I've test-driven these a couple of occasions, and they are very capable (even the 'lesser' models). There are a variety of small dealers in the USA, and as noted they can be street registered as kit cars.

More outrageous models (try R500 evo) will trounce just about any street-legal car, except on fastest tracks (they are not very aerodynamic). Try Carrera GT fast for 15% of the price

Talked to a guy a couple of years ago who said he brought a car to Street of Willow with Ferrari club, and was asked politely not to return -- he was embarrassing the 360s rather badly with a 180 hp Ford engine

They are anything but comfortable, however. They make an Elise seem like a Caddy. 4-Wheel motorcycle is about right.

Used, they hold reasonable value due to rarity. There's a group in Texas that always seems to have a few for sale, I think (British Auto Specialists, maybe?). I'd love one, but only as a weekend street toy. Or maybe if they had a good club race series, as they do in the UK

Put this on the list of things to do before you die: drive along the Cote d'Azure in one of these babies, wearing leathers and white silk scarf.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1164847589.jpg

look at that 0-60! :D LOL
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/53044/caterham_seven_csr_260_racer.html

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/65826/caterham_c400.html

Who cares about comfortable? Not even the craziest bastard in the best climate would use a Caterham as a daily driver. It is a fun, fair-weather car and nothing more.

My Father-in-laws Lotus (Birkin) Super 7
It's a super fun little car!
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1164860770.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1164860800.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1164860824.jpg
It lives in Japan. He drives it like it was meant to be driven. It corners amazing and is a very minimal and raw driving experience!! :)

I would kill to have this real Seven!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1963-Lotus-S2-Super-Seven_W0QQitemZ330054011741QQihZ014QQcategoryZ6312 QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

for folks in Canada
 

http://www.caterham7.net/


Price range in CDN $ 47,000-75,000

OUCH!

Very VERY nice. Looks like the seller also has a Ferrari.

sounds like a good father in law. nice car. not sure but i think i'd want a lotus over the caterham... but i guess they're practically the same.... anyone know the differences?

The Caterham is a modernized replica of the Lotus Seven. The Caterham is the exact same design, but the drivetrain, suspension, and brakes are all modern technology - which technically makes the Caterham "better" but not authentic.

My understanding is their are several companies who build 'modern' cars based on the design of the original Lotus Super 7. My father-in-laws is a Birkin:
http://www.birkindirect.com/history.aspx
with a Lotus badge on the front.
Caterham is maybe the largest-well known manufacturer of the Lotus type car?

check out the folks at www.rst-v8.com I need one in a L7

there was a video of a L7 on their site a while ago, it was on an open track day EVERYTHING else was SLOW

I'll disagree. Graham Nearn bought the rights for Seven production from Colin Chapman back in '73, when Chapman wanted to take Lotus upmarket. The only stipulation was that Nearn couldn't use the Lotus name. Since his dealership/shop was located in Caterham Hill, Nearn dubbed the car Caterham. The car has evolved since they began production in '73, but it is still an *authentic* Seven. It's not a replica at all; but a continuation.

Caterham have the rights to the Seven name, shape and logo. They bought them off Lotus, they used to be a main Lotus service agent and decided that they didn't want to stop selling Sevens when Lotus stopped making them.

Westfield and Dax both biuld very good Seven rivals and are both very similar in appearance and construction and are highly regarded other "sevenalikes" are not so well recieved.

Westfield have recently laucnched a seven kit based on Mazda MX5/Miata/Eunos Roadster running gear, if this becomes available in the US it will be well worth considering as it provides a pretty authentic Seven experience at an honest price.

Interesting points, guys. I didn't know that.

there's a guy right next to the NER autocross sight in Ayer MA that imports these and builds to spec. I've seen a few of his machines and they are impressive. The lightweight would be a blast around the cones.

This is the one that I'm lusting after at the moment. I love the 911, and it has been an awesome car. I keep thinking I'll either move up to a 993 (but I hate to sell the '88) or have one of these "7's" join it in the garage.

~13K for the kit.
Flyin' Miata: The Westfield