SV on AutoTrader Classics

[jturrell]

I have no connection with this car - just something I ran across today.

 

http://www.autotraderclassics.com/details?adId=90459282

 

I called the dealer, and he said they're asking $39,900. It has the 185hp SVT Zetec motor, big brakes, but no LSD. There are two composite race seats along with the original tan leather seats.

 

I thought the car looked interesting, but I'm looking for more of a track weapon that is also street legal.

[Kitcat]

A Caterham Seven w/185 hp and racing seats is a pretty fair track weapon. It needs an FIA roll-over bar, maybe some honeycomb on the fuel tank & and cut-off switch. I added all that to my car and, with an underpowered Crossflow, it does respectably at the track (holds its own against most cars , does not dominate).

 

Mike

[jturrell]

True. It's a nice car, and probably would be fun at the track. But I've seen three cars sell in this price range. All were SuperLights, which appear to command a premium. All had LSD and many had other nice options like uprated cams (220hp), expensive track suspension setups, carbon fiber, etc. This car is apparently in new condition, so that may be the driver behind the price. But I can't see spending close to $40k on a car with low-to-mid level options, even if it is in great condition. Maybe my appetite for options and features is greater than my budget?

[DB6]

That to me is a $30 K car

[Andrew]

It is $30k just the thick end of 30k. Tan Seats with a black interior is strange looking to me. The roll bar looks to be the later standard type as was fitted to the R500 early on beefier but no diagonal. Still surprised how much they go for here in the USA. I will have to keep saving if 7 ownership is to happen again.

[11Budlite]

Does seem a little over-priced considering the spec.

 

"Tan Seats with a black interior is strange looking to me." - I agree, and would add that I never liked a tan interior with a yellow car. To me it would look much better with black seats. I do like the green nose band on a yellow car.

 

Bruce :7drive:

[gjslutz]

I like the fit of the SV, but $$? I question the 185HP. I didn't even see TBI's.

Gary

[11Budlite]

According to Caterham USA:

 

"Caterham USA is proud to announce the release of the Ford Zetec SVT engine package for the US Caterham market. The release of the SVT supersedes the previous Zetec engine line-up. The Ford Zetec SVT engine package is derived from the Ford Focus SVT. The package uses the same robust Ford Zetec design, but with the addition of a Cosworth designed cylinder head, larger cams, variable intake runner lengths and a variable injector system. The SVT package produces 185 hp at the flywheel in stock tune and over 205 hp when fitted with the optional Kent Cams / Caterham USA uprated cam package. Caterham USA also offers a performance enhancing lightweight flywheel."

 

What it would show on a dyno could be different...

 

Bruce :7drive:

[gjslutz]

I think I would need to see it on a dyno but I'm sure not the expert on these 2.0 engines. Mine with the TBI's and adjustable cam gears only did 113 on the rear wheels. The stock head is very restrictive though.

 

Gary