lotusman1951 Posted May 19, 2016 Share Posted May 19, 2016 I have been looking for an investment quality vintage lotus-with the frame numbers that make John Wilson of the register happy. The BAT advertised 1962 seems to have the classic frame mods, the later Caterham rear axle, and a cross flow instead of the perhaps original 1500 Ford or perhaps even an A series MG. So a modded, updated car with series 3 rear fenders. But Chronometrics real Lotus ID and a strong car-and you gotta love RHD. And then there is the BD engined 1991 Caterham Dedion framed nothing else special-no dry sump, alloy brakes or fuel cell, Basically a 25 year old Caterham with a $10,000 engine and that's for a steel crankshaft and rods etc. So in the world of values and driving experience, and the self confidence to say yes its a real lotus or continuation car. Which one should sell for more and why---this is not about being critical about either car as represented by the sellers. Just thinking Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted May 19, 2016 Share Posted May 19, 2016 Ad quibbles aside, I really like the BDA engined '91 Caterham. My bias favors the enhanced driving experience (more power, more leg room, stouter chassis, etc.). Who knows what the investment value of the 2 cars is? The BAT seven is not all-original. And I question whether Lotus 7's are ever going to explode in value like Porsche 356's and 912's and early 911's are now. I suspect that if you buy the BDA car you will be able to enjoy in on the street and on the track and then sell it later for about what you bought it. Hard to beat that in the real world of rapid depreciation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted May 19, 2016 Share Posted May 19, 2016 How about this one? http://www.ebay.com/itm/1966-LOTUS-23B-SPORTS-RACER-HISTORIC-VINTAGE-RACE-CAR-2-WEEKENDS-ON-MOTOR-/381633819331?forcerrptr=true&hash=item58db25f2c3:g:LZ4AAOSwcL5XNMaR&item=381633819331 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lotusman1951 Posted May 19, 2016 Author Share Posted May 19, 2016 I had a Mercury GT with a 23C body-too racy for street work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
escondidoron Posted May 19, 2016 Share Posted May 19, 2016 I'd go the the '62. But then again, I'm probably pretty biased. I have a '62 Seven with its original 109e (1340cc) engine. It has the dual 40mm Webers, original Cosworth head and manifolds and internal mods along with its original 3-rail close ratio gear box. I love it. Sure, I wouldn't mind a bit more arm in the crank for more torque. But at a documented 960 lbs with a full tank of gas its 85Hp it is plenty quick. Just my $0.02. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 960 lbs is pretty light! My porky track-preped Cat weighs 1390 lbs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
escondidoron Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 960 lbs is pretty light! I wish I could say the same for its driver! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lotusman1951 Posted May 20, 2016 Author Share Posted May 20, 2016 Bought a 1949 MG TC stock today for 25K---rolling sculpture, garage art-no question about being authentic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheDingo8MyBaby Posted May 21, 2016 Share Posted May 21, 2016 (edited) So in the world of values and driving experience, and the self confidence to say yes its a real lotus or continuation car. Which one should sell for more and why---this is not about being critical about either car as represented by the sellers. I've owned a 1999 Caterham supersprint and now own a 1963 Lotus Super 7, both pretty close in spec. The supersprint was a 1700 crossflow, live axle and wetsump. My 1963 is a 1700 pre-crossflow with a dry sump. The caterham weighed about 200 pounds more, but was a bit more cushy as well. There seems to be a few reasons one buys an original seven over a lower spec'd caterham: 1. One wants to go racing/be eligible for various vintage events 2. One wants a highly original car (or at least some of the attributes of an original car) 3. One cares about the provenance/history of having a real Lotus. 4. One views it as a better investment than a caterham as there are a finite number of "real" lotuses. The buyer of the BAT 7, I assume, will fall in to category 3/4, unless they want to rebuild it into #1/2. It seems there are fewer buyers in category #3 as there are in 1/2/4. Im actually surprised the seller posted the frame number as most seven owners keep this close to the chest. (To prevent copies. Cars are worth more if not in dispute, which is very common with the series 1 cars). As to the question of which one will sell for more - I imagine the BDA powered car would sell for high 20's/low 30's (though it doesn't sound like the seller would let it go for that) while the the BAT car would sell in the mid 20's. I guess we'll find out soon enough with the BAT car. If the BAT car were closer to an original car (correct motor, correct fenders, taillights, etc), I'd say as much if not more than the BDA powered car. In any case, congrats on the TC purchase! Those are fun little cars! Edited May 21, 2016 by TheDingo8MyBaby Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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