What Seven for Street, AutoX & Track days?

[Croc]

I drove the grey IRS Birkin listed on Dick Brinks' website and was very impressed by the IRS suspension that Birkin have developed. It is much more composed on rough surfaces than the live axle - less thrown off line when hitting bumps mid corner. I thought it felt better than the Caterham de dion. It would be interesting to compare it to the Caterham IRS which is still pretty rare.

[Evan]

Thanks for the responses.

 

Croc, do you ever sleep?

 

Just gotta find the right car at the right price for an old guy who still likes to drive like a little kid on the track.

 

I corresponded with Dick via email a few times but my schedule is pretty tight at the moment but I'll try to visit his shop before buying.

There is also a car in San Diego that's advertised here and I like it a lot but is very intimidating mechanically for someone like me who hasn't touched a carburetor in about 30years much less 2 of them; if only it had a duratec or ztec

The ULTRA 7 on the For Sale section seems like an awesome car built in a diligent manner but appears to be a lot bulkier than a Seven; any thoughts?

 

I am in northern FL right now and will be going down to Miami-Ft. Lauderdale this coming Tuesday after fishing this weekend and I see that there is a Birkin and a S4 Seven at Wirewheel in Vero Beach.

The S4 styling seems kinda pre-pubescent but have never seen one in person so I'd like to check it out.

 

Has anybody had any experiences in dealing with wire wheel classic sportscars?

[Croc]

LOL...I just do not need any beauty sleep!

 

The S4 is an acquired taste...not everyone fits with the styling although the car is still an accomplished performer once you get past the looks. Not sure what you mean by "pre-pubescent" in terms of a car - my mind is boggling at the idea

 

The Birkin S3 at Wirewheel has been up for sale since at least July last year as that was when I first saw it advertised as I was shopping around at that time. I am a little surprised it has not sold already but I suspect the price is too high. I have not dealt with Wirewheel personally.

 

Cheers

mike

[Evan]

It means......before puberty.

The styling of the car seems like it has not reached maturation. The styling seems to remind me of some girls in early high school; they are pretty and smart but too skinny, lanky, and somewhat clumsy but deep inside, you knew they were going to be waaaaaaaaay hot as time went on and you were going to regret not giving them a shot The S4 reminds me of that, at least in pictures so I'd like to see it.

 

The Birkin did seem expensive but might be worth exploring.

[Mondo]

Of course I have a bit of bias but most here agree that they all give you the 7 experience.

About the S2K, I doubt you'll find one any nicer than Chad's. Especially if you want to track it (and show it off!).

Our cars look (and are) bigger, especially side by side. But by themselves their absolutely tiny compared to anything else on the road. The engine is slightly offset to the passenger's side. Besides being about 4 inches wider than a normal 7, this allows a wide drivers seat while you'll have to be less than a 36 inch waist to fit comfortably in the passenger side. I think the whole drivers side compartment area is bigger than most, including the pedal box. The size of the car may be due to fitting the honda s2000 motor/trans... it's a fairly large/tall motor. I actually like the look better as the hood doesn't look so long and flat, plus the headlights are smaller and lower. Just a bit more modern looking to me.

Most of it will come down to emotion... which one gets the pulse to beat a little higher than the others. You do need to sit in them if at all possible.

Here's my favorite pic (with the fastest S2K in the nation in the backround).

[Evan]

Mondo, Thanks for your input.

The S2K's must be a hoot to drive and I believe that it will definitely give anyone the Seven experience. I have been admiring Chad's car and have been telling myself that it is how I would want to build mine if I ever got a S2K even before I finally came out of lurking. They have the pedigree of power and reliability that anyone can ask for with the Honda motor without the headaches but I just lean towards the look of the old Sevens.

Please dont tell Chad about me since he might lower his price more and I just might take the bait

[oilteq]

 

Has anybody had any experiences in dealing with wire wheel classic sportscars?

 

 

 

 

I bought my second Birkin from Hayes Harris at Wire Wheel. You cannot always tell how good a dealer is when everything goes smoothly. Not everything went smoothly for us, but it was not Hayes' fault. He went to bat for me and made it right. I would not hesitate to buy a car from him, and I recommend him highly.

 

I have owned two Birkins. I drove the first one for about 2 years and 5000 miles (? I forget the miles, but that cannot be far off). I sold it so I could build a more powerful car. I get an email from the current owner every once in a while. He has had it for 6 years, drives it on the street, and he is still happy with it.

 

I should have kept the second Birkin. The current owner traded his Caterham for it, and uses it for autocross and the occasional track day. Again, he is happy with the choice.

 

I drove one of the new wide-track IRS Birkins recently. Given the diminutive size and quality that I want, it seems to be the biggest bang for the buck. I want one.

 

Blaine

[Evan]

Blaine, thanks for the input on wire wheel and the Birkin. It's comforting to know that there is support when things go wrong

 

BTW, A friend of mine told me there's a Caterham R400 here in FL and I think it was the car advertised at Caterham USA and this time the dealer is asking $60,000+

 

I'll be going to So. Florida tomorrow (Tuesday) and there's time, might have to check out the R400.

Edited May 11, 2009 by Evan