craig chima

Mike, Thanks for your kind words, and yes, I think that I described the car very fairly and accurately. Priced it that way too, and as such have a tentative agreement for purchase on the car. If anything falls through with the sale I will let everyone know but as of now, I believe it is a "done deal." Craig

This is a really nice, very original 1979 DSK Caterham that I purchased less than 2 months ago with the intent on putting a higher horsepower BDR 1700 cc engine in. As many on this forum know I am an "old school" guy, and am very picky about my cars and this car fit the bill for me. I purchased it from Mark Fortin in Massachusetts who is also a forum member, and over the several years that Mark owned the car, he poured closed to $7000 into various upgrades (I have all the receipts). In the time that I have owned it, I have installed a new Odyssey PC680 battery and aluminum cover, gone through the carbs, ignition system, brake system, done the camber and toe, and basically gotten the car so that it starts easily, drives great and is easy to enjoy (Mark just didn't drive it much over the last period of his ownership and it needed some attention). As it sits, the car is a very solid 8+ out of 10 (and maybe better than that). It is a car that you can drive anywhere and be proud of and even take to car shows, etc. It won't win a car show, but is just a super nice original Caterham. The owner prior to Mark spent probably double what Mark did on a full restoration of the car in the late 1990's (down to bare frame with skin off, etc) and the chassis is still in excellent condition from that restoration. There is a large plastic crate with files and files of receipts of all work done to this car for probably the past 30 years that will go with the sale (see picture). Anyway, in terms of some of the more important particulars, it is a rebuilt 1600 dry-sumped crossflow, with upgraded cam, pistons, and compression, and probably making close to 130bhp. The motor starts easily, idles great, sounds great, has perfect oil pressure and is not "fussy" at all. It does everything that a good Crossflow should do. Trans is close ratio and shifts great. Rear end is obviously solid axle as were all early cars, but has Quaife limited slip with alloy carrier for considerable weight savings. Front suspension has been upgraded to late model Caterham (see picture) with 5/8" sway bar, and shocks are double adjustable aluminum bodied QA1 on the front, and single adjustable on the rear. I have not put a ton of miles on this car, but given the DSK chassis, and the fact that the suspension has pretty much every conceivable upgrade you would every want on an early Caterham the car should be as tuneable as you would every want to your particular driving style (i.e. mild to super aggressive). The car has full length tonneau, soft top, and side curtains. The bench seats were purchased new by Mark and are still in perfect condition and will accommodate drivers up to 6'1" or perhaps even slightly taller than that. All aluminum pieces (skins, hood, cowl, etc) are in excellent condition with no appreciable dents, dings, etc. There are a couple of small stone chips here and there as would be expected for a car that is driven, but the paint is very, very nice. I paid Mark $19,500 for the car which I felt was a fair price for an original DSK car in overall excellent condition, plus have put some time and a little money into it, plus pickup costs from Ohio to Mass. As I posted in the General Forum, I had NO intent of selling this car until a friend of mine contacted me yesterday and offered me his SCCA prepared Lotus Super 7 F Production race car and it has given me the bug to go SCCA racing again after a 10 year hiatus. I need to move this car quickly if I have any hope of buying the race car and am offering it for $20K and am pretty firm at that price and it is very fairly priced for what all is there. I am sure that everyone has seen plenty of Crossflow cars offered in the $25K+ range over recent months and this car is every bit the equal of those with far more desirable lineage. Car is in Akron, OH Craig Chima (330) 807-0742 or chima97@aol.com

Mike, thanks for your post and for stopping by. A couple of additional points of clarification based on the photos. The silver/red Lotus and silver/blue Lotus, are both original 1962 chassis, albeit with considerable restoration and reinforcement to the chassis for racing purposes. Both are vintage race cars, but they are actually prepared to different rule sets. The red car runs to a much more liberal rule set, allowing modified front suspension, separate anti roll bar, etc, whereas the blue car is required to run basically stock suspension (anti roll bar as part of the upper a-arm) throughout. Both are dry sumped pre-crossflow 1498's (1538cc with .040 overbore) making around 170-173 bhp on 112 leaded race fuel. Obviously, a great amount of time, expense, and literally thousands of dyno runs have allowed us to achieve these power figures. The black MG Midget is a customer car that is now on it's way to Texas via car transport service, and the red MG Midget is actually a rather significant car in that it won the SCCA Runoffs in 1978 and is still in nearly identical configuration today as when it won, making it a true "vintage" race car. Lastly, as Mike suggested, the yellow Caterham is my own street car that I purchased a couple of months ago but as of today have decided to reluctantly put up for sale and will be placing an ad in the "cars for sale" section shortly. A longtime friend of mine has just put his SCCA prepared Lotus 7 up for sale and I have the "bug" to go back and do SCCA racing in a "7" after a 10 year hiatus from Club racing and need to move that car quickly if I have any hope of coming up with the $$ to purchase the race car. A person can have only so many toys.

Bump with price reduction to $11,500 including the exhaust. I really need to sell this motor and at this price it is a steal for what is included for an "all steel" dry-sumped BDA/BDR. I have a dry sump tank that fits nicely in a Caterham that I'll also include if that helps sweeten the deal for anyone. Craig

Latest update. Everything now spoken for except one pair of taillights. Thanks to all. Craig

FIA bar and front A-arms now spoken for. All that's left are 1 pair of taillights and 1 pair of the mid-fender stays. Thanks again, Craig

Hi All, Sorry for not being able to post here for the past 5-6 days, but I've been away at a vintage race at Summit point since last Wednesday morning. All of the seats have been spoken for for close to 2 weeks now (hence me removing them from the original posting). The parts listed at the top of the page are all that remain. Thanks for everyone's interest. Kurt, I sent you a PM last night about the other set of fender stays. Cheers, Craig

Complete Dry-Sumped, 1600 Crossflow (.030 over) built with very desirable 711M block. On Dellorto DHLA's with 32mm chokes. Compression is 9.0:1 so runs fine on even 91 octane pump gas. 1.53 intake/1.31 exhaust valves and ported and polished head with upgraded springs and Norris 286 cam. Titan dry sump pump and pan. Approximately 130-135bhp. Includes alternator, distributor, clutch, flywheel, very nice 4 into 2 into 1 header/exhaust system (completely Jet Hot coated) for Caterham and also dry sump tank. Pretty much everything you would need to "plug and play." $3500 for all listed above and would prefer to sell everything as a package deal. If someone wants the motor separately, I might sell the exhaust and other bits separately. A la carte pricing as follows: less the tank $3400, less the exhaust $3100, less the clutch and flywheel $3000. Craig (330) 807-0742 or chima97@aol.com[ATTACH=CONFIG]10870[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]10866[/ATTACH]

I recently acquired a Caterham that came with a bunch of spares that are superfluous to my needs and hence are offering them here. The car is a 1979 Caterham so the parts mentioned will fit any similar chassis. If uncertain about fitment, please contact me about specifics, etc. FIA Rollbar $200 ONE pair of original Caterham Clamshell fender "mid-fender" fender stays. $50/pr ONE pair of original Caterham lower a-arms. Perfect condition with bushings "as new." $100/pr ONE pair of NEW Caterham rear taillights. $50/pair (reduced price) All parts are in new to excellent condition and I will be posting pictures ASAP. I will also be posting the 1600 crossflow motor and exhaust system from the car shortly (BDA motor to be installed). Parts plus shipping from Akron, OH Craig (330) 807-0742 or chima97@aol.com

As the Title says, this is an original DSK built rear a-frame suitable for a S2 or S3 Lotus 7 or solid axle Caterham. I bought it a couple of years ago for a project that never materialized. Sandblasted and ready for paint/powdercoat. $125 plus shipping from Akron, OH. (330) 807-8072 or chima97@aol.com. I can finish/modify/adapt to your specific needs if you like.

As there has been some discussion in the "Cars for Sale" section about a Caterham with BDR, I thought it would be good opportunity for me to post a really sweet running BDR that I've got in the shop for sale. It was in a Caterham that I built 5 or 6 years ago (Kitcat actually drove this car at one point), and has now been in a corner of my shop for the past year or so. It was originally built by Dave Bean in the late 70's, and has been rebuit a couple of times since then, most recently by Midwest Motorsports here in Ohio who has done all of my engine work for the past 15+ years and it has less than 3000 miles on it since that time. I did a leakdown test on it prior to removing it from the Caterham and numbers were between 2% and 4% on all cylinders so the motor is sealed up well and in great shape. It was broken in properly and always ran synthetic oil thereafter. It is an "all-steel" bottom end with fully counterweighted billet crank, Carillo rods, and Cosworth pistons. Compression is about 10.5:1 so it runs great on premium pump gas. It is fully dry sumped and includes the dry sump pump, alternator, electronic distributor, flywheel, heavy duty clutch, and complete exhaust system just as it ran in the Caterham and is on Weber DCOE 45's. Horsepower is conservatively between 180 and 185 and could easily go higher with more aggressive cams. With the quality of the bottom end pieces, this is easily a 10,000 rpm motor if someone chose to run it that high, but I had an 8500 rpm rev limiter in the car which was plenty for street or track purposes. The cost to build this motor today would be in excess of $20K and I'd previously advertised it for $15K but would now really like to get it sold and so am offering it for $12,500, complete with the exhaust. If someone is looking to upgrade your crossflow powered car to something that's dead reliable and an easy "interchange" this is a perfect option. Craig Chima, CC Motorsports, 330 807 0742 or chima97@aol.com. Akron, OH

A couple of years ago I believe there was a forum member with 289 Cobra replica who was looking to trade his car for a Caterham or other 7 type replica. I went back through posts and couldn't locate that topic, and was wondering if anyone had any recollection of that. A customer of mine has a really nice low mileage Caterham and is looking to replace it with a Cobra replica. Craig

Gregg, See the assembly posted in the middle of page 2 in this section. Not sure if that is what you are looking for or not, but if so, I still have it. Craig

Gary Strait of Strait Roads. You can Google him for fone contact. He has transported several 7's and Caterhams and Élans for me, a few of which were race cars with less than 2.5" ground clearance and has always been able to handle the job no problem. Very conscientious. Just picked up a car for me a couple of weeks ago as a matter of fact. He is a one man band so when you call you will get him (i.e. no brokers) and you may have to wait a couple of weeks, but he can transport 5-6 cars in his rig and he crisss-crosses the country on a weekly basis (150k+ miles per year). Rates are as reasonable as anyone else I have found. Have had many customers use brokers to have cars transported to me and most of the time the drivers who show up have no clue as to how to properly tie down small/light cars. Just saying....

Complete set of four Bilstein shocks off 2001 Caterham for sale. Just removed from original 7000 mile car and these shocks are excellent working condition. $100 for all four plus shipping. Set of four Western 8 spoke Minilite/Panasport lookalike wheels. 13 x 5.5" wide with 4 on 4.25" (Caterham/English Ford) bolt circle. 4" backspace. Currently mounted with very nice Toyo 185 x 60 x 13 tires (can include or dismount for the same price). Recently powdercoated and in excellent condition. $200 for all. Craig (330) 807-0742 or chima97@aol.com

I believe that it should work just fine. Easy install with a crossflow motor since the plumbing will be essentially identical. Two wires from your rocker "fan" switch (one high speed and one low speed) and one ground wire and that's it. Can give you the dimensions of the heater box unit if you like as well. Craig

Complete Heater Assembly from my 2001 Caterham. Still installed in my car as you can see in the pictures but as I just don't seem to ever use it I'd like to sell. Great shape and works perfectly (both fan speeds). Will include the heater ball valve, pull cable, and all braided lines as shown in the pix. $225 firm plus shipping from Akron, OH. Craig. (330) 807-0742 or chima97@aol.com

We are usually on the inside of the downhill (last corner) and assuming will be the case again this year. Dark blue 26R Elan, Alloy/Red S2 7, and the red 1966 MG Midget. Tan Freighliner toter home with matching tan stacker trailer. Craig

Mike, Glad you liked the cars in the shop. For anyone interested, the Ginetta is a "real" G4R, complete with "big" Lotus twincam, IRS, Girling AR calipers front and rear, etc, etc, etc. I know that Mike took an under hood shot of that car (at least I think he did) and it's really a cool piece of kit. The "blue" 7 is a complete re-do of a 1962 chassis that was basically a basket case (the original data plate survives) and will get a 1500 pre-crossflow that makes just about 170bhp (really). The red 7 is also a 1500 powered car and will be at the Lime Rock Historics over Labor Day weekend and I hope to break the 1:00 barrier with that car this year which is pretty quick for a 7 on vintage race rubber. Too bad Mike didn't get to see the 26R Elan race car that was tucked away in another garage awaiting service. It's probably the nicest of the bunch and will also be at Lime Rock. If anyone is planning on being there, please stop by and say hello. Craig

In order to save some additional email and PM "answering" I thought I'd post what was left to sell off the chassis as follows: 1 pair of chromed clamshell "mid-fender" stays Caterham aluminum fuel tank (absolutely stock size). Will include filler neck, hose clamps, sending unit, and dash gauge if desired 2 sets of "red" Simpson 4 point Camlock 3" wide racing belts Complete dash with full keyed ignition switch (2 sets of keys), 4 toggle switches (headlights, fan, turn signals, wipers, hi/lo beam), horn button, and complete wiring harness 2 sets of wheels, both are 13's, 1 set is 7" wide Panasports, and the other is 5.5" wide Minilites. Stock bench type 70's era Caterham seats (similar to original Lotus 7 style seats) Left hand drive steering rack, rack mounts, and complete steering shaft and steering wheel Ohio title with matching assembled vehicle sticker Pictures of all remaining parts are available on request. email or pm me (see original ad for contact info). Thanks, Craig

Can't recall exactly but seem to remember that someone was looking for a pair of the mid-fender supports for clamshell fenders (the ones that support the approximate mid-point of the fender). If so, I have a pair of recently chromed ones in perfect condition. $50 for the pair. Craig chima97@aol.com or PM me

Updating the post to let everyone know what has been sold/committed to date, and to add another component to the list. Sold as follows: aeroscreen, rear fenders, rear lights, radiator, front suspension bits. Am now going to include the complete rear end assembly if anyone wants it as a complete unit. This is a Cortina based solid axle rear end as was typically used in all early Caterhams, but has been significantly worked over as follows: Lower a-frame strengthened and gusseted, now with spherical rod bearing for pinion angle adjustability, Cortina housing has been bead blasted, straightened, and a full length Stego plate added; New rear wheel cylinders, shoes, drums, and hardware were used when the car was restored, Axles have new bearings and longer, upgraded 7/16" wheel studs; diff is a 3.9 that is set up on a clutch pack Salisbury limited slip unit, and I will also include the upper trailing arms as well. Pretty much everything you need to bolt in a complete rear end and go have fun. $1500.00 for all, and this is essentially the cost of what Dave Bean sells just the limited slip unit for these days and truly about 1/2 of the cost of what it would take to replace this setup.

All, (Dave included): Have an interested party on the aeroscreen already. Just FYI. Only item tentatively spoken for thus far. Craig

A friend of mine recently bought the 1979 BDR powered Caterham that I built about 5 years ago (see ad on page 13 in cars for sale section) with the idea of me converting it to a vintage race car. The car has been used sparingly since it was originally purchased and the parts listed below would be available for sale if he goes ahead and moves forward with his decision to convert it to a race car. HOWEVER, he unexpectedly now has the opportunity to buy a complete, nearly race-ready car and will consider selling the Caterham as a rolling chassis (less the motor and transmission -- I want both those items for another project). That would be a 100% complete Caterham, except for the motor and transmission, fully titled in Ohio, with 2 sets of wheels, with lots of trick suspension pieces and go fast bits (limited slip, big radiator, dry sump tank, oil cooler, remote oil filter, oil thermostat, etc) for $12K. But he needs to make a decision on this somewhat quickly and if nobody wants a complete chassis, he is very content to keep what he's got and sell off the following parts from the car: Alloy Caterham fuel tank Rear Fenders Rear lights Front Lights and turn signals Rollbar Complete interior (original Lotus/Caterham style bench seats) Custom Dry sump tank Steering wheel Dash and gauges Carbon Fiber aeroscreen assembly and mirrors Front suspension with drop spindles Complete set of 4 Spax adjustable shocks and springs Ohio title with matching assembled vehicle sticker Radiator with dual electric fans 2 sets of wheels and tires Realistically, it is a "tossup" which direction he goes with this right now (keep the chassis and part out, or sell the chassis as a roller and buy the other race car), but we (he) needs to make a decision on this fairly soon as I need to get started disassembling the car if that's the way it ends up going. If anyone is interested in any of the above (chassis, parts, etc), please just email me and I will follow-up in the order that I receive the inquiries and will give you first shot at those items you are interested in once a decision is made. Pictures of the car (and parts) can still be found in the original ad in the "cars for sale section" 1979 BDR Caterham on page 13 so that's probably the easiest place to look for a photo if you have a question on the parts or chassis. Any other questions just call or email. Craig Chima, CC Motorsports (330) 807 0742 or chima97@aol.com

Car is sold pending receipt of funds. Thanks to those who inquired. Craig