Tony

Thanks for all of these suggestions. I pulled off the air cleaners and found backfire/misfire residue (slightly thick brown fluid) around each carb intake except for cylinder #4. Think I'll pull the plugs soon and get new spark plug wires as well. I do have a mechanical distributor and may take a look at it as well. Any suggestions for finding replacement parts? Are they easily available or need to be ordered through Caterham? Again, thanks much.... Tony

Not sure about that. Can you be more specific as to pulling off the carb covers to determine which cylinder may be missing. The webers are new carbs to me..... I'll pull out Tony Weale's Seven book and read up. Thanks, Tony

Cleaned all of the connections, some were greasy, but no improvement. During the test drive, found that it ran well in second gear from 2K up to around 5k when it started missing a bit at the top. In third, missing started much lower and was much more prevalent at the higher rpms. Will look into a new distrib cap and rotor. Still surprised at how it went from running smoothly to missing in two short weeks between two blats..... Any chance that the higher octane fuel might have a bearing? On the previous blat when it was running well, it really went like a rocket. My last three gallons of Turbo blue came from the bottom of the 50gal drum at the supplier. Wondering if moisture might be the culprit. Thanks, Tony

My Super Sprint engine has been running like a charm until lately. Now it misses/backfires during acceleration towards higher RPMs. Cruising slowly in higher gears, there also seems to be regular subtle missing. Only things that have changed are cold weather (low 30's), running straight Turbo Blue to flush old gas out of the tank before winter storage and some white smoke on start up. Gut feeling says coil is acting up but would appreciate any insights anyone might have. Also wondering if condensation in the distrib cap might be a possibility. Going to check the wiring/connections in a minute and head out for a 40 degree blat....... Thanks, Tony

Wasn't happy about seeing a puff of white smoke recently from my 1993 Supersprint exhaust. Seems like after it sits for 24-48 hours, there is a puff of white smoke when starting it up. The level of antifreeze in the radiator has not dropped and there is no sign of antifreeze in the oil. A video of it is on youtube on the "squaresaildotcom" channel. Really not looking forward to replacing the head gasket and would appreciate any insights you might be able to share. Would there be any other way to determine if there is a leak? Spark plug discoloration? Thanks, Tony

Googled Tony Weale's book on Sevens and found one in the UK for 40 pounds including postage. Thanks for the heads up on this book. Just arrived.

I've watched USA7s for close to four years waiting for just the right Seven. Missed a few, but finally took the plunge. Bought it from Chris T. at Sevens & Elans. He gave it a thorough detailing and fixed some basic wiring and mechanical problems. It has just over 4K miles on it, runs well, no drips and looks great. And of course, won't be long before Illinois weather turns unfriendly to Sevens....... It's been over 40 years since I owned my Lotus S2 Seven, so it's all a bit new, again. I have the original Assembly Manual for this Seven, but would like to find something that covers basic maintenance for Sevens. Any suggestions? I'll have a few months soon to go over it with a fine tooth comb..... Suns out, got to go for a spin.......

Try this one. http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/cto/3132984504.html Tony

No affiliation. Found this on Chicago's Craig's list. http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/cto/3114736205.html Tony

Hi Rob, Saw on the Akron Craigslist that it was "Never Titled". How would that affect selling your Seven? Still Available? It is a very sharp Seven......

The car sold on ebay for 20K. Seemed like a good way to get into a Seven. They don't last long at that price. Back to the hunt...... Tony

I asked Jeff what the serial number was and he said, based on the original owners paperwork, that it was 7LSB2385. Looked it up in my Magnificient Seven book and 2385 was in the Lotus Series 3 1300/1600 group, but as an SC2311-SC2645, not an SB...... Guessing the L is for left hand drive, but not sure. Think it may be an original Lotus based on the number.

No affiliation, saw it on ebay....... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Caterham-Super-Seven-titled-1967-Lotus-7-/150688083017?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2315b5ac49 Nice website also at: http://1967lotus7forsale.com/index.html Anyone close by who could look it over? Tony

Still interested and ready to move should the sale not happen. My wife had Chinese tonight and got two fortune cookies. I swear to God, my fortune read, "Something on four wheels will soon be a fun investment for you!" Bout fell of the chair. Let me know. Thanks, Tony

Can you tell us more about your Caterham, ie price, used for blats/track, etc.? Thanks!

I've been watching this board for a year or two and I remember that Dick had this very same Birkin a while back. At the time it was $18.5K, wish I had jumped then. It sold, I think, disappeared from his website and has returned. There was a loose or broken engine mount that had depressed the price a bit. This may have been repaired hence the increase in price. You might inquire about that. I am 99% sure this is same vehicle, if not, my apologies. If it was in Indianapolis at $18.5K it would be in Illinois in my garage. Still looks like a great way to get into a Seven.........

Well, now I know what Illinois roads to try, just need the Seven part of the equation. Found a post on the California Caterham website by Escondidoron (Thanks Breezy7) that really covered the basics of daily drivers and inspection. Frame issues still concern me, guess a lower mileage, non-track car seems like a good approach without an invasive front end inspec. One thing for sure, over the last few months there have been several really nice cars for sale at my price point and they don't last long. Really appreciate all of the insights. Now I have a lot more to go on.........

There are so many variations on Sevens, was wondering what would be the best engine, drive train and accessories for everyday use and occasional, perhaps long distance blats. I am not planning to race or spend time at the track but would primarily use it for around town and heading to the country. Not after huge horsepower but would like an engine that could be easily upgraded. My first Seven Series 2 was barebones and easy to work on. Reliability would be high on the list. Pardon this simplistic question, but after looking at all of the different Sevens for sale, I'd really appreciate some common sense experience as to what would be a good basic, solid, reliable Seven setup. If there is already a beginning buyers thread, please let me know. What are some of the common pitfalls when buying a used car? Anything that is a must for a Seven inspection before you buy? Also, might there be a thread where members relate their favorite cruising areas and roads? I'd love to find some excellent day trips out of Central Illinois. Thanks!

I've been a huge fan of the Prisoner for years. In the late 70's I had a friend in London buy a Series 2 for me and ship it to New York, sight unseen. Picked it up, drove straight thru overnight back to Illinois. That's how the adventure began. Sold it a few years later for what now is a pittance; wish I'd kept it...... Last year the wife and I did our 15th Anniversary in Portmeirion Wales where the Prisoner was filmed. Awesome place, even better when a brand new Caterham pulled in. The bug bit again and I've been looking for another one for blats and everyday cruising. I've been reading USA7s for months, really a great place to learn about Sevens. Seems there are so many variation; need to figure out what the best configuration is; then find one that fits my style and wallet.........

Great looking 7. Had a Series II years ago and am looking for a new one to enjoy. I'm not familiar with all of the mechanical options, engines, etc. and was wondering how this particular 7 might be as a fun car primarily for around town and a couple of long distance tours each year. Not into the racing aspect, just want a Seven to drive and tinker with. Can anyone share their thoughts about the type of use it is set up for and how it might do for the occasional cruises? Is it still available? Thanks, Tony