Looking for a test fit in an SV chassis - Utah

[SRF14]

I am hoping that there might be some kind 7 owner in Utah, somewhere in the Greater Salt Lake Area, who would be willing to let me test fit into their SV.  I don’t need to drive your pride and joy.  A quick size test is all I ask.

 

I, like many before me, have hankered after a 7 for many years but for a myriad of reasons never made it a reality.

The time has come to decide if I will finally commit to become a 7 owner.  Size will likely be the determining factor. Being of above average size (6’4”, 265, Size 14 at a squeeze) the SV seems to be the way to go.

 

As you know, these cars are not readily available in a local showroom to try for size and those available for sale are few and always a plane ride away.

 

Thank you for even considering my request.  

 

Respectfully,
 

Stu

 

 

 

 

 

[Vovchandr]

While I can't help you with the 7 to fit, I can pretty comfortably say after reading your dimensions that SV is pretty much the only option for you. 

 

I'm tight in my S3 at 160lbs 5ft7 with size 8 shoes which still hit two pedals sometimes in wrong shoes. 

[SRF14]

I have no doubt the S3 would be impossible.  I once tried to get in an S4 many years ago.  It was laughable.

[Croc]

2 hours ago, SRF14 said:

I am hoping that there might be some kind 7 owner in Utah, somewhere in the Greater Salt Lake Area, who would be willing to let me test fit into their SV.  I don’t need to drive your pride and joy.  A quick size test is all I ask.

 

I, like many before me, have hankered after a 7 for many years but for a myriad of reasons never made it a reality.

The time has come to decide if I will finally commit to become a 7 owner.  Size will likely be the determining factor. Being of above average size (6’4”, 265, Size 14 at a squeeze) the SV seems to be the way to go.

 

 

 

You will get into an SV.  I test fit a gentleman into my old yellow SV - he was 6'6", 320pds and same size feet as you.  You may need the regular leather seats - do not expect the Tillets to automatically work.  Expect to change to racing boots to drive.  Your biggest issue will likely be whether your head will be below the roll bar or windscreen.  Lowered floors and a tall roll bar are the solution.

 

If no SVs in the SLC area then Josh at Rocky Mountain over in Golden CO could sort something out.  Bit of a drive but a test fit is essential for your peace of mind.

 

It is great you are indulging a life wish - life is too short to drive Hyundais

[SRF14]

Thank you for the advice.  Good to know it has been done before.

 

Interesting about the seats.  I would have assumed the race style seat would be better for leg length but perhaps they will likely be too narrow.

 

I am used the need to wear driving shoes in my Elan Plus 2 so a shoe swap won’t worry me.  
 

I am familiar with the lowered floor option.  Is there a tall roll bar option too? I have not heard of that before?  
 

Thanks

[Croc]

7 hours ago, SRF14 said:

 

I am familiar with the lowered floor option.  Is there a tall roll bar option too? I have not heard of that before?  
 

 

There used to be a tall roll bar option - it was an off-list catalog item.  A dealer would know.  Worst case is you make it custom which is what the former member here did. 

[Silber]

I would offer to let you try on my Birkin, but it is the same size as the S3 Caterham if I'm not mistaken. One thing to note though is that the Birkin can accommodate taller drivers over 6' tall (I have the pedals adjusted as close as they go to the driver and the seat fully forward for me at 5' 7"), but it's the width of the cockpit and pedal box that is limiting. The previous owner was over 6'.

[SRF14]

Thank you for the suggestion 

 

I have never seen a Birkin in person but if the chassis is the same size as an S3 it most likely will not be big enough. 

 

I have heard of some 6’ plus drivers who fit into an S3 chassis. However they report that it is extremely tight and they are more than likely smaller in diameter than I. 
 

I did take a look at a Stalker XL. I was able to fit in it but still had issues between steering wheel, left leg and frame. I was able to drive it but it was not easy. 
 

It sounds as if the SV is the best option. 
 

Thanks again. 

[JohnCh]

Birkin also makes a larger version similar to the SV:  https://birkindirect-usa.com/ss3sx/  Are you looking for a new car or used?

 

-John

[Vovchandr]

1 hour ago, SRF14 said:

Thank you for the suggestion 

 

I have never seen a Birkin in person but if the chassis is the same size as an S3 it most likely will not be big enough. 

 

I have heard of some 6’ plus drivers who fit into an S3 chassis. However they report that it is extremely tight and they are more than likely smaller in diameter than I. 
 

I did take a look at a Stalker XL. I was able to fit in it but still had issues between steering wheel, left leg and frame. I was able to drive it but it was not easy. 
 

It sounds as if the SV is the best option. 
 

Thanks again. 

 

S3's can physically accommodate skinny people of different heights, (removable steering wheel, lowered floors etc) but girth and shoe size become a problem very quick.

 

Girth can be helped with leather seats but steering setup and pedals can't really be helped much. Plus leather seat width has a certain limit as well.

 

There are many people I can't even take as passengers in my S3 with Tillets because there's just no way they will fit if they are at all "americanized", but height is usually not a problem for a passenger.

[Croc]

57 minutes ago, JohnCh said:

Birkin also makes a larger version similar to the SV:  https://birkindirect-usa.com/ss3sx/  Are you looking for a new car or used?

 

-John

 

Birkin America is at Eagle CO - 5 hour road trip from SLC. 

 

Maybe what you want to do is invest the time to do a little road trip to CO.  A visit to Birkin America and Rocky Mountain Caterham to try both the Birkin XS (the wide chassis despite the name) and Caterham SV on for size. 

 

Write ups of both places

 

 

 

 

 

[SRF14]

All good inputs folks. Thank you. 
 

I enjoyed the Caterham and Birkin write ups. 
 

Unfortunately a road trip to CO is not an option at the moment but otherwise would make sense.
 

I have been looking for used options previously but did not come across one that felt right.  Currently considering new as it could be specified as I want it. Problem remains that I can’t sit in a build sheet to check for fit. 
 

May have to wait until my schedule clears sufficiently to permit a trip outside the area. 
 

Thanks all for your advice thus far. 
 

This forum is awesome. 
 

Stu