Martin Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 Hello Southeasterners! I am in the greater Atlanta area (northeast) and I am heavily considering a Caterham. I am 6'2 and have a size 12 shoe. I realize that I need to have a genuine understanding of what I am getting into if I am separating so much cash from myself for a toy. Not asking for a joy ride, just some help in knowing if it is for me or not. Is there anyone that would be willing to let me sit in their driver's seat that isn't hours away? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taber10 Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 Martin, Unfortunately, I am five hours away, and just into Central Time; however, your post piqued my interest, as I am 6' 3" with size 12 shoes. IF you were inclined, and your finances allowed, I would suggest a Caterham 7 SV--aka "Sumo Version"--as you would have no trouble with clearance in the driver's footwell. I don't even bother with weltless driver's shoes, such as Piloti, as I have not found a need for them yet. Good luck with your research and your search. Taber Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 I'm even further away than Taber but if you happen to be traveling to or thru Denver you are welcome to sit in my SV and go for a ride, perhaps even drive it. You could also make a visit to Caterham USA while in the area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blubarisax Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 Martin, You may even fit in an S3 depending on your build, a long torso vs. long legs. I'm 6'6" (was 310#, lost a bit to keep up with Croc) and fit in an SV with a few modifications. I added lowered floors and a custom tall roll cage. I also modified the seat brackets to get me all the way back, then extended the steering shaft as much as possible. You are welcome to come to NJ where you could try on one of every size. Karl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Posted March 13, 2013 Author Share Posted March 13, 2013 Thanks for all the offers gentlemen. I am realizing that I will need patience throughout all of this as everything seems to be far away. I may be driving through FL this June so if I have not experinced it by then, I may need to take you up on that offer Taber. SV's are pretty much non-existent right now, hopefully the Sring will bring some sellers out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 What abt a Stalker or an Ultralight? They have much more room than a Caterham S3 and cost the same or less. Hard to believe there are no Caterhams in the Atlant area tho. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 This might be a little personal but what weight range are you? I am a fat bastard of 5'11 with a 12.5 shoe and I can still wedge into an S3 (and a Birkin and a Westfield) and drive it. Bit of a muffin top but still a mobile muffin top. I much prefer my CSR/SV but they are pretty rare as you point out. Stalkers and Ultralites also are more generously sized. So is it a long body or a wide body that you really need? If it is just because of height then you can survive with big feet by using small race boots or other similar driving shoes and you can get a tall roll bar to cover your head. If it is width then keep looking for an SV or other wide chassis car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Posted March 13, 2013 Author Share Posted March 13, 2013 For me not personal at all. I am 6'2 and weigh 170 soaking wet. So width is not a concern, but pedal room certainly is. I need to experience both probably, but I am guessing I will like the extra space in an SV. I have not considered a Stalker since I like the look and closer purity of the Lotus concept with the Caterham. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 ok that helps. I think you may prefer the S3. It will hold you better when driving. A large shoe size will not be a hindrance in an S3 unless you want to heel and toe in which case it may not be possible. I still cannot heel and toe in my CSR due to low pedal box vertical height for my foot. So going to an SV is not an automatic solution. An SV is good if you are doing a lot of touring and less spirited driving as there is more room to put the elbows out and shift position. Whether you go for S3 or SV, your height may dictate installing lowered floors or a taller roll bar. Either is desirable. Either way this does not solve your real problem - you really need to sit in the various types and try them out. Maybe you need to make a special trip somewhere to try out multiple types. I know it is extra cost but I did it to be certain since there were no SV's or S3's around me when I bought mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Posted March 14, 2013 Author Share Posted March 14, 2013 I agree, it is worth knowing how either one fits. I can speculate all day long but until my ass is in the seat....I'll never really know the difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueMax Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 Martin, I’m 12 miles north of Anderson SC, I have an SV, and you’re more than welcome to sit in my car for a fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Posted March 18, 2013 Author Share Posted March 18, 2013 Martin, I’m 12 miles north of Anderson SC, I have an SV, and you’re more than welcome to sit in my car for a fit. Hi there, thanks so much! That is a huge improvement on miles. I will see what I can do to arrange a trip, I will keep you posted, thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChuckeD Posted March 18, 2013 Share Posted March 18, 2013 I am 6'4" and size ll.5 shoes, you would fit in any of the Brunton cars. Bruntion makes the Classic and a model that is 4" wider. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Posted May 9, 2013 Author Share Posted May 9, 2013 So I do plan on visiting BlueMax but I realized I might be leaving something out. I do need to find out how a fit in an SV, but a regular 7 would be a good experience to know how to compare the two. Anyone else around in the Atlanta are preferably that has an S3? Just need to borrow 5 minutes to see how I fit in the driver's seat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oscar Posted July 25, 2013 Share Posted July 25, 2013 My car is in Dothan, AL if you are still looking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Posted July 29, 2013 Author Share Posted July 29, 2013 Hi Oscar, I really appreciate the offer but I actually have an SV now! And I bought mine in Alabama Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starik Posted August 18, 2013 Share Posted August 18, 2013 Ah, Martin... I'm in North Atlanta, can I come sit in your SV? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Posted August 30, 2013 Author Share Posted August 30, 2013 (edited) Absolutely! Just let me know when is good for you. Edited August 30, 2013 by Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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