The Other Cars of USA7s Members (Non-Se7ens only)

[NSXguy]

36 minutes ago, Vovchandr said:

 

Broke the rule of 1 car per post... but it's quite a selection

 

I have to ask, when you own such amazing characteristic cars, how do they stack up with experiences and feelings? How do they stand out from each other?

 

7 is obviously a bit visceral in attack on senses but I'm sure there is stuff that it can't hold a candle to when compared to rally bred cars

ahh. I hadn’t read the entire thread. Thanks for sharing; I added some meat to my post. 
 

The cat is definitely more visceral and when everything is right (and weather is decent) I find it very hard to pick any other car over it. I recently got the carbs dialed in and really can’t wait for the first track day to try it out. 
 

The other two being very modified 2L turbo awd rally beasts offer a much different driving experience and fun. As I spend more time on the track, I will be able to offer more objective feedback since they all will be 100% on the road this year. 

[Bruce K]

@NSXguy- My tastes in background, focus and lighting are revealed in the following photos.  These cars are my Kopitz Keepers - cars I cannot imagine selling.  I don't have any images yet of my Mona Lola, as da Vinci (aka Mike Cotrell of Sentry Body & Paint in Lillburn GA) has not yet concluded his work.  All 6 were shot by professional photographers, including Dave Hammond, president of our local Alfa club and past National president:

 

[slowdude]

8 hours ago, NSXguy said:

ahh. I hadn’t read the entire thread. Thanks for sharing; I added some meat to my post. 
 

The cat is definitely more visceral and when everything is right (and weather is decent) I find it very hard to pick any other car over it. I recently got the carbs dialed in and really can’t wait for the first track day to try it out. 
 

The other two being very modified 2L turbo awd rally beasts offer a much different driving experience and fun. As I spend more time on the track, I will be able to offer more objective feedback since they all will be 100% on the road this year. 

You need to share your carb tuning setup. I should put a sensor like that in on mine.

[Croc]

9 hours ago, Bruce K said:

It is rumored that Hitler had Eva Braun urinate on his face just moments before stepping out speak to massed millions - from ultimate debasement to ultimate glory - different elements, but the same effect. 

 

     

 

I am speechless....

[Croc]

18 hours ago, BirkinBernie said:

 

 

 

I liked these.  I thought it was awfully brave of Toyota to do what is really quite a radical 80s design.   I wonder how much they were forced into this by Mazda with the Miata coming on line?   They were normally so conventional as a manufacturer?  I also like how you have kept the styling clean as it first was released.  None of the later body kit rear wing or front air dam which cluttered the purity of line. 

 

 

 

13 hours ago, BirkinBernie said:

 

 

  

This just reinforces it.  The 1950s and 1960s were such an amazing period for auto design in the United States.  These land yachts only worked here because the interstate highways just were built for the land yacht style of cars.  

 

Thank you for sharing.

 

 

[Croc]

13 hours ago, NSXguy said:

...my latest thing is WRC cars and these two Grp A legends fit the bill. 

 

Come on Dez, you have to show us more of the Cossie and Delta.  I'll show my Cossie after you!

 

Will your Cossie be done by April?  Tentative timing for a track shake down of mine at the Club in NH then.  

[slowdude]

17 minutes ago, Croc said:

 

Come on Dez, you have to show us more of the Cossie and Delta.  I'll show my Cossie after you!

 

Will your Cossie be done by April?  Tentative timing for a track shake down of mine at the Club in NH then.  

His instagram is where the heat is! I saw him do the caterham and was like OK, maybe I can do this... fast forward a month and he has the cossie taken apart etc. He's a machine!

[BirkinBernie]

2 hours ago, Croc said:

 

 

I liked these.  I thought it was awfully brave of Toyota to do what is really quite a radical 80s design.   I wonder how much they were forced into this by Mazda with the Miata coming on line?   They were normally so conventional as a manufacturer?  I also like how you have kept the styling clean as it first was released.  None of the later body kit rear wing or front air dam which cluttered the purity of line. 

 

 

 

I don't think the Miata was an influence.  The idea for the MR2 grew from a 1976 design concept, with development starting in 1979 and sales starting in 1984.  Development of the Miata didn't kick off until around 1982 with sales starting in 1989.  I agree with you about the body kit parts that Toyota sold as options.  The MR2 was very popular in 1986 and we lived in Fairfax, VA.  The local dealers were all plastering the new MR2s with the optional "aero" crap and tagging a few thou on the price on top of it.  I thought they looked awful (and were grossly overpriced).  I found a dealer in North Carolina who found my car on the boat coming here and I got it in the color I wanted with only a stereo, AC and cruise.  And they took my first offer over the phone ($12,600)!  A deposit on my credit card and we drove down and picked the car up a few weeks later.

 

Happy Motoring!

[Bruce K]

4 hours ago, Croc said:

 

     

 

I am speechless....

Mark this day on your calendars, men!

[Bruce K]

@Croc- Why does your riposte concerning my Hitler comment, and my rejoinder, keep getting repeated?  It has now reprinted 6 times, when once is certainly enough!

[JohnCh]

11 minutes ago, Bruce K said:

Why does your riposte concerning my Hitler comment, and my rejoinder, keep getting repeated?  It has now reprinted 6 times, when once is certainly enough!

 

I've seen your post show up four times in succession, followed by a near three-hour gap, then repeating three more times.  Croc's post has only showed once for me.  Although I've been deleting your duplicates, you might want to examine if you were doing anything differently when submitting them.  Different device, browser, stuttering, shots of tequila, etc.  

 

-John

[Bruce K]

18 minutes ago, JohnCh said:

 

I've seen your post show up four times in succession, followed by a near three-hour gap, then repeating three more times.  Croc's post has only showed once for me.  Although I've been deleting your duplicates, you might want to examine if you were doing anything differently when submitting them.  Different device, browser, stuttering, shots of tequila, etc.  

 

-John

John - you made me laugh, which is appreciated.  Regarding these duplicates, in each instance, I received an email indicating that someone had responded to a post of mine.  When I went to the page, I would see Croc's riposte, minus my rejoinder.  So, in each case, I made the same reply.  At first, I presumed that I didn't properly save my response, or some other technicality, but after seeing so many copies, I was certain something was amiss, and contacted administration.  No, it was not tequila (I don't drink), nor was it keyboard stuttuttuttuttuttuttering, and I am using the same Google browser for the last several years, with no prior problems.  Bizarre!

[JohnCh]

@Bruce K I'll shoot you a PM for next steps on debugging this.  Now back to people posting about their other cars

 

-John

[BirkinBernie]

I can't end my participation on this thread without mentioning my beloved Vickie.  A 2005 Crown Victoria, I bought her in 2010 with only 14,000 miles on the clock.  It really was a little old lady's car, sold after her passing.  From the looks of it, it had never been out in the rain.  The last couple of years I worked in the office, she was my daily commuter.  I consider it the last of the true American cars - V8, RWD, big and comfortable.  It doesn't ride as well as my Cadillacs, but handles much better and uses far less gas!  And I fit!  At 6' 4", that is saying something.  It also tows the Birkin on its aluminum trailer very nicely indeed.  Another car that I won't voluntarily part with.....
 

The second pic was taken with the tail end of the two cars aligned.... 

 

Happy Motoring!

 

 

[panamericano]

So, if they still made a station wagon, with fold down seats, you really could carry the Birkin in it.

[Bruce K]

@BirkinBernie- You know, when you analyze it, it is no surprise that your Caddies and the Crown Vic make good tow vehicles, because they are like pickup trucks with passenger car bodies.  Long strong frames, big V8 motors, heavy-duty trannies, plenty of shocks and springs, giant load space - sounds like I'm describing a pickup truck!  With the Caddies, though, you get that once-in-a-lifetime styling, living room comfort, and smooth water-is-always-calm ride - all non-attributes of pickup trucks.  Plus, pickups are so big, and harder to get into - you sort of fall into an old Caddy or a Crown Vic.  The length difference between your Cat and the Vic is amazing - the Vic is officially 212" and the Cat S3 122", so just a little more than half the length!

[BirkinBernie]

20 hours ago, Bruce K said:

@BirkinBernie- You know, when you analyze it, it is no surprise that your Caddies and the Crown Vic make good tow vehicles, because they are like pickup trucks with passenger car bodies.  Long strong frames, big V8 motors, heavy-duty trannies, plenty of shocks and springs, giant load space - sounds like I'm describing a pickup truck!  With the Caddies, though, you get that once-in-a-lifetime styling, living room comfort, and smooth water-is-always-calm ride - all non-attributes of pickup trucks.  Plus, pickups are so big, and harder to get into - you sort of fall into an old Caddy or a Crown Vic.  The length difference between your Cat and the Vic is amazing - the Vic is officially 212" and the Cat S3 122", so just a little more than half the length!

Hi Bruce.  Yeah, I've never had an appreciation for pickups.  I just don't get the attraction.  Maybe if I was a contractor, had to pull a big trailer, or haul hay and horse droppings a pickup would make sense.  But I can haul most anything I need to haul on the Birkin's trailer, or rent a truck for a day if I have to.  Maybe it goes back to my childhood - in the '60s we pitied people who had to drive pickup trucks.

 

I always marveled at the guys driving back and forth to work in giant 4 wheel drive pickups with big, noisy tires and "OFF ROAD" stickers.  Now, these things didn't have a single scratch or speck of dirt.  You know that the closest thing this rig ever got to "off road" was when the owner's wife ran over a sprinkler head backing the behemoth out of their suburban driveway.  But hey, whatever floats your boat - I'm sure Mister Trucker wouldn't understand the Birkin either.

[wdb]

On 1/16/2023 at 3:01 PM, Bruce K said:

@WDB - you are a humble man.  You left us with the impression that you owned the Mercedes shooting brake, and after that the other cars were transportation specials.  Instead, your other cars include a very nice silver Porsche Targa and an M series BMW - very sporting hardware!  Have you altered either or both?  And if you are renting a bay, to you own another sporter you are too ashamed of to mention??? 

 

My garage is like yours - 3 bays and 4 spaces.  I am always thankful for that extra floor space, for unloading shipments, rolling around on my mechanic's stools, treating and painting parts and more wall space for storage.  Your Champion lift is very much like my Trojan - so close, one may have been manufactured by the other and simply relabeled.  

Just doing one at a time. I hope. I do have a few more spaces as well, cough cough. Still nothing as exotic as some of you.

 

It's quite possible your Trojan lift is the same hardware as my Challenger, especially considering that the "Challenger" decals were in a bag along with the rest of the assembly hardware. (I never put them on.)

[Marek]

2013 BMW 128i M-Sport Manual

 

 

Using the classic small chassis-big engine formula, the E82 is the last of an era of rear drive, normally-aspirated, non-electronic steering, pre-driver-assist cars.  The 3L straight six is a joy; with a quick throttle response and plenty of torque at all times.  The 1-series is an honest hot hatch alternative with comfort and quality a cut above the alternatives.

 

This car came to me after a six month search starting in late 2018.  I always try to find the Most Special Variant of a car.  In the case of a 1-series: a six-speed manual with the full set of M-Sport packages, sunroof, a light interior and not black or silver.  I never considered the more powerful 135i as the extra power adds nothing to the experience for me but the extra complexity would certainly take away.  After months of looking and few close matches I found this car with 48k miles and I gave in on the color.  A flight to SC and drive back to Boston convinced me the wait was worth it.  35k miles later, maintenance has been very minimal (and cheap and easy to do myself).  The timing also turned out well.  We've taken a number of extended trips with the car and it has added to the enjoyment of every one; including a trip to southern WV, multiple drives through the Finger Lakes, and a Boston to St. Paul run for my son's start of college and the solo return trip across the Upper Peninsula with stops at each of the Great Lakes.  The car has been a good companion during the many changes of the past few years.

 

The front bumper is the only modification.  The previous owner added this 1M Tribute nose.  I really like the look.  But I really dislike the ground clearance.  That the car is otherwise stock is notable as this is the first car I've owned since the early 80s which hasn't received a full suspension.  It doesn't need it.  In M-Sport configuration I am not convinced I can improve the character of the car.  I could improve the handling performance - but not in any way which is usable on the street.  

 

A footnote: The Saab 9-3 Sportwagen Manual (LRH or Long-Roof Hatch in our family parlance) is a former family car.  I'd sing its praises as well - but one car per thread and current stock only!

 

More to come.

[Bruce K]

59 minutes ago, Marek said:

2013 BMW 128i M-Sport Manual

 

 

Using the classic small chassis-big engine formula, the E82 is the last of an era of rear drive, normally-aspirated, non-electronic steering, pre-driver-assist cars.  The 3L straight six is a joy; with a quick throttle response and plenty of torque at all times.  The 1-series is an honest hot hatch alternative with comfort and quality a cut above the alternatives.

 

This car came to me after a six month search starting in late 2018.  I always try to find the Most Special Variant of a car.  In the case of a 1-series: a six-speed manual with the full set of M-Sport packages, sunroof, a light interior and not black or silver.  I never considered the more powerful 135i as the extra power adds nothing to the experience for me but the extra complexity would certainly take away.  After months of looking and few close matches I found this car with 48k miles and I gave in on the color.  A flight to SC and drive back to Boston convinced me the wait was worth it.  35k miles later, maintenance has been very minimal (and cheap and easy to do myself).  The timing also turned out well.  We've taken a number of extended trips with the car and it has added to the enjoyment of every one; including a trip to southern WV, multiple drives through the Finger Lakes, and a Boston to St. Paul run for my son's start of college and the solo return trip across the Upper Peninsula with stops at each of the Great Lakes.  The car has been a good companion during the many changes of the past few years.

 

The front bumper is the only modification.  The previous owner added this 1M Tribute nose.  I really like the look.  But I really dislike the ground clearance.  That the car is otherwise stock is notable as this is the first car I've owned since the early 80s which hasn't received a full suspension.  It doesn't need it.  In M-Sport configuration I am not convinced I can improve the character of the car.  I could improve the handling performance - but not in any way which is usable on the street.  

 

A footnote: The Saab 9-3 Sportwagen Manual (LRH or Long-Roof Hatch in our family parlance) is a former family car.  I'd sing its praises as well - but one car per thread and current stock only!

 

More to come.

The 1 Series, especially in early format, always seemed like the ultimate sports saloon to me - lightweight, tossable, tons of pace.  And that bluish silver is not a compromise - the car looks great in that color, and the paint looks matchable (unlike Alfa Romeo Competizione Red and so many others - one dinged quarter and you're painting the whole damn car).  I like the front bumper, as I am a sucker for track-oriented upgrades.  Just hit those approaches on an angle - both my 935 and my Alfa 4C are lower than your M1, and I make it work.  Scrapes should be rare, and visible only from underneath, whereas you view and admire the remaining 99.8% of your car many times every day.

 

What I like about these pages of USA7's, in addition to all the fun car details, are the personal experiences with beloved vehicles, such as your various vacations, frequently associated with important events in your life.  So, you will be pleased to understand that, per the rules, past autos and associated details/memories are fair game, though to receive less emphasis than current sporters:

 

"4. Can include currently owned cars, past cars or even your daily driver (unless it is a Toyota Camry as they are kitchen appliances and not cars as enthusiasts would understand them).

 

5. We are not looking for a long list of your past cars but instead a bit more detail around a car that you owned/still own that has meaning for you."