Croc Posted September 2, 2019 Author Share Posted September 2, 2019 "That, plus no crush zones, lap belts only, no professional chassis setup, antiquated brakes, skinny tires, high center of gravity, no roll hoops AND big power = death on wheels. " You forget we all have airbags behind the wheel... I love that type of car and driving it hard. Makes you drive appropriately so that you do not run out of talent and kiss a tree, cliff, rock, SUV, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcarguy Posted September 2, 2019 Share Posted September 2, 2019 I called the owner - nice guy, not too car-savvy, feels he's too old for the car now at 83 years old. According to him, the car is a completely buck-built one-off, and not a copy of anything except that it has a general Super Seven appearance. No photos yet. The owner confided that he did not know exactly why he bought it, and I, for one, cannot hazard a guess. It seems to be exactly the wrong kind of investment in every way: No builder's reputation, no race history, not a tribute to anything (except hubris), exactly ZERO spare parts, unknown engineering and setup. It reminds me of a project car recently featured in the WSJ. The builder had no experience, and no defined objective, and combined the chassis of a powerful Jag XK140 with a buck-built, Alfa-inspired aluminum body. If you look at the images in the article (link below), the Alfaguar's steering wheel is mounted on a non-collapsible column, in NASCAR-proximity to the driver's chest, on a flat plane pointed directly at his heart. That, plus no crush zones, lap belts only, no professional chassis setup, antiquated brakes, skinny tires, high center of gravity, no roll hoops AND big power = death on wheels. I think this replica displays some of the same possibilities. Regarding the WSJ car, I applaud the builder's energy and inventiveness, and the beauty of his finished product. However, the owner should drain the fluids and mount it sideways on a wall. It is auto art, not a performance vehicle. An old Alfa P2 Grand Prix race car from 100 years ago was safer. Here's the article: https://www.wsj.com/articles/its-not-an-alfa-romeo-or-a-jaguarits-a-tribute-to-both-11566914306?shareToken=stecfa0eea90af4452a91525ff653599aa&reflink=article_email_share ......:smash: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panamericano Posted September 2, 2019 Share Posted September 2, 2019 You forget we all have airbags behind the wheel... I love that type of car and driving it hard. Makes you drive appropriately so that you do not run out of talent and kiss a tree, cliff, rock, SUV, etc. I concur. As one with only tarmac stage rally and hill climbs in Mexican mountains. What's a run-off space? Just keep it between the ditches. Except for that one time, rolling over 3 or 4 times down the mountain. Then one is glad to have a stout roll cage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce K Posted September 2, 2019 Share Posted September 2, 2019 "That, plus no crush zones, lap belts only, no professional chassis setup, antiquated brakes, skinny tires, high center of gravity, no roll hoops AND big power = death on wheels. " Well, to each his own. That's a bit like what I hear about the Birkin from non-enthusiasts. That thing is beautiful. Really? I have never seen a Birkin without a roll hoop, or disc brakes, or rubber equivalent to a Caterham. The Caterham and the Birkin are very similar - the uninitiated cannot tell them apart - and none of the differences contribute to dangerous driving. And the roll center of a Caterham or Birkin is ridiculously low - you can give yourself a manicure, using the pavement at speed while driving either of them. Are you calling ALL Super Sevens unsafe? In relative terms - compared to federalized cars with crush zones, collapsible columns, air bags and more - you are correct. But compared to the Alfaguar, all the well-regarded Seven designs are as safe as a hospital bed. Plus this - in a Caterham, Birkin, Brunton and other Sevens, you can drive out of accidents because of the incredible handling. You can accelerate out of accidents because of the awesome power-to-weight ratio. You can brake your way out of accidents because of the world-class stopping power. I have done all three, or close enough so I can claim it. NONE of these claims apply to the Alfaguar. The Alfaguar is art, not auto. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted September 8, 2019 Author Share Posted September 8, 2019 The searches did not run properly last night...probably because I switched to 2 new computers - one mac and one microsoft - this last week. Call it user error by numpty! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anaximander Posted September 8, 2019 Share Posted September 8, 2019 Dear Numpty, I am slipping into a state of withdrawal without my Sunday morning "fix" of se7ens for sale.:willy_nilly: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted September 8, 2019 Author Share Posted September 8, 2019 Dear Bawwwwwb - Numpty recommends alcohol. Even I look attractive after many drinks and a Ford 150 could look like a se7en given time, space, bourbon, daydreaming blondes and some guacamole dip to munch on. :cooldude: Sadly, I needed to change my sturdy 15 inch macbook to a new laptop given I was refused for air travel last week given the recall, not that mine was subject to the recall, but that many airlines are just blanket banning 15 inch macbooks from any travel now - both in cabin and checked luggage. Fedexing a laptop to home from Norway before being able to fly was a right pain in the posterior. :banghead: I will update on Saturday in Anglesey as I am there on track next weekend. Then the following weekend is Marrakech. Then the weekend after that is Geneva.... :seeya: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcarguy Posted September 8, 2019 Share Posted September 8, 2019 The searches did not run properly last night...probably because I switched to 2 new computers - one mac and one microsoft - this last week. Call it user error by numpty! Woke up this morning and had to settle for car gurus...WTH? :rofl: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted September 8, 2019 Author Share Posted September 8, 2019 You post at 5pm Eastern and you only just woke up? Hello? Good morning? What did you do last night? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panamericano Posted September 9, 2019 Share Posted September 9, 2019 No doubt a hard day of driving? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anaximander Posted September 9, 2019 Share Posted September 9, 2019 I will update on Saturday in Anglesey as I am there on track next weekend. Then the following weekend is Marrakech. Then the weekend after that is Geneva.... :seeya: Jeez Louise Mike, To hell with the for sale updates. Let me just be your personal concierge and carry your bags in all of the exotic places you will be going to in the next couple of weeks! I looked at the track at Anglesey and the layout and location are to die for. I have only seen references to Marrakech in the movies and know that it is an ancient trading route. I have been to Geneva but liked Lucerne better so am not jonesing for that part of your upcoming itinerary. I had a fine glass of wine and a shot of tequila tonight so my withdrawal symptoms for seven listings has slightly subsided. Thanks for the partial remedy of missing your interesting weekly search. Bawwwwwb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce K Posted September 9, 2019 Share Posted September 9, 2019 Dear Bawwwwwb - Numpty recommends alcohol. Even I look attractive after many drinks and a Ford 150 could look like a se7en given time, space, bourbon, daydreaming blondes and some guacamole dip to munch on. :cooldude: Sadly, I needed to change my sturdy 15 inch macbook to a new laptop given I was refused for air travel last week given the recall, not that mine was subject to the recall, but that many airlines are just blanket banning 15 inch macbooks from any travel now - both in cabin and checked luggage. Fedexing a laptop to home from Norway before being able to fly was a right pain in the posterior. :banghead: I will update on Saturday in Anglesey as I am there on track next weekend. Then the following weekend is Marrakech. Then the weekend after that is Geneva.... :seeya: Incredible itinerary. Is it your Social Security card or your Driver's License that ends in "007"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted September 9, 2019 Author Share Posted September 9, 2019 Anglesey is iconic for the location and scenery Weather can be fickle though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted September 9, 2019 Share Posted September 9, 2019 Croc: You are making me jealous. All of these car adventures, but isn't it time for a new vehicle as well? I think you are overdue! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan3030 Posted September 9, 2019 Share Posted September 9, 2019 That picture is an inspiration and I've now promised myself I'll pull myself away from my desk and get there soon, or more specifically bookatrack at Brands Hatch or Spa. Thanks Croc and have fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcarguy Posted September 9, 2019 Share Posted September 9, 2019 You post at 5pm Eastern and you only just woke up? Hello? Good morning? What did you do last night? Picky, picky...just let me have my moment. :cuss: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted September 14, 2019 Author Share Posted September 14, 2019 (edited) The hotel receptionist says it is a wonderful summer day here in Anglesey, Wales - gale force winds, 40s, spray coming past my hotel window horizontally, white caps on Treaddur Bay but it is sunny... I suppose she is right in relative terms.... NEW Lotus 7 S2 https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1256976/1964-lotus-super-seven-for-sale-in-beverly-hills-california-90210 and here https://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-Lotus-Super-Seven/223653636043?hash=item3412cba7cb:g:IRUAAOSwbzpdcqDW and here https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/super-seven/2315081.html REPEATS Caterham http://britauto.com/portfolio-view/2000-caterham/ Caterham SV http://britauto.com/portfolio-view/201216-nos-caterham-sv-roadsport/ Super Seven Sports Car/Fejer http://sodo-moto.com/listings/super-seven-2tg/ Birkin http://sodo-moto.com/listings/1990-birkin-seven-so-cal/ Birkin http://sodo-moto.com/listings/1991-birkin-seven/ and here https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/d/seattle-1991-birkin-super-7-sprint/6969902594.html Lotus 7 S2 and Lotus 7 S4 project http://www.taylormadeclassiccars.com/vehiclesforsale.html Caterham SCCA https://www.wirewheel.com/2001-Caterham-race-car-for-sale.html Caterham Hayabusa SV http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/other/1458694360/1458694360ss.htm Lotus 7 S2 http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/lotus/1557321710/1557321710ss.htm Stalker http://www.race-cars.com/carsales/lotus/1437589044/1437589044ss.htm Caterham SV https://vintageracecarsales.com/portfolio-view/2013-caterham-seven-480/ Lotus 7 S1 https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/lotus/7/2099394.html Stalker https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/lotus/7/2167534.html Caterham https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/d/el-verano-lotus-caterham-super-7/6975207074.html CANADA Caterham https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/markham-york-region/rare-1992-caterham-super-7-hpc-edition-lhd/1457842919?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true Caterham https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/oakville-halton-region/lotus-caterham-super-7/1454204099?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true Caterham https://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camions/sherbrooke-qc/caterham-super-7-sylver-jubilee-1982/1410777802?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true Wolf 7 https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1436702029 Replica https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1448981191 MCC7 (Fejer) project https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1432118799 Edited September 14, 2019 by Croc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted September 15, 2019 Author Share Posted September 15, 2019 No more updates, just planting ideas... Starting from next year, those in the USA can import the Mitusoka Type Zero. Those in Canada already can. No its not a WW2 fighter plane - its a seven It has a 1.8L Mazda version of the Duratec. So respectable power through a Mazda Miata 5 speed box. I particularly like the sign for numpties on the manifold saying "hot" duh! It has a nicely finished off and equipped boot area. I do like how they tire shined the tread of the spare wheel... And the interior is particularly well finished off. Driver and passenger side airbags is a novel touch in a car where there is no impact protection for the fleshy stuff above the waist. Price is about where decent similar era Caterhams are going for these days, albeit LHD rather than RHD. The quality of its presentation is similar to the Superformance S1 which were well finished off. And its for sale now if you need immediate gratification. Ad is here if you wish to know more about this seven replica not traditionally this side of the Pacific ocean (or Atlantic if you go the wrong way around) https://www.tradecarview.com/used_car/mitsuoka/zero+1/24900834/?isNew=1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
11Budlite Posted September 15, 2019 Share Posted September 15, 2019 It has a 1.8L Mazda version of the Duratec. So respectable power through a Mazda Miata 5 speed box. Just a small point, but the engine appears to be 1.8 engine (BP designation) from the 1994-2005 NA8/NB Miatas with a cast iron block and aluminum head. The later Duratec/MZR engines were produced in 2.0/2.3/2.5 sizes with the 2.0 being used in the 2006-2015 Miatas as well as Caterhams. As you know, these had aluminum blocks and heads. Interesting vehicle the Zero 1. I've seen them briefly over the years but never paid much attention. I wonder if they use the Miata rear IRS as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panamericano Posted September 15, 2019 Share Posted September 15, 2019 " And the interior is particularly well finished off. Driver and passenger side airbags is a novel touch in a car where there is no impact protection for the fleshy stuff above the waist. Forget the airbags. It looks like it could use AIR CONDITIONING !!! Still 98 f in Big D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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