Klasik-69 Posted June 20, 2011 Share Posted June 20, 2011 Before I bought my R300, I never knew there were so many different "7's" out there. I had never heard of Birkin, Locost, Brunton, etc. I thought the Ford A/C Cobra car was a very copied car but the Lotus 7 may dwarf that. One thing I can't figure out is why Colin Chapman built such a small driver's compartment. Was he a very small person ? I'm 5-10 at 215 lbs and its all I can do to fit in there. And Brits are not known to be small like the Japanese or Chinese either, or light in the waist. To say its snug is an understatement. I realize he was trying to minimize weight but how much weight does the SV model add to the standard config ? I wouldn't think its more than 25 or 30 lbs. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slngsht Posted June 20, 2011 Author Share Posted June 20, 2011 :cheers: Another Vette owner amongst us Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnCh Posted June 20, 2011 Share Posted June 20, 2011 One thing I can't figure out is why Colin Chapman built such a small driver's compartment. Was he a very small person ?He's widely reported to have been 5'8" and based on period photos, he looked pretty thin, so I'm sure the original 7 fit him pretty comfortably. I'm 5-10 at 215 lbs and its all I can do to fit in there. And Brits are not known to be small like the Japanese or Chinese either, or light in the waist. To say its snug is an understatement. I realize he was trying to minimize weight but how much weight does the SV model add to the standard config ? I wouldn't think its more than 25 or 30 lbs. Caterham claims a 55 lb delta, so not huge. It is a lot bigger inside though which some people love, while others claim it detracts from the driving experience. People in the latter camp invariably seem to own S3s, so they are used to the more intimate cabin. -John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klasik-69 Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 Thanks John. Yes, if he was 5-8 and a thin frame, this car would fit well. I wish I had the opportunity to have the wider frame but this car will keep me from gaining weight. And yes, I agree the apeal of this car is its extremely light weight and as such, the extremely quick and nimble handling. I absolutely love this car, I only wish I was a little skinnier. So now, I'm riding the bicycle almost every night for 15 to 16 miles to get some fat off. That's how much I enjoy this car. Any idea how many members belong to this forum ? While on this subject, how many in Florida ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slngsht Posted June 21, 2011 Author Share Posted June 21, 2011 Any idea how many members belong to this forum ? While on this subject, how many in Florida ? Members: 1,702, Active Members: 251 Not sure how many in FL. We used to have a frappr map of members, but they've gone belly up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snookwheel Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 I think there are at least 6 of us Stalker owners in Florida! Welcome to the forum and the addiction! Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taber10 Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 Klasik-69, I know of at least one Cat SV in the part of Florida we lovingly refer to as "LA." If you're ever up here, you can see how much bigger the SV is.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klasik-69 Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 (edited) Thanks for the welcome Scott. Taber 10, I'll have to look up where Okaloosa is in Florida. Do you believe it, living in Florida for 50 years and don't know where it is ? I live in Melbourne, about 30 miles south of Cape Kennedy on the East Coast. Yes, I'd like to see how much bigger an SV is.......perhaps you attend shows or track events ? If so, which ones ? Mike Edited June 21, 2011 by Klasik-69 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klasik-69 Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 Just looked it up............Okaloosa is near Ft. Walton and Pensacola. I don't get over there at all..........ever ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snookwheel Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 I'm in the Tampa Bay area just north of Clearwater. If you ever get over here, you are welcome to a sit-in test. Stalkers are a bit larger that a 'book' 7. A couple friends of mine have Stalkers and fit in them fine at 6+ and 200 Lb+. Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klasik-69 Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 I'm in the Tampa Bay area just north of Clearwater. If you ever get over here, you are welcome to a sit-in test. Stalkers are a bit larger that a 'book' 7. A couple friends of mine have Stalkers and fit in them fine at 6+ and 200 Lb+. Scott I sure looked hard at the Stalker before buying the Caterham. The idea of a supercharged 3.8 l V6 is very appealing, and their cars are well regarded by everyone. I used to own a 98 Grand Prix GTP with the supercharged 3.8, and it was a lot of fun. I tore up 2 trannies under warranty with it. The way I got the Caterham is my doctor who just put in a new right knee for me was talking about his Lotus. He knew I raced a spec Miata and started talking to me about cars. He casually said he needed to sell the Lotus without saying why. Well, that got me thinking and before I knew it, we were talking money. It's an 04 Superlight R300 with the Zetec 2.0L, 202 HP and all the carbon fiber options, including race seats and 6 point harnesses. About 4 weeks after my knee replacement, I was driving the car home and I've been smiling ever since. The car is tight on me but again, losing weight wouldn't hurt my health either. I didn't know about the SV option until after I bought the car....not sure it would have made any difference. I got a great deal on it and I can still wedge my arse in there. Scannon got me straight on wheel adapters and now I can run my Miata wheels..........life is good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackal Posted June 28, 2011 Share Posted June 28, 2011 Hi there everyone. This is my first post on this forum, and I thought I would use it to introduce myself. I have been a fan of cars since before I can remember, and a fan of 7's ever since I first laid eyes on one. I have had a few cars in my past, and I could not help but work on them. My first car was '68 Beetle that I went full custom show car on, followed by a '95 Lada Niva. The Niva was an interesting car to work on, and eventually became a Frankenstein's monster of parts from various other cars and trucks. Most recently I have been involved heavily in the Subaru scene. My WRX has taken on a life of it's own with the amount of time and modifications I have devoted to it. I have been Auto-x'ing it for the last few years and have finally been getting competitive. Recently a set of Birkin's came up for sale in my area, and I hope to make an offer on one very soon. It still has to be completed, and I'm a little nervous about taking on the challenge of a full car assembly as I have never done this before. I know I'll have lots of questions for all of you, and I want to thank you all in advance for helping a noob out on building one of his dream cars. Cross your fingers for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
readysetgo Posted June 28, 2011 Share Posted June 28, 2011 Hey Jackal! These Birkins? http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-classic-cars-Birkin-Super-7-Car-Close-Out-Sale-W0QQAdIdZ287992880# Dosen't look like there's to much left to do....Just dive in, and figure it out as you go...you won't regret it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beagley Posted June 28, 2011 Share Posted June 28, 2011 Any idea how many members belong to this forum ? While on this subject, how many in Florida ? While not technically an owner I'm making some final preparations for mine. I'm planning on a Brunton Stalker, just rode in SnookWheel's stalker this past weekend and it was hella fun. I'm in Winter Haven, kinda makes me laugh. Melbourne is literally straight east of me (probably 60 miles), but there are no roads directly there. I either have to go through Orlando or through Yeehaw Junction (yes, this is a real place). Either way according to Google Maps its 2 hours.... Still worth the trip in my opinion. Beagley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackal Posted June 28, 2011 Share Posted June 28, 2011 Hey Jackal! These Birkins? http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-classic-cars-Birkin-Super-7-Car-Close-Out-Sale-W0QQAdIdZ287992880# Dosen't look like there's to much left to do....Just dive in, and figure it out as you go...you won't regret it! You bet. Those are the ones. I don't want to curse anything, so I won't go into detail yet. The current owner is very enthusiastic, and all around a great guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted June 28, 2011 Share Posted June 28, 2011 Jackal, I think your only decision would be which color you wanted. Welcome aboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackal Posted June 28, 2011 Share Posted June 28, 2011 I was not into the Yellow at first, but having seen it in person, I'm into it now. As I understand it the Red one is sold already. Thanks for the welcome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klasik-69 Posted June 30, 2011 Share Posted June 30, 2011 While not technically an owner I'm making some final preparations for mine. I'm planning on a Brunton Stalker, just rode in SnookWheel's stalker this past weekend and it was hella fun. I'm in Winter Haven, kinda makes me laugh. Melbourne is literally straight east of me (probably 60 miles), but there are no roads directly there. I either have to go through Orlando or through Yeehaw Junction (yes, this is a real place). Either way according to Google Maps its 2 hours.... Still worth the trip in my opinion. Beagley I'm well familiar with Winter Haven. I've been to Cypress Gardens many times which is just around the corner from you. And yes you're right, there are no direct roads between you and Melbourne. I think Route 60 is the best route other than the trip to Orlando up I-4 and over to the Beach Line (Route 528). If you want to look at a Caterham Superlight R300, you are welcome to come over. Personally, I think the Stalker is a better deal but I'm not sure how the two compare in terms of quality. I bought the R300 because I got a very good deal on it. Otherwise, I would have gotten the Stalker. My choice would have been with the 3.8L supercharged. I think the LS2 or LS7 is a bit too much. I have a Z06 with the LS7.............can't even imagine a 1400 or 1500 lb car with that kind of power....not sure you could even use it. If you want to come over, send me an email and I'll give you my address and set up a time convenient to meet. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimrankin Posted June 30, 2011 Share Posted June 30, 2011 Having spent some time in the Lake Wales area over the years I can only advise you on one thing when picking a 7 for Florida, get the one with the best windscreen! LOL. No matter how hot or humid it got, a full face helmet was the only way to ride, the bugs were a bigger problem than the rain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackal Posted July 2, 2011 Share Posted July 2, 2011 I am happy to say I was able to make an offer on the 99' Birkin kit I have been looking at. I just have to find a way to get it home now. :party: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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