 Lotus 7. 3.8L SC V6. Photos seem to show it put together well and well looked after. Lambo orange with black highlights looks great. Current bidding is at $15k with active bidding and 3 days to run. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replica-Kit-Makes-Brunton-Super-Stalker-Open-roadster-/231710117183?forcerrptr=true&hash=item35f2ffcd3f&item=231710117183 Also listed on Craigslist here http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/5252953895.html 1988 Caterham (titled as a 1967 in CA). 1700cc crossflow. Ex-Sevens & Elans. CA car. BRG upper with polished ali lower. Current bid $15877 with 7 days to go. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replica-Kit-Makes-DE-DION-LONG-COCKPIT-SUPER-SPRINT-1700cc-LOTUS-7-/321888100201?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4af2069f69&item=321888100201 Locost built in the UK on a Triumph Spitfire. 1.3L I4. Buy it now is $9995 and bidding at $2550 with 5 days to run http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replica-Kit-Makes-LOTUS-SUPER-7-/252119098628?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3ab3782504&item=252119098628 1962 Lotus 7 SB1308 - freshly restored. Asking $44500 http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/5216024604.html Locost with Ford V8 back again. Asking $14500 http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/5228239176.html 1995 Westfield with Toyota engine in Barney purple back again. Asking $19950 http://tulsa.craigslist.org/cto/5249878334.html Clone chassis for sale $4850 - long time advertised. http://huntsville.craigslist.org/cto/5238209056.html RNR's (forum member) WCM Ultralite for sale. Ad speaks for itself - nicely comprehensive and well sorted. Asking $26999 in CA http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/5252863852.html Advertised as a Lotus 7, it is a 1980 Blakely Bearcat asking $8000 http://longisland.craigslist.org/cto/5259380019.html 2003 Superperformance S1 in dark metallic blue. Asking $25000 in RI http://southcoast.craigslist.org/cto/5226272058.html Midengined Locost in progress build - quite well advanced. Looks interesting. Asking $5000 http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/5261477041.html 1958 Lotus 7 needing work and verification at $25k http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/5217456408.html STalker in TX. 3.8L V6 SC with T5 asking $24k Can someone explain to me the gearbox linkage on this - how it works? http://easttexas.craigslist.org/cto/5241471454.html These next series of ads are Hemmings which I can never tell are still live or not as the website is only updated for subscribers and I am not a subscriber 2009 Caterham SV at $40k http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/caterham/unspecified/1775640.html 2002 Caterham SV at $34500 http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/caterham/super-7/1773111.html 1979 Caterham at $20k http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/caterham/super-7/1773111.html 2000 Caterham Superlight "R500" Zetec at $30k http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/caterham/superlight-r500/1757619.html Westfield with V6 $32000 http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/lotus/super-seven/1770714.html Stalker at $28k http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/lotus/7/1726421.html And this one http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/super-seven/1763637.html

A question for the USA7s members. Another forum member has raised concerns in a polite PM to me that my conjecturing based on the advertisement and other personal impressions is unhelpful to the seller and misleading to other forum members who may be buyers. I will note that the ad in question was not a for sale ad on USA7s but one of my links to his Ebay/Craigslist ad off forum. I can sort of see his point of view as a seller. My view is the advertisement was inadequate inviting conjecture from forum members as we all tried to assess what was up for sale and the value being sought. The forum member is not a paid up club member so could not advertise directly on USA7s. I am aware of the USA7s forum protocol on not criticizing other forum member's own for sale ads when listed on this site but this would not apply when it is a re-link from Ebay or Craigslist and the seller is not bothering with the forum. For what it is worth, I believe that an advertisement should stand on its own with good description and photos if you expect someone to buy it on the internet through a site like Ebay. Unfortunately, most ads do not meet that standard. However, I think the Bringatrailer model works well in that situation as you get a variety of intelligent input that can make up for the advertisment inadequacies. Its why I respect other USA7s members chiming in here with their views. But am I wrong as it was pointed out to me? So an informal survey - should we expand the current USA7s forum rule on no conjecturing or opinions to apply to re-linked ads in this thread? Or should we keep it as it is?

Congratulations on your "new" car! You are in a nice part of the country to be able to enjoy the seven as it is intended. I can say it is socially acceptable to have two sevens - one for track and one for road - I do! :iagree:

Thats a great idea - let her drive the seven on rainy days! Actually....does it ever rain in CA? They are not hard to drive at all. All the inputs are light, nice soft suspension (at least my two Caterhams are), comfy seats, etc. Clearly they handle well and probably are easier to park than the family SUV - although I would tell her to modify the bump parking style. She will have bad hair moments though. This forum is mostly full of old ladies who drive them... :rofl::leaving:

I saw this car at Gettysburg LOG and chatted with Ross there - lovely chap. I am sorry to see that he is moving the car on but it is a wonderful opportunity for someone to get a beautiful seven I really cannot add anything to what TheDingo8MyBaby/Meryl Streep (world's worst Australian accent in a movie) said above - I agree with him/her/it wholeheartedly. Lower $30s. Pristine and freshly restored models with desirable spec are in the $40s and this is not pristine. I hope Ross is patient with the sale and aims to catch the right buyer who will drive and cherish the car as much as he has in his stewardship.

Guys lets keep it civil please. I am not sure you will find a nice neat link on a website that will make that fine definitional distinction - I have never seen one. The Government does not make our life easy that way, which is really frustrating. The answer to your question is going to be contained in the definition of "motor vehicle" in the Clean Air Act to which there is supplemental administrative guidance in regulations and other unpublished EPA guidance papers not available to the normal person without hiring an attorney. What I have learned from my imports is that the usual fair American way of looking for legal loopholes and diving through them is not viewed happily by NHTSA/EPA/et al when it comes to vehicle import compliance as on the fringes of the rules, things are applied inconsistently as I have painfully discovered on my imports. So you have three options: (a) Roll the dice and import without doing any more homework and find out what the rules are in practice on that day, at that port, for that inspector. Do you feel lucky? (b) Start dialing the NHTSA and EPA until you find a helpful, intelligent, car enthusiast official who wants to help you do the right thing as he appreciates your sincerity in checking (they do exist - I found one...once). They will steer you on to the right path but even then they will admit (at least they did to me) that when you are in the gray area of a unusual or 'risky' import, the final outcome will very much depend on which inspector, which port, time of the month, luck, which day of the week it is and is it a good day, etc types of variables. © You hire a specialist attorney to advise you on this matter. More expensive than option (b) it does save you time.

The EPA Clean Air Act governs this http://www2.epa.gov/importing-vehicles-and-engines/kit-car-policy Remember that the EPA applies a 21 year threshold, not 25 years like NHTSA.

Welcome to the forum. Post 13 on this thread will steer you in the right direction. http://www.usa7s.net/vb/showthread.php?10365-1999-Birkin-S3-(Last-5-of-build)/page2&highlight=import Then for forum members, Bigdog, has imported one from Germany fairly recently so he will be a good source of information. Cheers mike

There is a shipload of Sevens on Lemmings. Some may have sold since Lemmings only refreshes every few months. 2009 Caterham SV $40k http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/caterham/unspecified/1775640.html 2002 Caterham SV $34.5k http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/caterham/super-7/1773111.html 1979 Caterham crossflow at $20k (although one forum member was all over this like a chihuahua on a pork chop - so it may have sold?). http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/caterham/super-7/1765801.html 2000 Caterham Superlight $30k http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/caterham/superlight-r500/1757619.html 2012 Caterham SV R400 $59k http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/caterham/unspecified/1729179.html Stalker $28k http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/lotus/7/1726421.html And my favorite ad - the dealer wank special Westy http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/super-seven/1763637.html

Robin Hood seven build - not quite finished and not titled or registered. Current bid $10800 with 18 hours to go. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replica-Kit-Makes-LOTUS-SUPER-SEVEN-FROM-ROBIN-HOOD-ULTRA-LIGHT-/201430853018?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2ee636e59a&item=201430853018 Anyone need a 7 grille? Mario looks like he has made a new batch http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Seven-Grille-Emblems-/171407070511?hash=item27e8a8552f&vxp=mtr Who wants a friend to join them in their Birkin? A Birkin bear http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bentley-Birkin-Bear-BL1076-/111767464480?hash=item1a05dc2a20&vxp=mtr Barney the Westfield is back again this week http://tulsa.craigslist.org/cto/5200408918.html Westfield Asking $18000 Now that price will be ambitious given the car may not have run in many years so a ton of things to refresh plus it needs a crossflow rebuild. http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/5176204566.html Dark blue Superformance S1 2003 in RI back again at $25000 http://southcoast.craigslist.org/cto/5226272058.html Mid Engined Locost asking $5000 http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/5221046521.html locost with 347 V8 with 5 spd T5 in KS Asking $14500 http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/5228239176.html Work out what you want from this ad for which he asks $25000. No pics and SFA text. http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/5238631790.html Tony Ingram restored Lotus Seven S2 asking $44500 is back http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/5216024604.html

I will be interested to hear how you think it drives compared to your old Westfield?

2009 Caterham SV Duratec for sale - I don't know how the seller can talk about the driving experience if he has only driven it 437 miles in 6 years! http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/lotus/caterham/1775640.html

Thats very interesting. I had no idea that the chassis were so different between the 2 types. What exactly did you have to do to convert the chassis to road? Lights, indicators, exhaust...?

LOL - spec racer registered for the road! :rofl: Congratulations - I bet FL was nice this time of year! :seeya:

Hi Maurice - If you are inquiring about the US and Canada then please reach out to Tom (Tbox56) who is Birkin USA distributor as he would know best. If you are inquiring about Birkin Australia then I suspect no-one has a clue on this forum. I will say I am aware of 3 Birkin wide bodies in existence in the USA, including Tom's demonstrator but I bet there are others.