Looking to buy older Caterham, or perhaps pre-lit Westfield

[craig chima]

All,

 

I've been watching Croc's ad list recently and haven't seen anything that fits the bill. Would like to find a 70's or early 80's solid axle Caterham (or possibly pre-lit Westfield) with crossflow motor that is a decent "driver" (i.e. no show cars wanted!). These cars occasionally pop up in the $15K to $17K range and that's basically what I'm after. Will consider cars that need some TLC and don't mind cars that are in need of engine/tranny/driveline work but I'm not looking to take on a big restoration project at this time and will definitely consider RHD. If you have anything that you're considering selling or know of anything that's currently out there that seems to fit these parameters feel free to let me know. Craig Chima, CC Motorsports, Akron, OH. (330) 807-0742 or chima97@aol.com

[m wirth]

I think this is a pre lit, given the alloy panels

https://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/d/la-center-lotus-super-seven/7094746112.html

[Croc]

Craig,

 

Here is an idea that might work for you. There are two Japanese car sites

 

https://www.tc-v.com/

 

https://www.goo-net-exchange.com/

 

 

Goo-net has the biggest range. Both have infuriating search interfaces which is why I have not included them regularly in my weekly post plus generally the prices are too high relative to US market so why bother.

 

However, if you search "Caterham", "Westfield", "Birkin", or "Lotus" (because they misclassify Caterhams), then a bunch of options wil surface. They are usually all too recent or over-expensive. However, diamond in the rough examples turn up at decent intervals - for example

 

https://www.goo-net-exchange.com/usedcars/LOTUS/SUPER_SEVEN/700050502330191022001/index.html

 

Older Caterham at $18k. For the work needed on this example, I think price should be lower but you could try to negotiate by email by making an offer. Needs to be imported but they offer ro-ro shipping plus import services, you can get a quote on the site - factor that into the landed cost and see if it gets to your price sweet spot. At least two now-seven owners on this forum have imported to Canada to what seems like good effect.

 

This approach works best for Birkins as the prices are so low. Birkin sold more cars in Japan than Caterham and Westfield so resales are lower.

 

Cheers

mike

[Minnis]

We are tripping over the older ones in Japan- it’s neat to see 7’s fairly often. I second Croc’s link to goo.net, and I can add http://yahoo.aleado.com/26360-catlist.html -there’s a few of each brand on there too.