Outright thrills

[Ken_Code]

I’ve posted a few threads about switching round and slimming down what’s inadvertently become a collection of cars, and I’m now wondering if there’s another direction to go in for the “fun” part.

I’m extremely fortunate to have a McLaren 650s, Emira and GR Yaris for high days and holidays, but all three are still a bit sensible.

I enjoy motorbikes, which of course have none of the comforts of these cars, so if what I want is just a major step up in weather protection then what’s the most fun on four wheels?

[smokey mow]

Caterham /Westfield

[cerb4.5lee]

Fun is obviously subjective, but what about something like a Caterham?

[Ken_Code]

cerb4.5lee said:

Fun is obviously subjective, but what about something like a Caterham?

That’s the direction my first thoughts were going in; what’s the top of the pile if I want to be able to drive it on the roads without a helmet and fuel it at normal petrol stations?

[Zarco]

Get one with a windscreen if you don't want to wear a helmet.

[EastStand]

Caterham 620S……more performance than you’ll ever need.

[fttm]

Pay a visit to Motorsport Tools up in Powys ,sure they can accommodate you .

[cerb4.5lee]

Ken_Code said:

cerb4.5lee said:

Fun is obviously subjective, but what about something like a Caterham?

That’s the direction my first thoughts were going in; what’s the top of the pile if I want to be able to drive it on the roads without a helmet and fuel it at normal petrol stations?

There are so many to choose from with varying levels of performance, and as mentioned you can get them with a windscreen or without.

I enjoy browsing the classifieds and seeing the different models/specs of them.

[sjc]

You might think that it’s a bit similar to your Emira in its role… it’s not.


There’s a couple of crackers for sale on the FB forum at the moment.

[Ken_Code]

sjc said:

You might think that it’s a bit similar to your Emira in its role… it’s not.


There’s a couple of crackers for sale on the FB forum at the moment.

Is it much better than my McLaren in terms of driving joy?

I’ve not tried one, but thought they’d be similar-ish.

[sjc]

Ken_Code said:

Is it much better than my McLaren in terms of driving joy?

I’ve not tried one, but thought they’d be similar-ish.

I’ve thought of going the Mc route many times but I just can’t bring myself to sell ( like many long term owners). It’s plenty quick enough ( those that run circa 450-470 bhp are pretty much 600lt quick at real world hoon speeds,other than the gear changes), its size is absolutely perfect for a B road blast,no driver aids whatsoever but it’s got air con to make it useable. Never gonna be a Macca,bit it’s never trying to be,it’s simply the pure joy of lightweight,grip and balance. Probably worth driving a couple,and it’s certainly a bloody lovely position for you to be in !

[paulmnz]

Ken_Code said:

I’ve posted a few threads about switching round and slimming down what’s inadvertently become a collection of cars, and I’m now wondering if there’s another direction to go in for the “fun” part.

I’m extremely fortunate to have a McLaren 650s, Emira and GR Yaris for high days and holidays, but all three are still a bit sensible.

I enjoy motorbikes, which of course have none of the comforts of these cars, so if what I want is just a major step up in weather protection then what’s the most fun on four wheels?

I bought a group A 1990s rally car... 4WD, short ratio sequential gearbox, anti-lag with 477ft/lbs (mapped on 95 supermarket rubbish fuel - quite a bit more on 102 octane). its running a 34mm restrictor plate so peak power and torque is about 2700rpm so it's very unique to drive, like a very powerful diesel but with instant throttle response (proper anti-lag is ridiculous)

funnily enough, there is nothing faster on a b-road that I have been in or driven (including a caterham 620r and ferrari f12). the suspension is quite soft but incredible dampening. gearing is about 120mph at the limiter in 5th so you spend most of your time shifting gears (flat-shift with a sequential is pretty brutal).

The noise (straight cut gears, turbo flutter, anti-lag) and the shear brutality of the power delivery certainly wakes you up.

for outright thrills, I'd say it ticks the box....

[sjc]

paulmnz said:

Ken_Code said:

I’ve posted a few threads about switching round and slimming down what’s inadvertently become a collection of cars, and I’m now wondering if there’s another direction to go in for the “fun” part.

I’m extremely fortunate to have a McLaren 650s, Emira and GR Yaris for high days and holidays, but all three are still a bit sensible.

I enjoy motorbikes, which of course have none of the comforts of these cars, so if what I want is just a major step up in weather protection then what’s the most fun on four wheels?

I bought a group A 1990s rally car... 4WD, short ratio sequential gearbox, anti-lag with 477ft/lbs (mapped on 95 supermarket rubbish fuel - quite a bit more on 102 octane). its running a 34mm restrictor plate so peak power and torque is about 2700rpm so it's very unique to drive, like a very powerful diesel but with instant throttle response (proper anti-lag is ridiculous)

funnily enough, there is nothing faster on a b-road that I have been in or driven (including a caterham 620r and ferrari f12). the suspension is quite soft but incredible dampening. gearing is about 120mph at the limiter in 5th so you spend most of your time shifting gears (flat-shift with a sequential is pretty brutal).

The noise (straight cut gears, turbo flutter, anti-lag) and the shear brutality of the power delivery certainly wakes you up.

for outright thrills, I'd say it ticks the box....

Love this …

[Ken_Code]

paulmnz said:

I bought a group A 1990s rally car... 4WD, short ratio sequential gearbox, anti-lag with 477ft/lbs (mapped on 95 supermarket rubbish fuel - quite a bit more on 102 octane). its running a 34mm restrictor plate so peak power and torque is about 2700rpm so it's very unique to drive, like a very powerful diesel but with instant throttle response (proper anti-lag is ridiculous)

funnily enough, there is nothing faster on a b-road that I have been in or driven (including a caterham 620r and ferrari f12). the suspension is quite soft but incredible dampening. gearing is about 120mph at the limiter in 5th so you spend most of your time shifting gears (flat-shift with a sequential is pretty brutal).

The noise (straight cut gears, turbo flutter, anti-lag) and the shear brutality of the power delivery certainly wakes you up.

for outright thrills, I'd say it ticks the box....

Where do you get one of those from?

[Tvrtastic911]

Another vote for Caterham. Press the red button for dopamine, right pedal for adrenaline.

[Zarco]

Tvrtastic911 said:

Another vote for Caterham. Press the red button for dopamine, right pedal for adrenaline.

Dare say you don't need a 620 superfandango version either.

[CG2020UK]

Quite a spread there so be interesting which one you actually find most fun?

How about something really small and (relatively for you) cheap like an UP GTI/208 GTI/Fiesta ST.

Something you don’t really have to be to precious about and can just abuse might be perfect. Almost like when you abuse a rental car or a work van.

[Ken_Code]

I love the Up Gti, but my GR Yaris gives me similar fun to that already.

[200Plus Club]

Gardner Douglas T70
https://www.gdcars.com/product-page/gd-t70-red

500bhp, 900kg, proper chassis/brakes/suspension and a whacking great LS3/LS6 behind you. Hold value remarkably we'll, fully road legal.

[740EVTORQUES]

If you want super bike thrills but a bit more protection without going too far then

Ariel Atom
Caterham
BAC Mono