For Sale: 2015 Birkin SS3XS

[papak]

   I’m finally putting the Birkin up for sale as it’s about time for me to move to the next project. I had long wanted a Seven so after some research, I purchased the kit for this car from Tom Carlin in 2015. I had the opportunity to test drive several alteratives (Caterham, early narrow-bodied Birkin, original Lotus). I found that the footwell and pedal cluster were too narrow for me, thus the wide-body version (the SS3XS is 100mm wider and 75mm longer in the cockpit). I took my time assembling it, doing some minor re-engineering, engine and transmission rebuild along the way. I finally completed the SB100 registration process in 2017 (registered as a 1962 Lotus). The car now has a little over 7600 miles. Many many thanks to Tom for his help along the way.

 

The basics:

 

   2.3l Ford Duratec (no balance shaft), Raceline wet sump

   4x48mm Jenvey ITBs

   Crower Stage 2 ¾ race cams

   New valves, seats, guides

   New upgraded springs and Ti retainers

   Lightened steel flywheel (12.7 lbs)

   water pump delete, replaced with Davies-Craig pump and controller

   Ford T-9 with heavy duty bearings, new synchros and seals

   Subaru R160 diff with AP Suretrac LSD

   New Haltech ECU

   Recent dyno session showed 186 hp/176 ft/lbs at the rear wheels

   Repainted two years ago in Porsche Mint Green

   Kirkey seat, fresh belts

   AntiGravity lithium battery, 40a Nippondenso alternator 

 

   Includes numerous spares, unique shop tools, full documentation and well annotated build book.

 

The car is in excellent condition, a gas to drive, currently located in West LA

 

$30,000

Edited July 20, 2025 by papak

[S1Steve]

Nothing short of Spectacular….🍻

[Tall Steve]

Nice!  I have been looking for a 7 for a few months after wanting one for nearly 4 decades.  I recently verified that I could squeeze into a Caterham SV with the right seats (I am 6'7" but not a widebody - 200 lbs, pant size 34x36).  First time hearing of the SS3XS version of the Birkin and am intrigued to say the least.  Wondering if you (or anyone else on the forum) have tried the SV and the SS3XS.  Similar interior dimensions? 

 

Love the modifications you made.  Looks a little tight in the engine bay, good to have that extra cooling.  Also, living in NH (where potholes and frost heaves are common) that sump upgrade would come in handy.

 

Speaking of living in NH, I would guess if this came from CA registered as a 1962 Lotus (I am also a 1962 model year) I might have a relatively easy time registering it here.  Anybody have thoughts on that?  Does it have a VIN?  I understand cars purchased as kits may not be issued VINs from manufacturer (ala MK Sportscars).

 

I will be travelling west for work first few weeks of August.  I could try to do a connector through LA to check the car for fit.  Are you anywhere near the LA airport.

[papak]

It is similar in size to an SV. The VIN was assigned by the California Highway Patrol during the course of registering the car and is riveted to the chassis. I have a standard, clear California title for the car.

 

[Tall Steve]

Any chance you would be around on the morning of 8/14?  I could try to connect through LA and check the car out.  Was the motor new when you built?  If not, curious if you know how many miles were on it before install.  Your mechanical skills are clearly strong so mostly curious.

[wemtd]

This lookalike a bargain, and  SB100 too!

Re salty climates: If you pass the test fit, pm me for additional thoughts & experiences 

[papak]

I’m in town on the 14th. Give a call when you get in and I can pick you up. I’m only 10 min from LAX. The engine had 78,000 on it when purchased from the yard. I rebuilt it according to the Ford manual with all new bearings seal, etc. I recently rebuilt the head with new valves, seat, guides. When I installed the new cams, I used the upgraded springs and retainers from Crower. 

[Tall Steve]

Great, and thanks!  Will update you as the time gets closer and I have some flight info.  The spot I'm flying back from in AK has only two flights a week and can have flights cancelled last minute due to persistent fog and wind.  If the pilot doesn't feel safe they head back to Anchorage and we have to wait for the next scheduled flight.

 

Do you have the full windscreen, doors and roof for the car?  LA weather is a bit different than New England.

[papak]

All I have are the Brooklands windscreens. The components to revert to a conventional windscreen and top are available from Tom Carlin (Birkin USA).

[Tall Steve]

Thanks.  Love the look of the Brooklands but would probably want a bit more protection from the northern elements.  Checking with Birkin on costs and availability.

[papak]

Sorry folks, sold it this afternoon.