jimrankin Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 If you want the "real thing" and not some "snake" your going to spend a bunch of $$$ on an old real Lotus produced kit car and it's going to make you slower and more uncomfortable that any of the kits. But you do get to brag about it being "real". It's just what you want for yourself so even that isn't a "wrong" choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z3 Stalker Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 Joshesh, With your criteria I would think a Stalker would be right up you street, parts are cheap and available at NAPA etc. they are reliable, fast and fun, you can upgrade and customize to your heart’s content. Now this is not a knock on any other 7, I just know if you have a problem with some of the more exotic brands you can be waiting weeks or even months for parts. Living in California it may not be so much of a problem but here in the Snow Belt I want to be able to maximize driving my seven in the short season we have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancylad Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 Ooops...once I get going I just cant stop!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Terry Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 (edited) How about a Morgan 4+4 or even better a Morgan 3 wheeler? Edited January 7, 2012 by Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Terry Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 Thought some might find this interesting. http://www.saflii.org/za/cases/ZASCA/1998/44.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snookwheel Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 Joshesh, With your criteria I would think a Stalker would be right up you street, parts are cheap and available at NAPA etc. . I can vouch for cheap... replaced the front calipers on my Super Stalker at a cost of $9.50 per side! Then went out and took my class and FTD at an CFR SCCA Autocross:cheers: The bottom line is, just get a Se7en! Climb in a few, find out what fits, works for you and join the club. They are impractical, sometimes uncomfortable, kinda loud and will probably be the most fun you will ever have behind the wheel. The search is 1/2 the fun, good luck. Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestTexasS2K Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 Here are a few more pictures of my black car going up for sale. Every part on the Ultralite is sourced in the US. Most can be picked up at the local Napa or Oriellys. About the only exception is brake pads which are Wilwood units. With Wilwood you can choose your friction compound from mild to wild and they are a day shipment away from Jegs or your favorite parts supplier. Only thing not off the self is lower control arm and one piece of the upper control arm. Everything else is off the self. Just so you know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxologist Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 As a swapped subaru and 7 owner, don't part w/ an AWD boost buggy unless u have something to keep you happy when u can't drive a se7en. You really do need to find every sort of se7en and sit and drive them to really get a true feel of fit. Seats especially. There is great deal of difference between a road going 7 and and pure track 7. Then there's the difference of a track 7 to a Formula or Sports Racer. since this can be a purchase of 20-70k, spending as much time on hard research, even if it includes travel to some of the larger meets over the course of a year or 2 would be wise. Many people have bought a se7en, and then not put many miles on them because it is too raw and sold the car. I appreciate all of the comments. I know that cars are going to depreciate, and I can tell after looking at prices of used specimens I can see what you guys are talking about. I really just want something that will keep me happy, enjoying driving on the roads again and enough fun at autox/track days to satisfy the craving for pushing the limits. I need to sit in a few, but from a purely dimensional standpoint the Ultralite seems like it would fit me the best. I know I could fit in the caterham non-SV (cause I did) but it was tight and I don't think I would drive it much if I didn't fit comfortably. I want it to be reliable, fast and unique... an ongoing project with always something else to customize and make better. Again, thanks everyone for the responses - I am gearing up to sell my 370 awhp evo9... I'll be joining the club officially very soon I hope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z3 Stalker Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 Loren, That looks like a nice seven, and could be lots of fun!!!! I considered an ultralite, I liked the Honda engine. My problem was I was not impressed with the previous owner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestTexasS2K Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 Yeah I've heard that. It's a shame some had a bad experience. I think he just got in a bind at times and couldn't deliver as promisised. So that is something I'm going have to overcome. Biggest difference between Brian and I is I have other jobs for income. I dont have to sell cars to make a living, its a hobby business for me. I just didn't want to see the brand disappear. It's a fun car and a joy to drive I wanted to preserve it if could. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Terry Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 Actually, Terry, I think Birkin has as much, or more, claim to being "the real thing" than Caterham. Caterham didn't get official approval from Lotus for the Series 3 until after Birkin won the lawsuit. Apparently Cateham only had the rights to build the Series 4 until then, and Birkin had factory support to start production. :-) Only last night I was looking at a reproduction of the letter that Chapman wrote to Graham Nearn giving him first option on purchasing the operation when Group Lotus discontinue the manufacture and sale of the Lotus 7. It's dated 19 July 1971. It doesn't mention any specific model. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rzempel Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 This line from that SA Appeals decision pretty well sums it up, "There is a small group of people who are passionate about old and inconvenient cars and who are prepared to buy a replica of a car designed in 1968 in which the designer himself had lost interest in 1970." It's pretty clear that we are each passionate about the particular Se7en we chose. Whichever one that happens to be. Joshesh, find one (any one) that fits your personal likes and dislikes, and welcome to the "small group of people who are passionate about old and inconvenient cars." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancylad Posted January 8, 2012 Share Posted January 8, 2012 Ya Baby...:driving::driving::iagree: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ihckb2 Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 I agree with RZEMPLE, but beware, unless your a do-it-your-selfer you will need deep pockets. Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z3 Stalker Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Randy, You are correct, it simply boils down to that, whatever you decide on with you will simply have a blast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joshesh Posted January 9, 2012 Author Share Posted January 9, 2012 I am very much a DIY'er, and I would only buy an assembled car to save money in the long run... i am actually looking forward to doing work on the car and making it my own so I enjoy the idea of a full build from a kit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slomove Posted January 9, 2012 Share Posted January 9, 2012 Even if you are a DIY guy, buying a used car and driving a few months allows to to get a better feel for the mods you really need :rofl: If you want the complete DIY experience you can still strip the car down to the bones and start over, but saving a lot of cash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joshesh Posted January 11, 2012 Author Share Posted January 11, 2012 So little update: Going thi Saturday to meet up with rnr and Jim rankin (two ultralite owners) so I can sit inside and take a look first hand. Also, getting closer to selling my current racecar... Can't wait to join in on all the fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joshesh Posted January 17, 2012 Author Share Posted January 17, 2012 So big thanks to Jim for letting me come over and waste 3+ hours of his time asking questions and talking cars/racing... I am 100% sold and totally committed to buying a ultralite... Hopefully I will be the new owner of the black car Loren has. Thanks for all the advise and help/comments. As soon as I have the car you will be hearing lots from me on his board! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimrankin Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 Talking cars and racing is NEVER wasted time. Besides, we got to watch RNR actually do something constructive while we "discussed important shit". LOL. I'm glad a ride and a quick chance to drive my S2K has you convinced on Ultralites as your choice. Too bad we didn't have time for you to get a ride in RNR's, it's quicker and he is a bit more talented driver. Like we said, there isn't a single "right" 7, just the one that fits you the best and pushes your buttons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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