Caterfield Experience in a none Caterfield..?

[Gompo]

Ever since I first saw/read about Caterham's I've been a massive fan. Initially I didnt like the Westfield as much, seemed a bit awkward looking but has grown on me and now a big fan too..

Anyway, I am now at the stage where I could theoretically afford a Seven replica - I have £6-7k I could spend. My question is, will I still get a similar feeling from a Tiger, Mk or whatever as I would in a Caterham or Westfield? Are they still as pure a handling, fun car?

I dont mean to dis-respect none Caterfields, I've not driven anything close to these cars in terms of performance or purity..

I know I could pick up a Caterhams for 8k and Westfield's come up in my budget sometimes but I'd ideally want a 16v motor (injection would be nice avoid messing about with twin carbs etc.) Zetec or XE would be ideal.

My main query is that of the driving experience although any info is helpful..

Cheers, Greg.

Edit. Should have added, Unfortunatey I am 6'4 (albeit slim) so I'd possibly have to go for a wide bodied car..

Edited by Gompo on Saturday 2nd December 13:18

[Corpulent Tosser]

My son 6' 4" fits my Striker, and while i am fairly 'snug' I am not slim and also fit OK.

I think the Striker along with many other non Caterfields handle every bit as well as them.

[anonymous-user]

Definitely go an try them for size - I'm around 6ft and reasonably slim and I only just fit into my Tiger Super 6.

As for the experience, I've only been a few miles to the MOT and back but it scared the crap out of me in the rain, so I would suggest the experience should be similar to that of a Caterham or Westfield, even if the build quality and overall finish is not up to the same standard.

There was an article in Practical Performance Car where they compared some seven replicas (Caterham, MK, Shawspeed, RAW Striker and Quantum Xtreme) for handling, speed etc.. and most inportantly the costs. The Caterham seemed to be very expensive for relatively little power, the overall best buy seemed to be the Shawspeed SK1.6 which was around £9k DIY-built compared to the Caterham's £18.5 to £24k DIY costs.

The magazine is PPC issue 12 (April 2005). There's also a Caterham Seven buyers guide in issue 26 (June 2006).

[jaker]

you could also look at a bike engined car at that money. the lower weight seems (in my experience) to sharpen up the drive a bit and if you can put up with the 'nuances' they are fast as fcuk.

[andmole]

I've just bought a Vindicator Sprint, secondhand early one, from the "factory". Type "Vindicator cars" into Google and you'll find the company website. Mines only got a rather asthmatic 2ptr pinto, still a hoot to drive. Oh, and the boss is a great chap, bit of a nutter. Check them out.

[Gompo]

jaker said:

you could also look at a bike engined car at that money. the lower weight seems (in my experience) to sharpen up the drive a bit and if you can put up with the 'nuances' they are fast as fcuk.

I had thought about it, and may well drive one - but I think I'd prefer the driving experience of a non-BEC. The car would be my only car, although I would have access to a Toyota Aygo if i got desperate..

Anymore opinions?

Cheers, Greg.

[andmole]

Gompo said:

jaker said:

you could also look at a bike engined car at that money. the lower weight seems (in my experience) to sharpen up the drive a bit and if you can put up with the 'nuances' they are fast as fcuk.

I had thought about it, and may well drive one - but I think I'd prefer the driving experience of a non-BEC. The car would be my only car, although I would have access to a Toyota Aygo if i got desperate..

Anymore opinions?

Cheers, Greg.

Wouldn't recommend the Vindicator as your only car,(nor any other caterham/westfield type), unless you are deranged enough to drive it this time of year.

You are?

Welcome to the club

(took mine out for a spin yesterday)

[Russ Bost]

I'd suggest you take a look at the CCT7, it's a redesigned 7 clone with a larger cockpit & very good pricing www.cct7.co.uk/

[Furyblade_Lee]

If you were spending 4 or 5k, then look at "others". But at your budget you can afford a Cat or Westie. Cat will probobly be a crossflow, so I wouldnt bother as you want injection. But a 16V Westfield is probable, so look around. Both those companies have massive back-up, and "off the shelf" top handling bits. But a (good)Striker would probobly out-handle them on track, going by past race results. There are so many car choices, but I personally would not bother with anything "single donor" as they are generally compromised by being built for cost/convenience. I would look for a Vauxhall XE Westfield, or a bike-engined Westie/Fury/Striker.

[Gompo]

Thanks for the info guys.

I was hoping I would see some bargain Zetec powered Westfield's around this time of year - but none yet! I'm drawn to an MK at the moment, despite most of them being BEC's, as they're based only 10 miles away. There's no rush - this option being one of a view i am considering for my next transport.

Methinks I need to get some experience as a passenger - if anyone with a Seven around North Notts/South Yorks would like to offer...

Cheers, Greg.

[Jon Ison]

MK sat mornings, provided weather is ok there are always several owners there more than willing too give you a spin, I believe MK have a couple of demo cars too.

[cathar]

Have you considered a Fury? It's supposed to have very good handling, and it's not your typical Seven-lookalike.

[Gad-Westy]

Seen this?

www.pistonheads.com/sales/101717.htm