I’ve been giving some thought on what one of my next cars should be, after I move on from the Miata. Of course, after a while of thinking about sensible options (see: 30 seconds), my imagination started to take off. The nice thing about in your imagination, money is no object.
However, I haven’t gone off the deep end. At least not completely. One of the cars that I put on my list was the Caterham Super 7. At a glance, it seems perfect. Lightweight, good power to weight ratio and rear wheel drive. All wins.
However, when you look deeper, you start to find little imperfections.
- Problem: You can’t carry anything.
- Answer: The only important thing worth carrying in the car is me. I don’t even like going shopping at the store.
- Problem: There is no sound deadening.
- Answer: Whatever engine sourced would be worth listening to at all hours. My current Miata doesn’t have a radio, so it’s obvious that I don’t really care about music. Other than the sound of a good exhaust, I’m fine.
- Problem: The suspension would be too stiff, bounce all over the road and track to every rut and groove in it’s path.
- Answer: I’m young, so I just don’t care.
What some people call “problems”, I call “unique character traits”.
It’s what makes the car unique. Special attention to the driving experience in a Caterham is something that shouldn’t be missed.
Perfect car? I’m not sure about that on paper. However in my imagination, the Super 7 (or any variation) is perfect for me, and that’s what matters.
Davin – I’m hoping to have the car done by the end of May (ECU tuned, initial Alignment,…)…then start AutoXing it in June. Feel free to either jump in for a ride at an AutoX or we can also meet up on the streets somewhere. (If the STS Miata was any indication, It’ll take me several months to get accustomed to the locost at the limits…)
-Peter
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Hey!!! I was just going to say “I’m building a MNR Vortx, come over some time and check it out!” LOL.
The car is 90% done…WA State Patrol Inspection is this Friday, then I’ll start tuning the engine and suspension. Once I’m able to do a good amount of testing and ensure it’s “safe”, I’ll be able to carry passengers…offering others the chance to drive it is questionable – so far I’ve found the pedal box to be super tight and the seat has minimal adjustment due to the roll cage.
*BTW – I love this blog!!
Peter,
Thanks for the awesome feedback! We sure are trying to make it cool.
We’ll definately come down and take a look at your car. I’d love to make a feature post here.
Davin,
If you haven’t already, talk to Peter Umino. He’s in the final throes of building an MNR Vortex which seems like a very similar solution and he seems more than happy with his decision to get one…
MNR Vortex
Chris,
I will! Sounds exciting! I’ve been following Peter’s build on FB, but haven’t had a chance to see in person. Perhaps a blog article in the making? Hmm?
Thanks for the comment.