2001 Birkin S3 for sale Best know as MightyMike's Car

[Yeti]

SOLD

 

 

Best reason to buy (biggest regret in selling)

 

I am the second owner since MightyMike sold the car.  I purchased it through Bring a Trailer with negotiations after the reserve was not met.  My 13 year old son and I drove the car from Colorado to Pennsylvania without any mechanical issues.  The car has been pretty much trouble free the past 5 years accept for a broken throttle cable and battery replacements.  It has a small Odyssey battery that needs to be kept on a tender.  The millage is confusing since the odometer was changed with the Stack Dash.  It reads a bit over 12k but I think overall millage is closer to 32K.  If you study the above links for MightyMike and the BAT auction they will give you a better idea.  All I know is that I have not driven it as much as I should have.  Mostly my failure.  The car was always willing but the battery let the two of us down a couple of times.... 

 

I have not had the top on since bringing it back from Colorado.  The rain hardly makes it in the cockpit if you keep it above 75.  I have a couple of boxes of bits and bobs from the previous owners but have not really gone through them.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following is mostly from MightyMike's listing:

 

Drivetrain & Electrical:

Ford Zetec1 4cyl. 2.0 liter DOHC, 16V, fuel injected engine

· UK Spec water heater (simplified belt routing)

· Raceline carb-side alternator mount kit

· UK Spec water pump (reverse rotating)

· Raceline coolant rail assembly

· Dunnell Lowline baffled oil sump

· SamcoSport silicone coolant hoses

· Custom fabricated motor mounts by Beauchamp Racing and Restoration

· Massive Speed System purple powder coated cam cover (also includes extra silver powder coated cam cover) with aluminum oil cap

· Jegs alloy coolant overflow container

Ford Sierra T9 transmission with standard gears

· Dunnell lightened flywheel/clutch

Enkei PF01 Racing Wheels (all in perfect condition) fitted with Toyo Proxes T1R tires (like new tread)

· Front – 15x7 (12 lbs) & 195/50R15

· Rear – 16x7 (13.9 lbs) & 225/50ZR16

· 949 Racing 7075 forged alloy lugs, 12x1.5 threaded

ISIS 3-Cell wiring harness with ISIS inLINK RF Control Module (2 key fobs) Now renamed Infinity Box (for obvious reasons)

Odyssey PC680 lightweight battery with Battery Tender

Exterior:

Lotus Storm Titanium color paint on nose cone, bonnet, and scuttle (no scratches, dents, or chips)

Carbon fiber / fiberglass front and rear fenders – rear fenders have 3M Clear Bra

Carbon Fibre Mods (UK) carbon fiber canards

Birkin aluminum rear diffuser

Powder coated roll bar
sh with custom aluminum billet switches and APEM push-buttons, push button engine START/STOP switch, functional lighting, turn signals, horn, and fan switch

TWM aluminum shift knob, aluminum E-brake handle from Lotus Elise, 12V power receptacle

Handcrafted aluminum center tunnel, drive shaft loops, and interior switch panel by Beauchamp Racing and Restoration

 

Interior:

MOMO 300mm leather steering wheel

SmartRacing Products quick release steering wheel adapter

Custom fitted Sector 111 Micro-mirror by Beauchamp Racing and Restoration

Original vinyl seats are great condition with no tears or punctures

The vinyl side panels are in okay condition and show normal signs of wear. The passenger side panel has a small gash (approx. 5/8”) on the top and it is noticeable in one of the interior photos.

Carbon fiber dash with STACK Digital Dash with custom aluminum billet switches and APEM push-buttons, push button engine START/STOP switch, functional lighting, turn signals, horn, and fan switch

TWM aluminum shift knob, aluminum E-brake handle from Lotus Elise, 12V power receptacle

Handcrafted aluminum center tunnel, drive shaft loops, and interior switch panel by Beauchamp Racing and Restoration

 

Changes Made during My Ownership: most made to pass PA enhanced specialty car inspection

Temporary front and rear bumpers fabricated

New front windshield

Windshield wipers and washers made operable- needs new reservoir

Brake fail light on dash

Emergency brake light added to dash

Various required reflectors-- some since removed

New rear shocks-- can't remember brand and can't see them to check

Custom fabricated throttle cable housing to eliminate rubbing- extra cable

State forced the pipes to be heat wrapped-- it has been removed

shows front bumper mounts that are attached to radiator mounts--easy to remove

 

 Shows front bumper in place

rear bumper off now and diffuser back in place.

 

 

Edited February 25, 2022 by Yeti
SOLD

[280Racer]

I was passing near this car on a trip,  the stars aligned,  and the owner was able to accommodate my last-minute,  late-in-the-day request to take a look.  My expectations were for a very short visit,  I'm 6'1",  200 pounds,  34" inseam, with size 14 feet (yet narrow) and I assumed we'd get out the shoe-horn and fail miserably to even get me into the car.  To my amazement,  I fit rather well.  My girth was an exact fit between driveshaft tunnel and "door" sill,  my knees were well clear of the (removeable) steering wheel,  and I was able to operate the pedals with no issue.  Now,  admittedly,  I took my shoes off first in order to get the best chance of fitting,  but with race shoes on there's no doubt that I would be fine.  This was all with the pedal assembly at the closest position.  We removed the seat back to simulate moving the pedals 2" and my legs were essentially straight out.  The only issues would be roll bar height which would be too short for (I assume) most regulating bodies for track/competition work.  I also would have to play around with individual pedal positions to get the best alignment for heel and toe work.  Beyond those two (hopefully easily solved) issues,  my main concern about the car was resolved favorably.

 

At this point I had no plan.  I have tried on a Brunton Stalker and Dare TG for size and they were both completely hopeless.  I literally couldn't drive either of them  because my legs were jammed hard into the steering wheel.  As I said,  I figured I'd be there for 5 minutes tops and be heading on my way.  Being a little lost as to what to do next,  Scott and I just talked for a while,  about the car,  our driving experiences,  hobbies (turns out we're both avid cyclists as well), etc.  As time passed it became clear that he was a real driving enthusiast and had enjoyed his time with the Birkin tremendously.  We had put the car up on his lift and looked it over,  stem to stern,  and eventually decided on a quick drive. 

 

I insisted that he do the piloting given it was dark by then, and I really didn't want to push things since I had already been driving 10 hours.  To make a medium-length story short,  everything went well.  Admittedly this was my first ever ride in a "7" but I was pleased with how flat it handled all while having a remarkably supple ride.  My TVR Vixen,  by comparison,  is exceptionally stiff,  as in the suspension basically doesn't move (I have softer springs on order).  The engine was responsive and all mechanicals seemed to be in proper working order.  There were no un expected clunks,  bumps,  bangs, or other noises.  Just plenty of scoot when the loud pedal was deployed and ample negative acceleration when the anchor was applied.  Handling?  How do the Brits say it?  I think it's something like "It stuck to the corners like a limpet".  Oh,  and the exhaust note is sublime,  just loud enough when pushed, yet quiet enough not to disturb the neighbors when driving "normally".  In other words,  it's a "7" through and through.

 

My unexpected conclusion is that I will own a Birkin.  At the moment I have a few things to sort before I would be able to purchase this one.  I need to figure out where to acquire a taller roll bar (or cage?) and make some room in the garage by selling a few toys (anyone want a TVR?)  but it was a surprising,  enjoyable,  and convincing visit.  Thanks Scott!

[kayentaskier]

In regard to need for a taller roll bar, you might check with Tom (tbox56)to see if he offers a lowered floor retrofit kit

[wemtd]

There is also a ‘tall’ roll bar from Birkin.  It that’s not tall enough I suspect they could make you an extra-tall.

it’s very easy to swap them

[Yeti]

Thanks for stopping by Mike. It was great meeting you.  Reading your post helps remind me that just having this car has helped me meet a lot of really great people.  These cars are not just about the driving.  Good luck with your next adventure. 

[fatallightning]

22 hours ago, 280Racer said:

I was passing near this car on a trip,  the stars aligned,  and the owner was able to accommodate my last-minute,  late-in-the-day request to take a look.  My expectations were for a very short visit,  I'm 6'1",  200 pounds,  34" inseam, with size 14 feet (yet narrow) and I assumed we'd get out the shoe-horn and fail miserably to even get me into the car.  To my amazement,  I fit rather well.  My girth was an exact fit between driveshaft tunnel and "door" sill,  my knees were well clear of the (removeable) steering wheel,  and I was able to operate the pedals with no issue.  Now,  admittedly,  I took my shoes off first in order to get the best chance of fitting,  but with race shoes on there's no doubt that I would be fine.  This was all with the pedal assembly at the closest position.  We removed the seat back to simulate moving the pedals 2" and my legs were essentially straight out.  The only issues would be roll bar height which would be too short for (I assume) most regulating bodies for track/competition work.  I also would have to play around with individual pedal positions to get the best alignment for heel and toe work.  Beyond those two (hopefully easily solved) issues,  my main concern about the car was resolved favorably.

 

At this point I had no plan.  I have tried on a Brunton Stalker and Dare TG for size and they were both completely hopeless.  I literally couldn't drive either of them  because my legs were jammed hard into the steering wheel.  As I said,  I figured I'd be there for 5 minutes tops and be heading on my way.  Being a little lost as to what to do next,  Scott and I just talked for a while,  about the car,  our driving experiences,  hobbies (turns out we're both avid cyclists as well), etc.  As time passed it became clear that he was a real driving enthusiast and had enjoyed his time with the Birkin tremendously.  We had put the car up on his lift and looked it over,  stem to stern,  and eventually decided on a quick drive. 

 

I insisted that he do the piloting given it was dark by then, and I really didn't want to push things since I had already been driving 10 hours.  To make a medium-length story short,  everything went well.  Admittedly this was my first ever ride in a "7" but I was pleased with how flat it handled all while having a remarkably supple ride.  My TVR Vixen,  by comparison,  is exceptionally stiff,  as in the suspension basically doesn't move (I have softer springs on order).  The engine was responsive and all mechanicals seemed to be in proper working order.  There were no un expected clunks,  bumps,  bangs, or other noises.  Just plenty of scoot when the loud pedal was deployed and ample negative acceleration when the anchor was applied.  Handling?  How do the Brits say it?  I think it's something like "It stuck to the corners like a limpet".  Oh,  and the exhaust note is sublime,  just loud enough when pushed, yet quiet enough not to disturb the neighbors when driving "normally".  In other words,  it's a "7" through and through.

 

My unexpected conclusion is that I will own a Birkin.  At the moment I have a few things to sort before I would be able to purchase this one.  I need to figure out where to acquire a taller roll bar (or cage?) and make some room in the garage by selling a few toys (anyone want a TVR?)  but it was a surprising,  enjoyable,  and convincing visit.  Thanks Scott!

I just sold my 01 Birkin S3, and am also 6' and 220lbs or so, and fit. Not with much room to spare granted. What TVR out of curiosity, I'm about to pull the trigger on a Chimaera from the UK.

[280Racer]

Thanks for the advice everyone...  I'll be back home in a week and will start selling and scheming  Thanks again to Yeti for your time and the ride.  I'm pretty sure you've completely changed the "toy plan" for the next several years at least.

 

FYI - the TVR is a '72 Vixen 2500.  It's referred to as the "hybrid" as it's the older Vixen body with the newer "M" chassis and TR6 drivetrain.  There were between 90 and 96 of them made,  depending on who you ask.

[cscampbell]

I was wondering if your Birkin is still for sale?

I’d like to come out and look at it if it is.  I live over near Pittsburgh and I now have the bug.  I bought a Stuart Taylor seven kit this summer and spent time rewiring it and getting it going.  
I’m amazed at how quick it is and how well it actually rides and drives.

And now I want something that is more authentic.  

I am new to these forums, but I’d love to just talk to you even if your Birkin is sold.   Let me know how I can send you my contact info if you,d like to talk.Hope you had a nice holiday.

[Yeti]

 

The car is still available.

[Birkinboy]

Is your car still for sale? I like it. Many features that my '01 CS3 that I stupidly sold several years ago.

 

Thanks,

Bob

[Yeti]

Yes the car is still available.

[LAEdwards]

How is the weather in your neck of the woods to look at the car next week?

[Yeti]

I would hate to predict the weather in central PA this time of the year.  I could be wrong about it 10 minutes from now.  Having said that, the only thing that really keeps me off the road is salt.  It does a number on the bare aluminum and takes hours to polish. 

[Yeti]

The car has found a new home.  Thank you for all the inquiries.  I have enjoyed the process much more than BAT! 

[cwhite]

Congratulations Scott!

 

Thanks again for letting check it out and I sure the new owner will get plenty of smile per mile.

[280Racer]

1 hour ago, cwhite said:

Congratulations Scott!

 

Thanks again for letting check it out and I sure the new owner will get plenty of smile per mile.

 

I am the proud new owner,  and...  I'm still smiling from the 2 mile test drive around Scott's neighborhood. That was nearly a week ago.