Deposit In. Questions for Senior Drivers

[rider]

Hello gentlemen. I just got the deposit in for a 420R Kit. The build slot is in 12/24. But, I'll try to push for 6/25 if no price increase for MY25. It'll be built by Rich at Kampena. He is the best sales person/dealer I've ever worked with. Super knowledgeable and great to work with.

 

I'm one step closer to realizing my Seven-Dream. This has been many years in the making, even to the point of dropping the deposit. I had a short, about 10 minutes of drive in a forum member's 420R. Absolutely loved it. Would have loved longer drive before making my decision. But, couldn't find a drive. 

 

There is one question (actually, a few related questions) I'm struggling to answer: How will I be able to handle the very physical nature of Seven in my old driving age? Particularly, will the unassisted clutch hinder the pleasures of driving, especially in city traffic? I can handle the unassisted brake and steering fine. The very nature and attraction of Seven are it's very physical driving characteristics, among other things. But, those virtues make older drivers to drop out?

 

So, here are the questions for Senior Drivers of Seven, present and past:
- What age group you're in? I'm in mid-50s. (I'm fit and slim, by the way)
- How late into your driving life you plan to be driving the Seven?
- If you stopped driving Seven, what made you to stop? 

 

Would highly appreciate your honest and candid responses. If you don't want to share in public, you could send me a message. 

 

Here are the reasons for me to be absolutely certain: ICE-only models are being sunset. In fact, certain once-desirable sports cars stopped being so due to stringent regulations on sound, emissions, etc. Some of them are already phased out. In a few years, remaining desirable cars that meet my criteria will be gone. So, I'm scrambling to consolidate/collect 3-4  cars of different use cases to last rest of my life, within next few years! So, I can't buy something like a Seven if I can't use it for rest of driving life; that money can rather be used on something old-age friendly! On that note, I need to get an ICE-only SUV/Crossover as well for the old ages when my body becomes unsuitable for low-slung sports cars!!

 

Thanks.
 

[Kitcat]

I bought my Caterham at age 61 and sold it at 75. The noise, wind, vibration and cockpit heat were eventually more than my aging body was comfortable with.
 

My final Cat was track only so what few concessions a stock Caterham makes to comfort were eliminated. I probably could have lasted longer in my original street version S3 with its lovely little X-flow engine.

 

 I had no trouble getting in and out, working the controls or otherwise enjoying the unique se7en character.
 

My replacement is a lightly track prepared ‘19 Miata, which is like a Rolls Royce in comparison with the Cat, in both good and bad ways.

[CBuff]

somewhat relevant thread.  

[jbcollier]

Mid-50s and you are having an existential crisis?  What are you going to do when you really get old?  Drive it and enjoy until you don't, and then sell it.  When?  Who knows?  Everyone ages differently.

[Taber10]

Bought my Caterham at 56 years old, having first test driven one at the age of 27,  in 1978 in the town of Caterham.  Took many years to put together garage, financing, time, etc.

Now I am 72, and I don't drive it as often as I would like.  I trailered to the British Car Festival in Covington, Louisiana recently and drove around on both Friday and Saturday.  I find that if I have lots of stops, i.e. getting in and out, I tend to choose another vehicle, although I don't have any problems getting in and out--Weather equipment hasn't been installed in about five years!  I intend to keep driving it as long as I remain able.  I know older drivers who have limited mobility and slow reaction times and I WON'T be one of those.  But when I have to stop driving, I will probably be in such a depressed state of mind that it will greatly hamper my quality of life!

[toldfield]

Bought mine after an evening of beveraging at Laguna Seca, I was 67 at the time.  Turned 75 last week and still enjoy driving and working on it.  I had some difficulty getting out of it last year but a new hip cured that.   Read of couple of Ross Robbins books about travel in Elans and Sevens for some perspective.  I'll sell it when it no longer puts a smile on my face.

 

 

[Rodnok]

When I purchased my Series 2 Seven in a basket I was 71. I'm now 74 and anxiously awaiting the seller to complete the restoration that was expected to take a year. My primary transportation has always been motorcycles but 've wanted a Seven since I was a teenager but the time was never right. I honestly can't imagine a time when I'll be too old to manage or enjoy driving a Seven just as I also expect to continue riding although I may reduce the size and weight of the bikes as my strength inevitably decreases. I've waited way to long to have a Lotus Seven and for me a degree of challenge or discomfort just adds to the overall experience. I've ridden my Vespa from northern AZ to San Francisco  multiple times over the last few years, stopping only for fuel and seem to thrive in the discomfort. Men in my family often live well into their 90's and remain functional til the end. I'm hoping to continue that trend. 

[bball7754]

Bought my Seven for my 50th, and I’m coming up on 70 in July.  I don’t find it anymore difficult to drive now than I did 20 years ago.  
 

Just as having my kids a little later in life (mid-30’s), I use the Seven as motivation to stay in shape.

 

Bottom line, I think you’ll be fine! 😊

 

Steve

 

[rider]

20 hours ago, Kitcat said:

....

I bought my Caterham at age 61 and sold it at 75. The noise, wind, vibration and cockpit heat were eventually more than my aging body was comfortable with.
 ....
 I had no trouble getting in and out, working the controls or otherwise enjoying the unique se7en character.
My replacement is a lightly track prepared ‘19 Miata, ...

 

Thanks Kitcat. If only the noise, wind, vibration and cabin heat did you in, I should be fine! I was told current models have good heat insulation. Except for the first car (which I promptly dumped after just one year for a NA gen Miata), all my cars have been roadsters; and, combined with riding motorcycles from my early 20s, I'm thoroughly conditioned. 

 

Track-prepped Miata sounds fun! Miata in stock form is pretty average or less; has potential to be great with right kinds of mods.

 

 

17 hours ago, CBuff said:

somewhat relevant thread.  

 

Thanks CBuff. I did read that thread. Just re-read again. From the responses, it is clear majority fall into 60s to early to mid 70s age group. With my fitness and obsessiveness, my life with Seven should stretch into 80s, at least. 
 

 

15 hours ago, jbcollier said:

Mid-50s and you are having an existential crisis?  What are you going to do when you really get old?  Drive it and enjoy until you don't, and then sell it.  When?  Who knows?  Everyone ages differently.

 

Funny! :-) Think of it as preparing for the old age! I'm doing everything I can to age well and prep for the life in ripe old age. Most of it comes down to preparation and taking care of the body, in my view. You're right; everyone ages differently. That actually makes my points! 

 

 

15 hours ago, Taber10 said:

Bought my Caterham at 56 years old, having first test driven one at the age of 27,  in 1978 in the town of Caterham.  ........I intend to keep driving it as long as I remain able.  I know older drivers who have limited mobility and slow reaction times and I WON'T be one of those.  But when I have to stop driving, I will probably be in such a depressed state of mind that it will greatly hamper my quality of life!

 

Wow, that's a long time from a test drive (in the town of Caterham! great story!) to pulling the trigger! I can totally relate to your sentiments regarding driving: driving and riding (motorcycles) are huge parts of my life style. That's exactly why I started this thread! I need to make sure I'll have 4 cars and 2 motorcycles, providing different driving/riding experiences well into my ripe old age! Since ICE-only vehicles will be gone soon, preparation is rather urgent. However, we also need to mentally prep ourselves for the fact, at some point, we'll have to give up the keys.....! That's the responsible thing to do for our own safety and others'!

 

 

12 hours ago, toldfield said:

Bought mine after an evening of beveraging at Laguna Seca, I was 67 at the time.  Turned 75 last week and still enjoy driving and working on it.  I had some difficulty getting out of it last year but a new hip cured that.   Read of couple of Ross Robbins books about travel in Elans and Sevens for some perspective.  I'll sell it when it no longer puts a smile on my face.

 

 

Nice! Your cut-off is whether it still makes you smile not any of the physical challenges. A Seven never fails to make one smile while driving (not broken down and stranded in middle of nowhere). So, you're in for a long haul....!

 

 

11 hours ago, Rodnok said:

When I purchased my Series 2 Seven in a basket I was 71. I'm now 74 ....... but 've wanted a Seven since I was a teenager but the time was never right. I honestly can't imagine a time when I'll be too old to manage or enjoy driving a Seven just as I also expect to continue riding although I may reduce the size and weight of the bikes as my strength inevitably decreases. I've waited way to long to have a Lotus Seven and for me a degree of challenge or discomfort just adds to the overall experience. I've ridden my Vespa from northern AZ to San Francisco  multiple times over the last few years, stopping only for fuel and seem to thrive in the discomfort. Men in my family often live well into their 90's and remain functional til the end. I'm hoping to continue that trend. 

 

Wow, your wait is probably the longest. But, you did it! I can relate to, waiting to realize the dreams, riding, dread the idea of giving all up at some point, etc. Life happens! Riding a Vespa from AZ to San Francisco is another level of madness....! Of fun variety...! Sounds like you'll see through your family tradition of functional longevity; the Seven will see you through....!

 

 

3 hours ago, bball7754 said:

.......I use the Seven as motivation to stay in shape.
....
Bottom line, I think you’ll be fine! 

 

 

Thanks Steve. Absolutely correct: the Seven (and, a few other things) are definitely motivational factors to make sure we stay fit and take care of our body! I'll continue to work for it. 

 

 

[speedwagon]

I am 82, play with the toys in the closet. Have 2ea  "7" type cars both with blown 13b rotaries, a 66 Ranchero with a 475hp small block, misc VW dune buggies with either 2010cc turbocharged or 1776cc super reliable engines. A lady who was interviewing me for the position, once asked how I defined commitment, my answer was " if we ain't still having fun, howscome we still doing it". pretty much my answer to life.   john

[rider]

On 4/9/2024 at 7:50 AM, speedwagon said:

I am 82, play with the toys in the closet. ........ " if we ain't still having fun, howscome we still doing it". pretty much my answer to life.   john

 

Wow, impressive John. I bet you stay fit. Key is never to stop doing whatever it is you're into. You could slow down a bit; but, never stop. Thanks for sharing. Your experience and others' would be part of the model I would follow in years ahead. 

[rider]

Thanks everyone; appreciate your sharing, experiences and views. Seven-driving seems to peak between mid-60s to low-mid 70s. Few hardened diehards still dancing into 80s. Given my obsession with fitness and driving/riding, I can see myself driving a Seven into my 80s. 

 

It's all about diversified experiences. Seven is like no other. By choosing cars and motorcycles with different experience, I can maintain a fun, visceral and exciting driving/riding life. So, Seven is "GO". No more validations needed. It's gonna be a fun journey spec'ing then waiting.....!

 

Edited April 11 by rider

[speedwagon]

Just to add a short note. There are members here and elsewhere who keep enjoying life well into disablement. The key is to try to enjoy, we is still here ain't we?   john

[CarlB]

I am 74 in May. My car is used on track, but I intend to tag it. I do not have a problem climbing in and out even with a roll cage. I know my track time is limited but I hope to keep driving it on the street. 

[NeoBear]

I can't assume where you are from, but I would like to share my pain points at 46 years old living in California.

 

The cars themselves are very physical that's a given but something that I could not have accounted for was the heat. I should mention this is only in the summer as it gets well above 100 here, anything above 90 degrees and after about 10 mins my lower half will be quite uncomfortable if the car is at standstill.

 

If I hop on the freeway and hit 60mph+ and sustain that for more than 5-10 mins I can start to get a headache due to wind pressure, but I have heard different windscreens can help with that. In stop go traffic it is not a big deal.

 

Other than that, the only other thing I would warn about is sometimes things just done fit, and you may have to "gently massage things." 

 

Having said that I love the car and drive it every opportunity I get, hell even drove it to work today.

[Vovchandr]

3 hours ago, NeoBear said:

I can't assume where you are from, but I would like to share my pain points at 46 years old living in California.

 

The cars themselves are very physical that's a given but something that I could not have accounted for was the heat. I should mention this is only in the summer as it gets well above 100 here, anything above 90 degrees and after about 10 mins my lower half will be quite uncomfortable if the car is at standstill.

 

If I hop on the freeway and hit 60mph+ and sustain that for more than 5-10 mins I can start to get a headache due to wind pressure, but I have heard different windscreens can help with that. In stop go traffic it is not a big deal.

 

Other than that, the only other thing I would warn about is sometimes things just done fit, and you may have to "gently massage things." 

 

Having said that I love the car and drive it every opportunity I get, hell even drove it to work today.

 

All fair points. Even in my 30s the car BEATS ME UP when going out on longer drives. 60 to 100 miles a day is plenty!! Most reminiscent of me riding my on/off supermotard Drz400SM. Putting 100 miles a day on that is a challang. Hands are tingling, back is tired, body is beat up etc. That's all in moderate NY heat. 

 

Very fair points above. It wears you down (aero screen). 

[jbcollier]

My 69 S3 is actually pretty comfortable.  I have added side-screen extensions and plan to change the seat foam but have no problem doing 350+km rides.  My plan is to drive it to Vancouver (2300 km round)  and Toronto ( tad under 7000 km round) in the next year or so.

[rider]

14 hours ago, speedwagon said:

Just to add a short note. There are members here and elsewhere who keep enjoying life well into disablement. The key is to try to enjoy, we is still here ain't we?   john

 

Agree; there are number of things we can (and should) do to keep active as late into our life as possible. yes, keep enjoying and never to stop!

 

11 hours ago, CarlB said:

.........I do not have a problem climbing in and out even with a roll cage. I know my track time is limited but I hope to keep driving it on the street. 

 

Good to hear Carl. Isn't having Rollcage helping to get in/out? I do plan to spec Trackday Roll Cage.

 

 

5 hours ago, NeoBear said:

I can't assume where you are from, .....but something that I could not have accounted for was the heat. I should mention this is only in the summer as it gets well above 100 here, anything above 90 degrees and after about 10 mins my lower half will be quite uncomfortable if the car is at standstill.

If I hop on the freeway and hit 60mph+ and sustain that for more than 5-10 mins I can start to get a headache due to wind pressure, but I have heard different windscreens can help with that. In stop go traffic it is not a big deal.

......sometimes things just done fit, and you may have to "gently massage things." 

Thanks for sharing. I'm in MN. Few questions:
- Heat: I see you've '21 Birkin. I was told current Caterhams have heat insulation. So, your Birkin is different? 
- Wind Pressure: Have you tried ear plugs? With Windscreen and door, Seven is no different from any other Roadster, right? Only wind buffeting is from the back. All my cars but one have been Roadsters. I wear ear plugs to minimize wind noise/pressure. 
- I'm guessing you meant, "things 'don't' fit". Could you elaborate on this? 

 

1 hour ago, Vovchandr said:

.....Even in my 30s the car BEATS ME UP when going out on longer drives. 60 to 100 miles a day is plenty!! .........Putting 100 miles a day on that is a challang. Hands are tingling, back is tired, body is beat up etc. That's all in moderate NY heat. 

..........It wears you down (aero screen).

 

Thanks Vovchandr. Could your challenges be due to the following?
- Aero Screen instead of Windscreen
- Do you have doors?
- Are you  running harder suspension setting?

I'm trying to stack up your experience against others who do road trips in their Sevens. In fact, right below, jbcollier has different experience in his '69.

 

 

1 hour ago, jbcollier said:

My 69 S3 is actually pretty comfortable.  ..... My plan is to drive it to Vancouver (2300 km round)  and Toronto ( tad under 7000 km round) in the next year or so.

 

 

Love it! I'm a big road trip guy. Taking the Seven over long distance trips sound super cool. How is the reliability? 

 

[jbcollier]

They are as reliable as the person preparing them.  On long trips, do bring a few spare a-frame bushings though.  They have a short life even if there are no oil leaks.

[Vovchandr]

8 hours ago, rider said:

Thanks Vovchandr. Could your challenges be due to the following?
- Aero Screen instead of Windscreen
- Do you have doors?
- Are you  running harder suspension setting?

I'm trying to stack up your experience against others who do road trips in their Sevens. In fact, right below, jbcollier has different experience in his '69.

 

A lot of it is due to Aeroscreen but a bit of it is just due to pure nature of the car. If you've ever ridden bikes it's as close to a bike experience as you can get in a car.

 

You're right though setup does play a factor. There are people on goldwings who can ride across country and there are people on supersports that hurt after 50 miles. 

 

I have Aeroscreen, sequential straight cut transmission, fiberglass seats, no doors or half doors. I'm in the extreme of self abuse. 

 

Otherwise suspension is stock and 13in tires. 

 

Quite a bit of it is mental wearing too. Most of my long hauls are on the highway and it's not relaxing one bit. You need death grip on steering wheel as a bump on the road can steer you off the road (tires tracking, that's my alignment setting) and nobody sees you so you drive like you're invisible and then they see you and they really see you and start taking pictures and now you have to mind that on top. 

 

Mentally it's a lot. 

 

I'm sure I can relax more on a nice back road cruise but I haven't done many of those. City commute and highway otherwise.