EuropeEndless Posted June 16, 2011 Share Posted June 16, 2011 Hello all, I'm currently a Miata owner (2001 LS), but I've been enamored with the Lotus 7 for a while now. I think I first saw the car when playing Gran Turismo 5 and winning a Caterham. There is something so basic and raw about the car, and it has more appeal to me than anything else, even makes and models that are way more exotic or expensive. With that said, I've been toying with the idea of a 7 replica for DDing. The car has a strong track heritage, so I'm wondering if it's common or even acceptable to DD a 7? If "yes", the next question becomes: is it possible to find a street legal 7 for no more than $15,000? Is this forum the best resource? I've checked around the normal avenues for car sales (CL, AutoTrader, eBay Motors, etc.) and haven't found anything. Advice appreciated. Thanks offered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powderbrake Posted June 16, 2011 Share Posted June 16, 2011 Welcome to the usa7s forum. A seven as a DD is feasible, but not too common. When it rains you have the hassle of getting the weather gear put on, and the difficulty of entrance and exit. I am sure there are more 7's being used as DD's in the UK than here in the States. If you live in Southern California, where it never rains, this may not be a consideration. $15,000 is at the low end of what you are likely to find a seven, and as such, it will need some work, and maybe frequent "tinkering" to keep it all streetworthy and reliable. Keep your eyes on the for sale section, and check ebay and craigslist in multiple cities. Perhhaps you could publish your location, and get a ride from other USA7s members, to get a better feel for the car. I'm in St.Louis, and would be happy to give you a ride. Actually once you get a ride, you will immediately elevate your need for a Seven. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
locost7018 Posted June 16, 2011 Share Posted June 16, 2011 Ditto if you are near Kansas City. Russ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted June 16, 2011 Share Posted June 16, 2011 Limitations as a DD: Driving a 7 is a process, ck weather report, unhook battery tender, pull off car cover, start (hopefully), strap in, add ear protection, possibly goggles, go, wave back to the hordes of people waiving at you, answer questions at every stop lite/sign/gas station, hope it isn't dark, raining, too cold, too hot, forget abt leaving anything in the locked trunk, there is no lock and no room in the trunk:). It's my favorite car of all time and I mite be tempted to try it as a DD if that were my only car choice, but I think trying to do something practical with such an impractical vehicle wld make me start to dislike the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RossD Posted June 16, 2011 Share Posted June 16, 2011 I found this on CL; no affiliation: http://montgomery.craigslist.org/ctd/2413135052.html Lotus Super 7 - $11,255 (Montgomery) This little Lotus was professionally built by Champion Motorcar Company in 2001. It employs a very reliable and upgraded Toyota Carolla T-3C motor with Weber carburetor, headers and racing cam. The suspension was also upgraded in 2003 by Champion Motorcar Company using Mazda RX7 components, custom coil over shocks, and tubular A arm suspension. The car has been carefully stored since then and used only about 4 times in autocross events. This little Lotus has lots of power and handles like a shifter kart. You could have a great time in this street legal race car. For additional pictures and other inventory please go to mitchellclassics.com. For serious inquiries call 334-224-0337 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuropeEndless Posted June 16, 2011 Author Share Posted June 16, 2011 Oops. I live in Southeastern Pennsylvania and yes, I am subjected to all manner of elements (rain, snow, freezing rain, etc.) I was hoping that I could find a good value in a used 7. It seems that almost all 7s are "new" or lightly used (sub-5K miles). If they routinely sell for $15K-40K, a 7 with 50K miles or more must be relatively cheap! I just don't know if such a thing exists, seeing as these cars are more a niche item than a DD which would accrue that much mileage. Just a thought (and hope)... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted June 16, 2011 Share Posted June 16, 2011 If you live in Southeastern Pa. then you may want to take a ride over to New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ. on Monday June 27th or Tues the 28th. There will be at least 9 or more Sevens at a trackday. It would be a great opportunity to see and sit in a lot of different sevens. Where in SE Pa? I'm in Media. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlumba81 Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 I recently purchased a 7 in April 19 and have driven it everyday except for 6 days when it was pouring down rain and I was waiting on my full weather top to arrive. I've gotten used to putting on and taking off the top when the weather changes. Got it down to around 3 mins. Trick is to unzip the rear window when setting up the hood sticks. It helps to be flexible when getting in and out w the top on. I have a microfiber towel to clear the windows when they fog up on rainy days. I still need to get around to sealing the various water leak areas in the footbox. That said I usually only drive less than 10 mi to work and back. Detours on the way home depend on mood and weather. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slngsht Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 Seven as your ONLY car in PA is not practical IMO. I drove my seven whenever the weather was not too crazy (rain, snow, extreme hot or cold), and typically put 6K miles a year on it. Definitely try to make the event on June 27/28 mentioned above. That's a great starting point. And there are many sevens in the NY-> DC region. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
11Budlite Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 I found this on CL; no affiliation: http://montgomery.craigslist.org/ctd/2413135052.html Lotus Super 7 - $11,255 (Montgomery) I think this car was in either Grassroots Motorsports or Classic Motorsports a while back. I'll have to check when I get home tonight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twobone Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 Don't forget you will to put earplugs in and out if you drive on the hiway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave W Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 I drove my Seven "once" on a section of un-plowed road with 3" of snow. Progress was only about 5 MPH at best. You are actually lower then any of the other vehicles that traveled on the road so you are pushing all of the snow in the center between the tracks. I think I would pass on the DD. Fair weather and dry, Dave W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestTexasS2K Posted June 17, 2011 Share Posted June 17, 2011 Seven will work for a DD in the South but not in the north east. You would be a real hard core dude if you DD thru your winters. Buy a beater for the winters when salt is on the road and keep a nice 7 for the summer drives. Road salts would destroy a 7 in pretty short order in my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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