What answers do you give?

[Cranky]

It seems like I get the same few questions asked frequently at stoplights, gas stations, and parking lots when I drive my Caterham. I'm curious as to how you guys answer these questions, mostly because I'd like to steal your lines.

 

1) What is that? This one is hard because I never feel like I can answer in a way that means anything to them. If I say a Caterham R300, I've done the equivalent of answering in gibberish. Calling it a Lotus 7 would be less accurate, but would be more likely to lead them to useful information if they try to Google it. Sometimes I just say "a car", but that's because I'm cranky.

 

2) How Fast Does It Go? I don't know what people are looking for here. I have no idea what the top speed is and it probably wouldn't be much different than the top end on our mini-van. A 0-60 time might be more impressive, but only to people that know something about cars and they probably wouldn't be asking that question. I usually just say that its very quick.

 

3) Is That a Kit Car? Did You Build that? I usually just answer yes to the first and no to the second because it was bought as a kit but I bought it from the person that assembled it.

[Alaskossie]

Since there are only three 7-type vehicles in Alaska (all of them Caterhams), it's pretty likely that the Great Unwashed up here have never seen one -- through a few seem to have read about them, or played video games with them.... (When I drove up the Alaska Highway in 2010, no day went by without at least one person correctly and enthusiastically identifying my car as a Caterham....)

 

My usual answer is that "It's a 2007 Caterham, the successor to the 1958 Lotus 7...but with 6 times the horsepower."

 

How fast? "I'm too scared to find out...."

 

Kit car? "The factory sent me three boxes, and I followed the assembly guide and put the parts together...."

[Taber10]

I've gotten the same questions--and pretty much used the same answers. But, I was wondering, now that it seems that the Caterham (or Superformance) trend is toward "rollers" with the motor still sourced separately, maybe I'll need to give more explanation on the "kit car" question. It seems that casual commenters, like at gas stations, are asking about the car before them, while some of the more serious questions that I have gotten, specifically at auto events, car shows, etc. the intent is more on what that individual can encounter on the market, and maybe deserves more thought to the "kit car" question......

[NVP66S]

The answer I give that seems to work best (and is honest) is: "It's a replica of a 1962 Lotus" Heck, if neither the State nor the insurance company are interested in what *model* Lotus, then neither is the public.

[coffee break]

1) I start with "It's a Lotus 7", if they know more I tell them it's a '95 Caterham.

2) Fast enough to scare the piss out of you.

3) yes, they all are kits.

I've also been asked, "Is that a car?" Yes, but only the barest essentials needed.

 

Damn fun to drive! :smash:

[CarMan]

The usual comment I get is "Holy Shit! That is sooooo Cooool!"

The most frequent one is "You Fit in THAT?" I am 6'2" and weigh 210lbs. I think if the car was cool enough, I would scruntch into a breadbox to drive it.

 

I simple call it a Lotus..... It eases the conversation.

And top speed is 137 in 5th gear at the rev limiter... been there. But they are really unimpressed

 

The best comment ever was at Watkins Glen when a first time racer was cruising the pits withe his wife and they came to my car and realized that we were in the same race group. After looking at the car she commented "At least you know you can beat this old car!"

Two hours later, after the race they came back. "What the hell kind of car is THAT!" We offered them a beer and talked about it

[powderbrake]

1) It's a replica of a 1967 Lotus 7, a British sports car. I add the last part, because most prople have no idea what a Lotus is.

 

2) I'm not too sure of how fast it will go, I've only seen 125mph on the speedo.

 

3) Yes, it's a kit car, and yes, I assembled it.

 

The smaller kids like it the most, and if I'm at a gas station, or a parking lot, I generally ask them if they want to sit in it, which really blows their minds.

[rx7locost]

What is it? - "A replica of a 1960's Lotus Seven."

 

How fast does it go? - "I don't know"

 

Is it a kit car? - "No it is stick built"

 

Who made the kit? - "Nobody. I built it from scratch. I started with some steel tube and cut and welded until it looked like a car"

 

Where did you get the kit from? - .........

[bigdog]

What is it? - I tell them it's a Caterham. If they inquire further, Caterham are the new owners & makers of the Lotus Super 7.

 

How fast does it go? - Around corners, Very, Very fast. Caterhams are all about the corners.

 

Is it a kit? - No (mine was a turnkey UK 7)

 

I had one 60 something pull up next to me at the local hardware store. He got out walked right up to me and told his wife (in a condescending tone) that it was one of those VW kit cars. I told him he should keep his mouth shut unless he knew what he was talking about. That has been the only time I have been a bit short with anyone about my car.

 

I had a very hot French gal (late 30's or so) on holiday in Walla Walla ask if she could sit in the 7. Why of course, I said. She proceeded to put her left leg in and sat down in the drivers seat with her right leg dangling over the side. Fail! Oh! Did I mention that she was wearing a rather short skirt at the time? Viva La France!! :drool:

[DaveStruve]

What is it: Lotus 7

 

Is it a kit:

Me: No, i built it from scratch.

Them: so you bought the chassis and put it together.

Me: No, i bought a book and some metal and built it.

Them: Confusion

 

Honestly i should just say yes. No one seems to care that i built it, or they just dont believe me.

 

How fast is it: Ive had it to 110 and it was scary.

 

I aslo get "how much horsepower" followed by weight.

[HOTTTCAR]

I usually get "What is it?".....Its a Lotus. Most people are familiar with that word so I can get on down the road. Next ...."Can I take a picture? I don't think I can describe it to my husband."......Then "That is a really beautiful car.".......Thanks........But if its a car guy or girl ....you are going to be there for a while.

Gale

Edited April 5, 2015 by HOTTTCAR

[locost7018]

Gale I did not think anyone could catch up to you long enough to ask you questions!!!!!!

[HOTTTCAR]

You are probably right but I can't pump gas fast enough.

[jlumba81]

I'm usually wearing headphones when I'm in the 7 so I sometimes pretend I don't hear questions at traffic lights. Had a guy folllow me to work when I got back from a lunch break. He knew what the car was and wanted to take pics to show his wife.