Blair and I were recently talking about the availability of Lotus 7 clones (Caterham, Ultralite, Westfield, etc) in the U.S. I’m a big fan of these cars, but didn’t really have a good answer for availability or cost to be expected. So I did a little digging 🙂
First of all, I really didn’t look for original Lotus 7’s because they’re nearly a different animal altogether compared to the clones, which represent significant engineering enhancements year after year since the 70’s.
Check these out, which I found on USA7s.org:
1996 Westfield on USA7s.org w/ 11k miles, in TX, for $20k:
Ford Kent 1700cc engine
Twin 45 DCOE Weber carbs.
High Compression Pistons
Oversize Valve
Competition Sump with full length baffle
13 row oil cooler
5 speed manual with short shift
LSD 3.9
ATS forged wheels
Curtains
Full tonneau and top
2007 Westfield Mazda Sport on USA7s.org ($24k, NC, 1200 miles):
This very car was also the most popular “7” type car at the Carlisle show.This was also the Westfield USA display car. Upgrades include powder coated chassis and suspension, race seats on slide mounts, 5 point 3 inch harnesses, removable steering wheel, quick steering rack, nylon suspension bushings , heated windshield, long range fuel tank, Westfield shift knob, trunk tonneau cover and removable rear fenders.
• I took delivery in May 2005 and am the first owner
• Car is a 2003/4 Superlight built by Rex M. of Speed Classics
• Powered by non-SVT Zetec with throttle bodies
• Full windshield (also have aeroscreen — actually sold this in 2007)
• 6-speed Caterham tranny with LSD
• Full carbon pack – front and rear fenders, dash, and sills
• 15″ rims with Avon CR500s
• Composite/carpet seats with 4 & 5 point harnesses
• Heat shielding on firewall
• NEW AS OF 07/07 — Raceline Water Rail
And I’m not done yet! Here’s two more extreme clones for sale right here in the PNW:
Brand new Ultralite S2k for $36k in WA on Portland Craigslist:
NEW: This fabulous remake of the Lotus7 will blow Dad’s socks off. It’s powered by a Honda’s 240HP S2000 engine, w/ stock Honda 6 speed close ratio gear box, and sports a Subaru WRX independent coil-over rear suspension. It stops on a dime with all Wilwood brakes with 12 inch rotors f&r. With 240 HP this 1240 pound car flies (5 lbs/hp!): 0 to 60 MPH in 3.5 sec, and the ¼ mile in 11.87 sec.
2004 Ultralite S2k For Sale on eBayMotors (WA, 2500 miles, opening bid of $25.5):
So there you go Blair, from mild to wild, $20k – $40k+ looks to be the range for a good one.
Let me know if you have a 7 clone that should be listed or have other resources that should be listed. Leave a comment below!
dc