Caterham/Westfield
- Thread starter Ewan
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highlander
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Same as CatmanV2 I have not owned but am at the age that I found it difficult to get in and out when I tried one and it was pretty uncomfortable. Tbh, if I was going for an odd summer day only car for wafting, it would be a 60s Italian convertible not a bone shaker lol
midlifecrisis
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Just get a motorbike.
CatmanV2
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I certainly preferred the bike. I had a helmet and ear plugs. And that mean I didn't get stones in my teeth every 5 seconds!
C
Zep
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A friend has a ‘90s challenge car that was put on the road.
It has a Kent engine which was ported and polished and we fitted Emerald mapped ignition to in period. It has a live axle and a complete lack of health and safety. Do it if you have the chance, they are brilliant fun to drive. My mate used his as a daily for years, before he got married and he went all sensible.
It has a Kent engine which was ported and polished and we fitted Emerald mapped ignition to in period. It has a live axle and a complete lack of health and safety. Do it if you have the chance, they are brilliant fun to drive. My mate used his as a daily for years, before he got married and he went all sensible.
dickygrace
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Ewan
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I’d not thought of an Elise, but maybe I should. I’ll not need/use the roof, and certainly would not be be able to get in or out of a Seven (nor maybe an Elise) with the roof on! The other option is a Renault Spider, but they are probably too much of a stretch for my budget. I’m really after something fun and cheap(ish) both to buy and in running costs.
The motorbike idea is out, as I don’t want to wear a helmet, dress like a gimp, or die.
The motorbike idea is out, as I don’t want to wear a helmet, dress like a gimp, or die.
Rwc13
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Had several Elises and a Westfield. Different cars. Westfield was loud and in your face but a tight fit when inside. Never put the roof on so getting in and out easy enough. Elises much more subtle and quieter, better handling but need to be a bit of a contortionist to get in or out with the roof on
jmoon80
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I had one for about 4 years in my mid twenties. Drove it from London to my parents in Chichester (about 70 miles) every other weekend pretty much, all year round, in any weather, with no roof, doors or windscreen. Just wore a lot of clothes in the winter! Took it to Le Mans too, which was fairly intense, but not uncomfortable.
I found the fibreglass seats very comfortable - possibly the only car not to give me back ache on a long journey - visibility is unrestricted, more power than you need, and so small you can overtake in places you wouldn't in most cars (think about those bikes leapfrogging their way past slow traffic one car at a time).
They are unbelievably involving. About half way through my ownership, after a particularly wet trip, I test drove an an S1 Exige and found it quite boring in comparison. At the time the Caterham had about 140bhp, but I went on to have the engine rebuilt to 200bhp or so which made it fairly quick.
I'd have another one if my wife would let me, but unfortunately that one ended up upside down so she has taken against them for some reason...
Despite that ending, I'd say the advantage over a bike is that it's still going to be safer on the whole. And you can take a bit of luggage with you.
I found the fibreglass seats very comfortable - possibly the only car not to give me back ache on a long journey - visibility is unrestricted, more power than you need, and so small you can overtake in places you wouldn't in most cars (think about those bikes leapfrogging their way past slow traffic one car at a time).
They are unbelievably involving. About half way through my ownership, after a particularly wet trip, I test drove an an S1 Exige and found it quite boring in comparison. At the time the Caterham had about 140bhp, but I went on to have the engine rebuilt to 200bhp or so which made it fairly quick.
I'd have another one if my wife would let me, but unfortunately that one ended up upside down so she has taken against them for some reason...
Despite that ending, I'd say the advantage over a bike is that it's still going to be safer on the whole. And you can take a bit of luggage with you.
Once did 40 laps at Castle Combe in a race spec one on semi cut tyres - amazing!
Test drive one at Knockhill two years back and realised I was getting too old for them. They are brilliant mind.
I know of a Sigma engined ex racer for sale if anyone wants it - full roll cage etc. A real monster and they cost nothing really. Road legal also.
Test drive one at Knockhill two years back and realised I was getting too old for them. They are brilliant mind.
I know of a Sigma engined ex racer for sale if anyone wants it - full roll cage etc. A real monster and they cost nothing really. Road legal also.
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Cool. Also consider the dropped floor.
Sommi
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I haven't got Caterham or Westfield. But was looking at getting something of a weekend toy. Incidentally Ariel launched Atom 4 and I couldn't help putting my name up fro one. From reviews I think I made the right decision. Will know more in July/August hopefully. 
I would suggest its a good compromise for bike like thrills if you don't want a bike. They hold their value somewhat and not expensive to run compared a Maserati.
I would suggest its a good compromise for bike like thrills if you don't want a bike. They hold their value somewhat and not expensive to run compared a Maserati.
Ewan,
you could buy a caterham 21, there's always one or two for sale. Widetrack chassis but in a party frock. "Normal " soft top, slightly heavier, 650kg. I may be biased as I've had mine 20 yrs now and it doesn't do many miles in the summer but it's a nice car.
Old auction list but gives you an idea
vhpd are rare, only about 5 I think. 200bhp from a k series.
David
you could buy a caterham 21, there's always one or two for sale. Widetrack chassis but in a party frock. "Normal " soft top, slightly heavier, 650kg. I may be biased as I've had mine 20 yrs now and it doesn't do many miles in the summer but it's a nice car.
Old auction list but gives you an idea
vhpd are rare, only about 5 I think. 200bhp from a k series.
David
zagatoes30
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Not sure I would want to drive a Caterham much on the road, an Elise has all the fun and just a tad bigger
Wanderer
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Where am I?
In the Village.
What do you want?
Information.
Whose side are you on?
That would be telling. We want information. Information. Information
You won't get it.
By hook or by crook, we will.
Who are you?
The new Number Two.
Who is Number One?
You are Number Six.
I am not a number- I am a free man!
Roll credits.....
In the Village.
What do you want?
Information.
Whose side are you on?
That would be telling. We want information. Information. Information
You won't get it.
By hook or by crook, we will.
Who are you?
The new Number Two.
Who is Number One?
You are Number Six.
I am not a number- I am a free man!
Roll credits.....