Fraser 7

[Esprit]

Roger., the Saab 99 engine IS a triumph engine.... in fact, EVERY saab engine from that era to the late '80s was an evolution thereof.... basically, Saab used Triumph Dolomite/TR7 engines in their cars built under license from triumph.... I think in the early cars like the '99 there was almost no difference apart from the labelling (and of course the turbo in the turbo).... it's entirely possible that if you were really keen you could retro fit a lateish saab 900 Turbo engine into a Dolly, although by that stage they (saab) were using the engine back-to-front in the engine bay!

[kylie]

Caaamooon wheres ya picture of the Fraser? I wanna see it!

[jamieheasman]

It wasn't coincidence that I mentioned a Saab in my post! Esprit is correct (as usual) for some bizarre reason Saab thought the Dolly lump was a good one! I had an 1850HL and I can tell you the combination of an iron-block, ally heads and a tendency to overheat did that car no favours. Much like the Stag really, great concept, nice engine, crap development! Still, at least Saab sorted it out.

I'd still reaaaally like a nice Dolly Sprint though - it would go well with my 2002Tii - German efficiency vs British unreliability. One thing I will say for the Dolly, it was a hell of a nice place to sit (and wait for the AA man!).

[Esprit]

Moi? right as usual? You must just catch me on good days guv! hehe the Triumph Slant 4 / Stag V8 are fantastic engines, they just got to be put together right, but like most brit stuff in the last few dacades, it wasn't..... and it's not an engine that tolerates shoddy build..... screw one together right and it'll last and last and last, throw it together and it'll warp heads til the cows come home.... a great engine.... when they're working..... and yes WE WANT PICS OF THE FRASER!

[Roger A]

www.autopoint.co.nz/DesktopDefault.aspx?UsedCarID=556321&TabID=5755&Alias=autopointnz

This is by way of a photo Kylie as I am a computer moron and have no idea how to print a photo of it(or anything) in one of these replies.

[Roger A]

God, you guys must think i'm gullible. Next you'll be telling me that Rover v8 motors are actually buickkxxxzzzz (go on, you will, won't you?)

[esprit]

Roger you barsterward!...... posting images like that will make me doubt I'm doing the right thing by taking what can be best described as one of Britain's most unloved sportscars and fitting one of the most kickass light-alloy V8 engines on god's green earth.... NO....NO..... I WILL LISTEN TO THE VOICES IN MY HEAD!

Good on ya mate, you're gonna have a helluva lotta fun

[Roger A]

it's interesting the conversations you get into with people when they see you driving something interesting.
-talked to my local butcher down in Wet-smear today, who told me that his mate built a 7 replica here in Ak with 440 bhp and 4wd! -and i thought mine was quick!

[kylie]

Nice car Roger, the 2L ones are very quick, seemed a bargin price too. Your visits to the petrol station will become be a novelty at first with so much attention, but then comes a right pain in the @rse, especially since you will always be in a rush now!!!!

[Roger A]

actually, I now have a terrible problem. in those spare hours do I go Mountain-biking, take my fizzboat out or just go for a drive in my new toy. life is so complicated. (snort)

Yes Kylie you're right about price-i certainly didn't bother haggling with them-i put a deposit on it without seeing it and just secured it ahead of a keen local in tauranga-. it seems even more ludicrously cheap when you look at the caterham site and see cars going for over 100k nz -ok they're a little different from the Fraser but not THAT much.

[kylie]

You know what you have to do now......hand your 50 bucks over to join Club Lotus The 7's guys are right into it and the scene is very friendly.