Questions for Birkin owners

[Kitcat]

My quest for a 7 has turned to Birkns. I noted in my "tow dolly" post that I thought I had a deal on a Caterham but learned today that I was outbid. Birkins appear to be significantly more affordable than Caterhams for what, on the surface, looks to be the same car (less cachet & resale value maybe).

 

Wire Wheels has a lovely yellow Zetec engined '02 for $22K, Ditto Dick Brink at Texas Motor works with a aluminum '05 for $22.5. Is there a good/bad year, issues specific to Birkins, anything I should be concerned about. I have read nice words about Dick Brink, what does anyone know about Wire Wheels? Are there any other Birkin dealers on the web?

[Al N.]

Kitcat-I've said it before and will say it again that if you ask enough people, you can generally find someone to say something bad about just about anybody. So get as much input as possible and consider your sources before coming to a conclusion.

 

I actually just met Hayes Harris, the guy behind Wirewheel, at Carlisle. Seemed nice enough. Doesn't do a whole lot of setup/post sales service of the cars, from what I gather. Has some very nice Loti for sale (the 340r!). I would see what one of the Birkin guys from the forum say.

[Davemk1]

I bought my Birkin from Dick Brink and would do so again.

 

FWIW there are a few things about later cars that might be better. My car, a 1999, has the transmission tunnel riveted to the chassis and would be a total PITA to remove. Later cars have lot's of little bolts. I wanted to remove my tunnel to put in driveshaft safety hoops. I still will do it someday when I feel like drilling out nearly 50 rivets.

 

I hear that later cars also have a wider footwell than mine has. I wear a size 11 and there is no extra room in there. I can only drive it in driving shoes or barefoot. Not a big deal for me but if you have big feet it might be.

 

I like my Birkin very much and think it's well made. I'll bet you'd enjoy one.

 

Dave

[slomove]

I agree, usually newer=better. Some improvements that have been made over the years are:

- much (much!) cleaner wiring

- easier access to fuse box

- better seats (well, somewhat better)

- Outlaw calipers

- stronger upright ball joints

- easier removal of gearbox

- better boot liner fit

- what Dave mentioned: footwell and tunnel

 

Not sure how much of that was implemented before 2002

 

Gert

[soareyes]

Kitcat,

 

As Dave said, Birkin has made little improvements each year, with the easy-access transmission tunnel being one of the bigger ones. I've owned two Birkins with the first being a year 2000 chassis, and the current is a 2004 (I like Birkins a lot!). The increased width of the foot box is very small as I still have to wear race shoes in the newer car. The fuses are easier to get to in the new car too (under the bonnet instead of under the dash). I wouldn't consider any of the changes major enough to be a deal breaker though.

 

If you have any specific questions, don't hesitate to ask.

 

 

Edit - Gert beat me to posting by three minutes! Also: Kitcat - I'm sending you a PM

[11Budlite]

Hi Kitcat,

 

I bought my 2001 Birkin from Hayes Harris in 2002. I sent you a PM.

 

Bruce

[Kitcat]

Thanks for the feedback and PM's, very helpful. I have heard back from Hayes Harris at Wire Wheels abt the yellow car they have for sale for $22K , no word yet from Dick Brink.

 

Soareyes has pointed out that the WW Birkin was just purchased by them from an e-bay ad for $12K. So I am going to start monitoring e-bay too.

[Davemk1]

Thanks for the feedback and PM's, very helpful. I have heard back from Hayes Harris at Wire Wheels abt the yellow car they have for sale for $22K , no word yet from Dick Brink.

 

Soareyes has pointed out that the WW Birkin was just purchased by them from an e-bay ad for $12K. So I am going to start monitoring e-bay too.

 

That's a strange one isn't it. I remember seeing that car on eBay and then it was gone. Seller ended auction early and sold it to WW. Strange as I'm sure they would have gotten MUCH more if they let the auction run it's course.

 

Is it true that WW got it for 12K. I wonder how they did that?

 

Dave

[slngsht]

 

That's a strange one isn't it. I remember seeing that car on eBay and then it was gone. Seller ended auction early and sold it to WW. Strange as I'm sure they would have gotten MUCH more if they let the auction run it's course.

 

Is it true that WW got it for 12K. I wonder how they did that?

 

Dave

 

Perhaps there was a trade of some type involved.

[Davemk1]

I hadn't thought f that. That makes good sense.

 

Dave

[soareyes]

 

Perhaps there was a trade of some type involved.

 

That may have happened as there was mention of a possible trade for a motorcycle in the question section of the listing, just don't know who the question was from.

 

 

[Birkin42]

I bought my 2003 through Hayes at Wirewheel. At that time, Hayes had bought a few cars from Dennis Tobin when he was getting out of being the US rep for Birkin. I bought one of these cars from Hayes but it was direct shipped from Dennis. I thought Hayes was professional to deal with and wouldn't hesitate to do business with him again. Dennis on the other hand, is a different thing. I can understand why he decided to get out based on my experience.

 

I have also had contact and dealings with Dick. He has been very helpful with information and questions, and was good to deal with for some parts I sold him.

 

Jack