Seven based car

[Eric Mc]

I hope you don't think I came across like that. I thought I was being fair to other Seven type cars - especially Westfields as they have played their small part in keeping the concept alive too.

It often seems to me that is the non-Caterham owners who display the greatest sensitivity over their cars, rather than the opposite.

I have attended many Seven Club meetings over the years and on quite a few occasions non-Sevens have turned up. I have NEVER seen any examples of snobbery or disdain being displayed - only interest in the other car and curiosity as to how they might differ from a Caterham.

But facts are facts, and it is true that from 1966 to 1982, it was Graham Nearn who almost single handedly kept the Seven going. In my mind, he is even more of a hero than Colin Chapman - who always had a rather ambiguous atitude to his creation.

Edited by Eric Mc on Tuesday 1st May 07:38

[juansolo]

No I didn't and indeed *thumbs up* Almost all people I've met who run kit cars at track days aren't snobby at all, in fact quite the opposite (usually very chatty and helpful). It seems a purely internet based thing. When actually outside and playing with thier toys there's a great comraderie. Lets face it, you have to be a bit tapped to think that running around in a car based on a 50's design, that has no doors or windows is actually a good idea.

Edited by juansolo on Tuesday 1st May 10:45

[Eric Mc]

You are probably right in that assessment.

Lots of people are "brave" when they are arguing over their keyboards. They adopt a different atitude when confronted with an actual person - especially if the person is the right dimensions for a Westfield SEight or Caterham SV

[RobM77]

Mark Hales (a driver and journo I have massive respect for) always thought that Caterhams were over-priced. He's changed his mind now though after doing a feature for Circuit Driver magazine where he drove about ten different Lotus 7 replicas and the Caterham (R300) back to back. Not only was the Caterham 2 seconds faster than anything else (despite having less power than most of the others), it was also much better to drive (mainly handling, steering feel and progression). Aesthetically, they're far better finished as well. I'm no badge snob, but the plain truth is: save up and go for a Caterham.