Basic questions

[FTD]

Background - I currently have an MGB that I have daily driven on and off for the past five years.

 

 

I'm considering purchasing a seven replica sometime in the next year or so. My questions are the following:

 

Which variants have the best tops?

Has anybody here driven theirs in the snow?

How are the heaters in these?

Is there a link where I can examine the differences between makes? I am looking at paying around 20k. The ultralights look inviting but I assume that they don't have tops?

 

Thanks for any help.

[powderbrake]

As an Ultralite owner, I can attest to not wanting or having a top. This is not a problem for me, as I do not drive it in the winter. It is possible to put a top on an Ultralite, as Redrocket has one, bu tthey are rare.

It appears that you want to drive it in all weather conditions (Like the Brits), so I suggest looking at models that have a long history and availability of tops and sidecurtains, like the Lotus, Caterham and Birkin (I think).

 

This is the proper place to be investigating, and I am sure that you will get some good answers

[Kitcat]

Not sure a se7en is for you. It is a lousy daily driver, hard to get in/out of, extra hot in the summer, extra cold in the winter, always breaking down, no lockable trunk. The snow is not an issue, its the chemicals used to remove the snow that cause problems with the aluminum body/steel frame. On the right road, on the right day (dry, not too hot/cold), it can not be duplicated, but it is pretty one dimensional otherwise.

[FTD]

I also daillied a supermoto year round. Hot/cold/no storage space/impractical are all minor issues for me. The breaking down part seems dependent upon the vehicle? Or are there some other issues that contribute to this? The general experience of those impracticalities shouldn't be significantly different than an MGB fwiw. I appreciate your input however, and will consider it.

 

Thanks.

[Kitcat]

Wow, you are hard core!

 

Having owned a A-H Sprite as a daily driver (and used in the snow every winter), I think that the se7en is even less user friendly than your MG (tho not your bike). With the top up it is very hard to get into (remember, no doors, just side screens. So it is a bit like climbing thru an open car window). And you have a lockable trunk. In my se7en, if I stop somewhere, my computer, briefcase, etc., all has to come into the store/bar, etc with me, it cant be left in the vehicle.

 

With everything buttoned up, my Caterham was reasonably dry in the rain. But because it was soo low, it tended to really get drowned in puddles, trailer backwash, splash etc.

 

I suspect a well maintained se7en is at least as reliable, probably more reliable, than your MG.

 

Another consideration, you can drive an MG anonymously. In a se7en, EVERYONE's your friend: what is it, how fast does it go, is it a V8, did you build it?? If you stop at a gas station, traffic light, grocery store you are surrounded by people who are fascinated and want to talk. In small does it's fun, as a way of life it is a huge PITA.

 

Based on your supermoto experience, I suspect you cld make a se7en work. If you do, you mite be the only person on this site who has tried it. Or am I wrong? Anyone else doing a se7en as a DD? Closest I got was summers in my '97 Caterham, with no passengers, on dry days.

Edited December 2, 2012 by Kitcat

[DeanG]

An MGB is large and luxurious compared to a Se7en. I drove a 77' MGB as a daily driver for 7 years. I wouldn't even consider a Se7en as a daily driver. A Se7en is head a shoulders more fun than an MGB. The Caterham, Birkin, ... all have reasonable tops available at least compared to a B. Think of a Se7en as you would a touring motorcycle and you will have a good idea of what one is like.

[FTD]

An MGB is large and luxurious compared to a Se7en. I drove a 77' MGB as a daily driver for 7 years. I wouldn't even consider a Se7en as a daily driver. A Se7en is head a shoulders more fun than an MGB. The Caterham, Birkin, ... all have reasonable tops available at least compared to a B. Think of a Se7en as you would a touring motorcycle and you will have a good idea of what one is like.

 

The touring motorcycle was first thought when considering practicality, though with something like a 1200gs you can get lockable panniers. The advantage to the seven being you aren't going to lowside when you hit an icy/snowy patch as I have on the supermoto

[Kitcat]

Maybe a trike?

[FTD]

Something about trikes just don't do it for me. They look neat, seem awfully practical (the can ams), but I can't get into them. I definitely want to pick up a 7 replica (or a real 7) in the near future though, regardless.

[Taber10]

FTD,

 

I doubt I can relay much that will help you with your decision, but it seemed like it would be fun to reply:

Background: I had an MGB in the 80s as a "DD"--while waiting for my TR6 to be shipped to me. Of the two TR6s I owned, both '73s, the first was my DD and my only car for about seven of the 13 years I owned it.

The Caterham is light weight, like the bike, and as such can lose traction quickly on rain and snow. I picked mine up from RMSC, Inc in October 2007, and took a "shakedown cruise" in the CO mountains, before driving it home to Fla. The weather equipment is good, way better than the B. In fact,' it seals so well, and the heat inherent in the Cat interior was a much bigger problem than you'd imagine. I never locked the TR6 cause someone would slit the top, and I had lost the trunk key. I can't imagine the places we've parted the Cat, unattended with full touring luggage, electronic gadgets, tools, etc. inside. Often as a previous poster alluded to, there will be a small crowd watching over it when we return.

 

Speaking for a new, professionally assembled Caterham only, you will be amazed at the reliability vs. any MGB I've ever driven.

 

Again of no help to you, but I drive mine nearly "daily" but I never have the top up--except the bikini top in the hottest part of summer, and I only drive to the Post Office, grocery store, restaurants, etc. and I LIVE IN FLORIDA, so many of your issues don't apply to my situation.

 

Good luck in whatever you decide, but if you like driving the B, you will certainly love driving the Caterham.

 

Taber

[centerfireman]

I think this is an example of "where there is a will, there is a way". A Seven CAN be used as a DD if you are motivated enough: I used my (Series IV) Seven as a DD for six years, but that was in California where the weather was not much of an issue and I could leave the top off for about 8 months a year. Obviously, there is no security so nothing can be left in the car and you have to be pretty flexible to get in and out of the car with the top/side-curtains on. Good luck...

[Mondo]

I bought the optional top/ doors with my ultralite.. never put it on as it's pretty inconvient to fill up and never have really needed it (not that hardcore of a driver). Looks cool though (not mine). The only heater I have is the hot engine air coming in from the pedal assembly cover (haven't figured a good way to seal the throttle cable & brake lines coming in). There's no defrost etc... Ultralites are pretty spartan, though more roomy. Same for Stalkers.

 

In my area it's the heat, not the cold, that's limiting. Need a half-top.

 

Caterhams & Birkins are your best bets... but as people have been attesting, that's not saying a whole lot. I have to think they are more reliable than a MGB (as a former Triumph owner)

Edited December 2, 2012 by Mondo

[jimrankin]

I don't have a top for my Ultralite but have been considering something in the way of a windshield and half top to extend the drive time in hot weather (sun protection mainly after burning my nose since a cap with brim just blows off, even with headband ear protection, due to the buffeting) and a bit more protection if I get caught in a shower. Having owned three MGA's and driven them as daily drivers in New England, Virginia and the mid west I can attest that even those ill fitting tops and side curtains and nearly non-existant heater and defroster far outclass the protection, or lack of, in my S2K. Been caught in spring showers 100 miles from home twice and the only way to keep going is to scrunch down till your eyes are at dash legel and rest your chin on the steering wheel so the water (most of it anyway) off the aeroscreen goes over your head. The small drain holes in the floor just barely keep up with the water coming in.

As far as 7's go, and what most of us expect from them the Ultralight is right up there with the best. But for a daily driver in other than great conditions I don't think it's the best choice. One of the "English" 7's where bad weather is more the norm and the cars are designed with heat/defrost/rain protection/wipers may be a better choice.

Having lived where salt on the highway is a regular occurance and seeing what it can do to any area where it gets trapped I would not think that any 7 would have much llfe expectancy without continual trips to your local car wash for an extended washing of all of the areas where the frame and skin and the metal on metal suspension are going to get soaked while driving.

I would never advise anyone against buying a 7 of any type, the ultimate fun driving car, but I also think it isn't the best choice from a daily driver car standpoint unless you live in one of the areas with mostly great weather. I live in the SF Bay area and we have just gone through several days of rain and wind that would have kept anyone with a 7, even the brave younger drivers, off the road.

[BusaNostra]

If you want to read the two dominant seven in UK -- here you go... pass the popcorn !!

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=225134&f=101&h=0

Edited December 2, 2012 by BusaNostra

[Boxologist]

Background - I currently have an MGB that I have daily driven on and off for the past five years.

 

 

I'm considering purchasing a seven replica sometime in the next year or so. My questions are the following:

 

Which variants have the best tops? I would suspect the S1s seem to be the best for an all weather cabin & top.

Has anybody here driven theirs in the snow? Yes. to keep the battery charged during the winter. I would want snows. Scratch that, I would want some other vehicle. Like my Subaru... The se7ens have limited weight to begin with, so snow traction is impaired from the start.

How are the heaters in these? limited as a heater. More as an auxilary radiator in the summer. The exhaust and transmission will give more heat.

Is there a link where I can examine the differences between makes? I am looking at paying around 20k. The ultralights look inviting but I assume that they don't have tops? Search here or look for a local meeting of Se7en owners

 

Thanks for any help.

 

Answers in red.

[MBEARDEN]

I have only had my Birkin for a year...I drove it for a week last spring when we were short a car...as a daily driver it would be lacking. I live in Arkansas where we have hot summers and moderate winters...in cool weather and with Birkini top and doors it's pretty comfortable...My Birkini top has J shaped zippers so it's easy to get in and out...my top is in the shop for the same treatment...not waterproof but it works for those days where it might rain.

[lancylad]

Oh my, here we go again...the whole point of our machines is to get back to the basic thrill of open top motoring. Wind in your face, engine and exhaust noise, becoming that boy racer again. Which one to buy, or build, there is no right answer to that question and we all have our own opinions as to the virtues of our brand of choice. Brand name to one side, get out and meet as many "seveners"as possible, you'll find most of us very approachable and more than willing to take future owners for a spin.....as to inclement weather driving, I have driven my 7 in rain and snow and yes I have the full soft top and side screens, getting in and out with the top up is an aquired knack but once done a few times becomes not a problem...as far as reliability,I have had one visit to the garage on a trip from Canada to south Dakota. I drive the car all over Canada and don't hesitate as far as considering long haul blats. I like to think that we all share a common love of these cars, there are many great brand names to choose from, ask the questions, go for rides, choose one.......then have a blast!!! :-)

[FTD]

Thanks for all the replies! I will check out the regional sections. There is obviously a lot of knowledge here and again I really appreciate the answers!

[bluebirkin01]

for what its worth a daily drove my fathers birkin for two years,it will be my dd again whwn fixed likely, and it wasnt bad but you have to be pretty hasrd core to do that which it seems you are. be careful in the wet/snow as the light weight is an issue. you should be fine tho if your careful. jus my 2cents

[rikker]

The 7 was designed in the fifties , even then it was about as basic and minimalistic as a sports car could be.

 

Can it be used as an every day car nearly 60 years later with a design not that much changed?

Well I guess it can if you come at this from marathons and motorbikes and youth.

I loved my '59 Frog Eye Sprite, that was my daily driver with rotted foot wells that had ciggy butts floating in the rain.

I loved my 57 MGA, even when the whole convertible top flew off at 60 mph while trying to impress my new girl friend.

So , if I was under 25, not so lazy, cynical, grumpy, and fearing the worst , then yes I might just do it.

But for me at pushing 60, fair weather friend that I look at in garage , lovingly tap good night, then dream on to drive when the sun is out, is about as good as it gets right now.

Edited December 4, 2012 by rikker