Harper or a Birkin?
Discussion
I've never driven in South Africa and have only seen a Birkin up close , but in the UK the Harper would get stuck on the first speed hump encountered.
If it's mainly for road use I would have thought the Birkin was the one to go for, and with a screen you could fit a half hood to keep the sun off you.
If mainly track use, then the Harper is rather more aerodynamic so probably faster given the same engine.
If it's mainly for road use I would have thought the Birkin was the one to go for, and with a screen you could fit a half hood to keep the sun off you.
If mainly track use, then the Harper is rather more aerodynamic so probably faster given the same engine.
I first came into contact with the Birkin when they won their case against Caterham cars. It was a follow on from the Westfield case settled out of court. Being an avid fan and builder of Kit Cars for]well over 40 years I study such details in some depth. It makes interesting winter reading!
Birkin really stopped Caterham in their tracks. The decision meant any future litigation on the copyright of the Seven was doomed to failure unless wholesale copying of body parts took place. No such passing off litigation has been pursued so far as I know, since.
The Birkin is an exceptionally well built and well designed car. I would definitely choose Birkin over most other Sevens including Westfield and Caterham. They are that much better.
Birkin really stopped Caterham in their tracks. The decision meant any future litigation on the copyright of the Seven was doomed to failure unless wholesale copying of body parts took place. No such passing off litigation has been pursued so far as I know, since.
The Birkin is an exceptionally well built and well designed car. I would definitely choose Birkin over most other Sevens including Westfield and Caterham. They are that much better.
Thanks for the input so far. You have mostly sided with my head but my heart still swings towards the Harper. Some of my Pros and Cons for the options are as follows:
Birkin, tried and tested design, has option of weather gear, well known as one of the best of its type and quick. But factory 1800km away, narrow and more limited options for luggage, very few racing at my local track (although have own race series elswhere in the country).
Harper, factory is 10km from home, designed and built by a great chap, cheaper than Birkin, has a boot and side pods for luggage (can take wife away for weekend), active group of owners and race drivers in my city, quick and competative in a race class I would like to race in localy. But new design less than 20 made to date, no chance of weather gear, not well known when resale time comes along.
Both are good cars of similar performance, still torn between the two.
Birkin, tried and tested design, has option of weather gear, well known as one of the best of its type and quick. But factory 1800km away, narrow and more limited options for luggage, very few racing at my local track (although have own race series elswhere in the country).
Harper, factory is 10km from home, designed and built by a great chap, cheaper than Birkin, has a boot and side pods for luggage (can take wife away for weekend), active group of owners and race drivers in my city, quick and competative in a race class I would like to race in localy. But new design less than 20 made to date, no chance of weather gear, not well known when resale time comes along.
Both are good cars of similar performance, still torn between the two.
AndySA said:
Thanks for the input so far. You have mostly sided with my head but my heart still swings towards the Harper. Some of my Pros and Cons for the options are as follows:
Birkin, tried and tested design, has option of weather gear, well known as one of the best of its type and quick. But factory 1800km away, narrow and more limited options for luggage, very few racing at my local track (although have own race series elswhere in the country).
Harper, factory is 10km from home, designed and built by a great chap, cheaper than Birkin, has a boot and side pods for luggage (can take wife away for weekend), active group of owners and race drivers in my city, quick and competative in a race class I would like to race in localy. But new design less than 20 made to date, no chance of weather gear, not well known when resale time comes along.
Both are good cars of similar performance, still torn between the two.
Upon consideration I would still opt for the Birkin, for two reasons.''Birkin, tried and tested design, has option of weather gear, well known as one of the best of its type and quick. But factory 1800km away, narrow and more limited options for luggage, very few racing at my local track (although have own race series elswhere in the country).
Harper, factory is 10km from home, designed and built by a great chap, cheaper than Birkin, has a boot and side pods for luggage (can take wife away for weekend), active group of owners and race drivers in my city, quick and competative in a race class I would like to race in localy. But new design less than 20 made to date, no chance of weather gear, not well known when resale time comes along.
Both are good cars of similar performance, still torn between the two.
Firstly, it is the tried and tested and well respected car pf the two. Resale values as the OP suggests reflect this. That is my prime reason. The known quantity will sell, when you come to replace it which you will. Rather like Westfield and Caterham in the UK. Known quantities.
Secondly, the OP is anticipating competition with the car. Greater luggage capacity must mean more bodywork and greater weight. In competition that is a major downside. In addition it is quite easy to devise good looking strap on luggage on the rear of the Birkin I have seen this done several times. Actually adds quite a jaunty air to a drophead.
But Good Luck to the OP with either choice.
He should enjoy every moment of selection and ownership. Carpe Diem must be the best way in life. Particularly if you are going to relish every minute. Which you should.
We pass this way but once (I think). As I know from being at the latter end of Kit Car ownership (still got twelve Kit Cars and Classic Minis no concern there yet!) looking back over 50 years of three wheeler's, Specials and Kit Car ownership in volume.
Apart from women (married five times,loved every one, undoubtedly the most fun) cars have undoubtedly been my pastime. Hence my advice to the OP. Carpe Diem.
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