xcarguy Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 I like the line in one of the ads that touts "tons of carbon fiber", on a car that weighs just over half a ton. Picky, picky. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Certified Lotus Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 I'm smiling 'cause I find Croc's comments to be spot on! He has the knowledge, experience and insights to provide his commentary with accuracy and just a bit of attitude that is usually well deserved. Keep it up Croc, your keeping everybody honest! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
traveler501 Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 At the risk of hijacking this excellent thread, I noticed Mike/Croc's comment about "paid members" on the previous page. I find this site useful and would be happy to contribute, but after 10 mins (maybe it's just me) can't find anywhere to pay dues. Perhaps others would like to know as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcarguy Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 At the risk of hijacking this excellent thread . . . . can't find anywhere to pay dues. Perhaps others would like to know as well? traveler, you won't hijack this thread...it (thanks to Croc) always defaults back to fleabay and craig's. As for how to become a paid club member (no, I'm not one...nothing for sale) send a pm to slngshot (admin). He can direct you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 At the risk of hijacking this excellent thread, I noticed Mike/Croc's comment about "paid members" on the previous page. I find this site useful and would be happy to contribute, but after 10 mins (maybe it's just me) can't find anywhere to pay dues. Perhaps others would like to know as well? Click on Settings at the top of the page. Near the bottom on the left you will find Paid Subscriptions. Click on it to make payment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advaitin Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Following up on the discussion re Croc's insights and, in my opinion, well-placed humor, I bought a car through Craigslist which Mike had likened to a dune buggy (and no wonder...it was sitting on 22s). Once it's a bit further along, I intend to post some photos, and I look forward to some good natured ribbing. I especially want to speak for all of us by expressing appreciation for Croc's ongoing service in researching and posting so many fascinating cars and occasionally making useful and entertaining comments. A highlight of every weekend! Many thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmustang Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Following up on the discussion re Croc's insights and, in my opinion, well-placed humor, I bought a car through Craigslist which Mike had likened to a dune buggy (and no wonder...it was sitting on 22s). Once it's a bit further along, I intend to post some photos, and I look forward to some good natured ribbing. I especially want to speak for all of us by expressing appreciation for Croc's ongoing service in researching and posting so many fascinating cars and occasionally making useful and entertaining comments. A highlight of every weekend! Many thanks! You should have kept the Miata Bill S. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panamericano Posted October 15, 2015 Share Posted October 15, 2015 Previously on USA7s: http://www.usa7s.net/vb/images/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by Advaitin http://www.usa7s.net/vb/images/buttons/viewpost-right.png Following up on the discussion re Croc's insights and, in my opinion, well-placed humor, I bought a car through Craigslist which Mike had likened to a dune buggy (and no wonder...it was sitting on 22s). Once it's a bit further along, I intend to post some photos, and I look forward to some good natured ribbing. I especially want to speak for all of us by expressing appreciation for Croc's ongoing service in researching and posting so many fascinating cars and occasionally making useful and entertaining comments. A highlight of every weekend! Many thanks! You should have kept the Miata Thant's what my wife says. "You should have kept the Miata ", but without the smiley face. And about the good natured ribbing, I may work up to posting my old, (#410), shop-worn Birkin photos some day. Be gentle, lads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollywood2311 Posted October 15, 2015 Share Posted October 15, 2015 Blue Stalker near Dallas, Texas. http://easttexas.craigslist.org/cto/5241471454.html http://images.craigslist.org/00x0x_elvAiyD6F3r_600x450.jpg *drool* Hm, stocks aren't doing worth a crap in my 401k. Meanwhile, I pay myself 4% if I take a loan from it.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advaitin Posted October 15, 2015 Share Posted October 15, 2015 "You should have kept the miata." Miata vs. Seven: can we see a show of hands! To be clear, Bill, it is largely your fault (or to your credit) that I was overtaken by seven fever...again. What's a guy to do? And though this behemoth doesn't qualify as a true seven, it may be as close as I ever get. We shouldn't be expected to behave rationally where sevens are involved! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted October 15, 2015 Share Posted October 15, 2015 My hand us up. I kept the Miata and have added another one since getting the Caterham although I am considering selling one of the Miatas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted October 15, 2015 Author Share Posted October 15, 2015 I bought a car through Craigslist which Mike had likened to a dune buggy (and no wonder...it was sitting on 22s). I vaguely recall the comment but not the car and for some reason the search is not producing a post where I said dune buggy. All I hope if that you bought the right car at a fair price and you are chucking the 22s for something more reasonable....unless you are now offloading it? :jester: BTW I think dune buggies have a rightful place in life as the second most important alternative usage of a beetle. The first would be crushing... I am considering selling one of the Miatas. I bet the car classifieds in Hairdresser Monthly is more bitchy than this forum or even me? :troll: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
traveler501 Posted October 15, 2015 Share Posted October 15, 2015 Just a couple things quick…thanks to scannon for the subscription advice (clearly dementia is setting in, not sure how I missed that!). Also, FWIW I love my Miata and have had one non-stop since 1990…but the most fun of all is alternating between it and my TR6. I continue to dream of adding a 7 to the rotation sometime soon (!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MPG Posted October 15, 2015 Share Posted October 15, 2015 My Miata is for when I actually have to get somewhere. The British ones are for days when either getting somewhere, or spending a few hours fixing something by the side of the road would be good. They complement each other that way. I tell people that the Miata is my "sensible car". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmustang Posted October 15, 2015 Share Posted October 15, 2015 "You should have kept the miata." Miata vs. Seven: can we see a show of hands! To be clear, Bill, it is largely your fault (or to your credit) that I was overtaken by seven fever...again. What's a guy to do? And though this behemoth doesn't qualify as a true seven, it may be as close as I ever get. We shouldn't be expected to behave rationally where sevens are involved! I'd apologize and say I was sorry, but you know I'm not.......LOL!!!!!!! On a serious side, if you ever need a hand, let me know. although I am considering selling one of the Miatas. Which one and how much :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted October 15, 2015 Share Posted October 15, 2015 Which one and how much :D The '92 Sunburst Yellow car. Hard to price because of all the modifications I've made over the last 18 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NVP66S Posted October 15, 2015 Share Posted October 15, 2015 I had a Mercedes SLK before getting the 7 bug. Then I bought a Miata as a donor for the Westfield and loved it so much that I traded my SLK for another Miata. So now my big, heavy comfortable car is a Miata and my even more fun car is the seven. I do not miss the SLK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrorider Posted October 16, 2015 Share Posted October 16, 2015 That is interesting. I sold my Miata and bought a SLK. For me the SLK is a better cruiser. Does not corner as well as the Miata, but has better acceleration. I still want to buy a 7 though. I have wanted a 7 since 1968. I think a Caterham Supersprint would suit me well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted October 18, 2015 Author Share Posted October 18, 2015 For some reason, Searchbot fell over last night and screwed up the results. Nothing from Hemmings today, probably because I insulted them as slow last week. But you can look Hemmings up directly - just remember to google any dealers for quality feedback issues as there is always at least one on there. Kansas City lotus 7 clone with 347 V8 asking $14500 OBO http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/5228239176.html The purple Westfield in Tulsa is still out there asking $19950 http://tulsa.craigslist.org/cto/5249878334.html Westfield Lotus 11 replica surfaced in GA in battleship gray. I think I prefer them with the rear fin for stability (I guess it went fast enough to need it?). Dealer asking $30900 http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/ctd/5264198367.html Superformance S1 in blue in Rhode Island back again asking $25000. I am sort of surprised this has not sold as it looks great and these are quite accomplished cars quality built. http://southcoast.craigslist.org/cto/5226272058.html Locost project. Mustang engine but I guess it was the 4 cyl version for this one. Still a project and needs work. Asking $7000 http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/5258765934.html Now this looks like a good deal. Stalker race car. 3.8L V6 SC. Looks very well sorted. Clearly not ever going to be a road car but could be. The driver is my style of guy as you can see in the photo of him chasing an open wheeler on track. I would say first job after acquiring it is reprofiling or moving the rear tire guards so that it does not slice open your wide slicks - first photo shows the risk well! Easy job. Asking $15000 which I think is very fair for a track weapon. http://neworleans.craigslist.org/cto/5263210494.html Stalker V6 from TX is back. Road car and looks pretty. Asking $24000 http://easttexas.craigslist.org/cto/5241471454.html its back at $25000....again... http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/5266389898.html Another back again - clone chassis at $4850. Now if it were an Arch chassis then I would be more interested. http://huntsville.craigslist.org/cto/5238209056.html Now here is a new ad - a Locost in AZ. Nicely presented. Lots of attention to details. I love the wood trim detailing around the trunk/boot area. I would remove the foam off the roll bar - make it black. I would also move the fuses, currently beautifully position to attack knuckles as they reach for a gear. Its got the Cologne V6 which I remember as a bit of a dog of an engine when standard in an old Ford Capri (the UK/European version) but once it was allowed to breathe better plus the seller has dropped an SC on it then I bet it rips ladies knickers off real quick. Asking $16000 http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/5268639852.html Now slightly off the wall but here is a Berrien Sand Buggy with a 2.5L Subaru engine. Its like a seven with a rear engine. Suspension so you don't break your back when you go off road and jumping humps. Asking $8250 http://littlerock.craigslist.org/cto/5232171808.html 40th anniversary Caterham. 1600cc crossflow. In BRG/yellow combination. Nicely detailed. Not sure about the chrome roll bar - chroming supposedly weakens it so just don't crash if you buy it (although I am the first to admit it looks pretty). At a dealer in CA Current bid $26500 with reserve not met and 14 hours to run http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replica-Kit-Makes-Classic-40th-Anniversary-Super-7-LOTUS-7-/321888101105?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4af206a2f1:g:aKMAAOSwKsRWFrtq&item=321888101105 Another crossflow seven from the same dealer as the 40th anniversary one above. 1988 Caterham 1700cc crossflow. Bidding at $25k with 14 hours to run and reserve not met. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replica-Kit-Makes-DE-DION-LONG-COCKPIT-SUPER-SPRINT-1700cc-LOTUS-7-/321888100201?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4af2069f69:g:bjoAAOSw~bFWFr4c&item=321888100201 1972 Lotus 7 S4. I recognize these are an acquired taste but I quite like them in certain colors - this being one. 17000 original miles. 1600cc crossflow. It looks so fresh in the photos I would say it is a recent restoration but the dealer text does state the fiberglass has patina so that just demonstrates never believe a photo. I guess it is an older restoration? That interior looks new except for the gauges which have pitting on the chrome bezels so I bet they are original and S4 dashes were actually quite durable so it is likely the original. Not sure why the cowl is black? The ones I have seen have all been body color. I also see touches of overspray in black underneath but not sure if that was just from when it was being touched up for sale or something older? Either way - if you want to buy then go see it and inspect. I would love to know the back history to this and whether the car comes with any documentation. Buy it now at $44995 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Super-Seven-S4-/272019029475?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3f5598fde3:g:8KMAAOSwYHxWIlKK&item=272019029475 And forum member Cmaxcliff is selling his 2003 Caterham SV in PA. Polished ali with green highlights looks great Originally a CA car with I guess a zetec (look for the patched exhaust hole) now with a 2.3L Duratec from SBD in the UK with a claimed 235hp. SBD have a well known reputation for Caterham engines and Caterham ECUs. They are also not cheap. T9 5 speed. Some photos on this forum show it with 17 inch wagon wheels which Cmax has changed out for some tasteful looking minilites. Very clever looking side mirror solution which I would love to see and try in person - very clean approach. Clearly a well maintained car although I am not sure the ad photos do it justice - dull day with some out of focus photos. Starting bid is $38k and buy it now is $45k with 3 days to run. It is stated that it is no reserve which makes sense at that starting bid. Car is in PA. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replica-Kit-Makes-Caterham-Lotus-7-SV-235hp-Duratec-DeDion-5-Speed-/262093705250?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3d06009022:g:MdAAAOSw5VFWHn4W&item=262093705250 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted October 18, 2015 Author Share Posted October 18, 2015 Who is feeling brave and looking for an alternative source of cheaper sevens? Well what about looking in Japan. Here is one likely option: https://www.tradecarview.com/used_car/japan%20car/lotus/lotus+others/16601945/ Asking $19k, its 1988 Caterham so over 25 years old and ok for the US. Crossflow. Nicely presented. Add a couple of thousand for delivery from Japan using a RoRo and import duties/fees (seems to be less than $2500). Downside is that it is RHD but I don't see that as an issue. But I hear you say thats a lot to pay for an 1980s crossflow - despite its detailing is very good but....you might be right so what about this next one? https://www.tradecarview.com/used_car/japan%20car/lotus/lotus+others/15882705/ Asking $21k, another beautifully looked after Japanese car. 1985 Caterham so over 25 years old and ok for the US. This has a little surprise - a genuine BD under the bonnet. Not sure what spec but how many times have you seen one of these engines offered? Last one I saw was decently into the $30s on Lemmings. I would take a $5k+ discount for an RHD car any day. I know enough people who have had purchased through this site with no issues. All have expressed some concern buying sight unseen but it all worked out despite the communication/language difficulties. There are others listed - 4 Birkins, 4 Caterhams and even one of these: Not sure what it is but its a 1995 so not eligible for the US but could make it to Canada. Shipping offered is usually done via RoRo. No I am not imitating Scooby Doo but referring to Roll On Roll Off vessels. Not ideal if there is anything loose to be shipped as that will be stolen more likely than not. The shipping is cheap that way as no crating or containers needed. So I have always been told it works out around $2-2.5k for shipping, duties, inspection, insurance, etc. So long as you get a copy of the former owner registration papers, pay for a Engrish translation then that along with your US importation paperwork would be sufficient to register it. Worst case you need a bonded title for $350-450 area for 3 years. Japan is Birkin's second largest market so there must be lots of them lurking around to find? Happy hunting! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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