Bound to cause arguments this one!!
It seems most people are of the opinion that like most things in life there is some kind of hierarchy in the seven style car world. ie some are more desirable, better made, more reliable, prettier etc etc than others.
I am guessing (not being an expert) that Caterham would come top followed by maybe Westfield or even Dax??
Would anyone like to put their view on a list of names? Stuart Taylor, Tiger, Robin Hood, Sylva, Locost, Locust, Dax, Caterham, Westfield, MK, GKD, Quantum, Formula 27, MNR, Luego, Raw, GBS, any others???
CKC magazine did a review on all the 7 type cars in a add on magazine at the start of the year, They covered pretty much everything from cost, how easy to build, how easy it is to get parts & value for money etc.
I will try to find it as I know I still have it somewhere.
I think the only difference is how much you spend on the build quality & the spec of the car to be honest as you can get really good & really bad versions of all of them. :)
I was trying to get my comments in first but Colin beat me to it and summed it up well.
Most of the marque's listed (and others – there are about 40 variants!) are represented on the forum, So I will annoy someone.
Caterham – they may be the best and are consistently the lightest but they can't give you twice as much fun as a Westfield and 4 times as much as a Locost but they will cost you that.
Westfield – My default recommendation for all applications – subject to equipment fitted.
And the rest in no particular order
Striker – almost as light as a Caterham and ideal as a track day car
Birkin – The most wonderful recreation of the S3 7. Expensive but worth it - Keep it unmodified.
Dax Rush – Heavy and over engineered except for the most powerful engines.
Locost – some of the nicest cars to come my way
Haynes – update of the above – highly suited to home builder with room to adapt basic design/donor
Aries – professionally built Locost also Stuart Taylor, MK Indy ect ect. All very nice and often from racing background. Also in this group is the MNR from Haynes basics
Quantum Extreme – Virtually impossible to adjust and modify – Stainless steel can be heavy but not weighed one. They appear to roll excessively at the Llandow track Day.
GBS Legend – BMW donor so easy to interchange parts - Heavy but powerful
CC Cyclone – an exceptional answer to the all round car
MEV – Something for everyone but MX 5 derivatives will be nose heavy due to donor engine/driver placement and wheelbase
All the rest – Depends entirely on the quality of the build, its intended use, donor parts and cost.
I have an interest in the Sylva Leader and was offered one recently for £400 but it has Viva running gear. I have failed to complete the rebuild/update of mine over about 15 years so I applaud ALL builders and owners for their work, enthusiasm and commitment to the movement.
Don't forget the Racecorp LA Roadster, might not be the prettiest but handles like a dream.
Rivsy
Wow!!! Great replies, thanks guys!
I have never seen a CC Cyclone so just looked that one up and not heard of the LA Roadster before but just managed to find one for auction via google!
http://www.barons-auctions.com/details.php?ID=6512
And have not heard mention of a Viva in years! My dad used to have one many moons ago. Didn't even know there was a 7 style kit based on it's running gear Dave.
Canber Dave good review.
Not sure Caterham are always the lightest. Wesfield have produced the lightest seven at 400Kgs.
Just sticking up for Westfield as I have an FW400 ;D the carbon chassis is a peach :-*
I just have a mid-range spec MK Indy Fireblade.. Had it four years now and Im more than happy with it :D Yes Im sure a Westfield is better built and handles a little better but at a cost.. I can afford to up-grade but why when this MK always puts a smile on my face.. And its under 480kg ;D
Quote from: Facial Hair Optional on 19, July, 2015, 12:39:43 AM
Wow!!! Great replies, thanks guys!
I have never seen a CC Cyclone so just looked that one up
Oh dear Gaffer... ::) Looks like you need to get out more. :P
8)
Quote from: Bulldog Bri on 19, July, 2015, 09:23:49 AM
Quote from: Facial Hair Optional on 19, July, 2015, 12:39:43 AM
Wow!!! Great replies, thanks guys!
I have never seen a CC Cyclone so just looked that one up
Oh dear Gaffer... ::) Looks like you need to get out more. :P
8)
;D Just realised, it's on the 2015 calendar!!! I would love to see it for real though Gaffer please!
I think we have 3 in the club. :)
Yes 3 or 10% of all of those still in existence!
Quote from: Iancider on 19, July, 2015, 06:39:52 PM
Yes 3 or 105 of all of those still in existence!
I think you may mean 10% Ian???
Yes 10% as above ;D