Brunton Auto change in Ownership

[Boxologist]

OK, so I'm late to the party, when did Scott buy out Dennis?

[slngsht]

first I heard of it

[MHKflyer52]

Brunton Auto started with a prototype by car enthusiast, Dennis Brunton, back in 2001. Since then, Stalker's and SuperStalkers(Super Charged V6's) and now Stalker V8's have been rolling out of the modest Bradenton Florida garage. In July of 2010 Brunton's frame master, Scott Minehart, took the reins. With the help of his support team he plans on continued growth for the Brunton Stalker and it's enthusiasts, backed by Brunton's quality and unbeatable value.

[Ruadhd2]

Martin:

I have been collecting pictures of 7's by owners and have found an overwhelmingly large percentage of Stalkers among the marques that make up this variations. How may Stalkers have been produced so far? I thought members of our readership would like to know.

[Jon W.]

I asked Dennis that at Carlisle this year. He answered about 150 Stalkers in 10 years

[MHKflyer52]

Martin:

I have been collecting pictures of 7's by owners and have found an overwhelmingly large percentage of Stalkers among the marques that make up this variations. How may Stalkers have been produced so far? I thought members of our readership would like to know.

 

Steve I do not know but I do think that the Stalker has as many or more cars here in the USA in the last ten years than Caterham has in the same time frame. Some where I read that Caterham only produces four cars a month and that is for their total production but I cannot find were I read that and it would be interesting to know just how many are produced and how many come to the USA.

 

 

I asked Dennis that at Carlisle this year. He answered about 150 Stalkers in 10 years

 

I am surprised as I would have guess that they have produced about 200 cars/kits over the years they have been in business.

I wonder just how many drivable 7's (all variations) there are in the USA. My guess would be 475 to 500 total.

I wonder just how many Caterham’s have been produced worldwide also.

[Ruadhd2]

Very interesting question about production numbers. It can be very surprising.

Edited January 6, 2011 by Ruadhd2

[Croc]

Steve I do not know but I do think that the Stalker has as many or more cars here in the USA in the last ten years than Caterham has in the same time frame. Some where I read that Caterham only produces four cars a month and that is for their total production but I cannot find were I read that and it would be interesting to know just how many are produced and how many come to the USA.

 

I wonder just how many Caterham’s have been produced worldwide also.

 

Caterham produces about 500 kits annually - or roughly 40 kits per month:

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/caterham-increases-production-19729.html

 

When I was at Caterham UK in Nov last year I was told there were 6 US sales in 2010 which are timed for delivery in March 2011. A few years back prior to the Caterham US reorg I was told by RMSC that there were up to 10 Caterham kit sales in a very good year. The US and Canada is only a tiny market for Caterham - somewhat surprising given the population size and relative ability to afford a Seven.

 

With perspective, Brunton's sales numbers of 150 in 10 years is very impressive.

Edited January 6, 2011 by Croc

[TxCoyote]

I think the lure of the Stalkers is due to the slightly larger frame (for us um....larger Americans) and the fact that it uses alot of GM parts which are cheap and easy top source. I know these were factors for me (especially the first one as I am 6'3" and 250 lbs.

[twobone]

Key challenge for Canada is the excessively difficult DMV/transport canada process.

 

I think if we had a less restrictive process, there would be many more on the road.

[MHKflyer52]

Caterham produces about 500 kits annually - or roughly 40 kits per month:

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/caterham-increases-production-19729.html

 

When I was at Caterham UK in Nov last year I was told there were 6 US sales in 2010 which are timed for delivery in March 2011. A few years back prior to the Caterham US reorg I was told by RMSC that there were up to 10 Caterham kit sales in a very good year. The US and Canada is only a tiny market for Caterham - somewhat surprising given the population size and relative ability to afford a Seven.

 

With perspective, Brunton's sales numbers of 150 in 10 years is very impressive.

 

Very interesting.

I knew that the US market is a small portion but I would never have guessed that Caterham production target was for that many cars a year since it has now European Type Approval. I wonder if most of their sales are kits or turnkey vehicles.

[Kitcat]

I think the exchange rate is a huge barrier to Caterham sales here. The Birkin prices-out much better for a relatively similar se7en, in part due to the decent $-rand exchange rate.

 

Sevens and Elans site says they have delivered more se7ens than any one else in the U.S. I think they are including resale of used se7ens tho. And there hasnt been a new posting on their site in about a year.

Edited January 6, 2011 by Kitcat

[scannon]

Another reason for low Caterham sales here is an almost complete lack of advertising.

 

People I talk to who know of Caterhams and Se7ens in general are unaware that there is a dealer and importer here in Denver. Caterham USA doesn't even have a sign on their business, no show room and nothing to indicate something special resides inside.

[Z3 Stalker]

I imported my 7 (Stalker) to Canada myself; the secret is to prove that it is parts (kit) and not a rolling chassis. I listed all the major parts that would be purchased locally (in Canada) and also what I had to do to assemble the kit, i.e.: trim and fit panels etc.

 

Caterham has an authorized representative in Canada called Super Seven Cars located in Duncan, British Columbia who has the worldwide rights for left-hand drive motorcycle powered Caterham 7’s but will only sell completed vehicles.

 

I chose the Stalker on price, the Super Stalker kit was less than half (40%) the price of a Caterham kit here in Canada and 20% of an assembled 7 from Super Seven Cars, plus parts availability (GM) which most can be purchased from any NAPA store.

 

Stewart in Calgary

[lancylad]

And you have one hell of a machine Stew! Real value for the money IMHO.

[Mondo]

Kind of surprised at so few Caterhams sold in the U.S. I was told that World Class Motorsports has sold 70+ S2K cars/kits...