So How Old Is The Average 7 Addict

[BusaLoco]

from "How Streetable is it"

Red Baron wrote:

"Although my Rotus is "streetable"I assiduously avoid driving it to any events more than 50 miles away. For that I use a tow dolly. The observation that these vehicles are really 4 wheeled motorcycles is right on. I equipped my Rotus with various creature comforts like a radio/tape deck which can't be heard over the Borla exhaust and a heater which is not need until the ambient falls below 15F and is completely useless now that I have moved from Michigan to Florida. Two items I did add that have proven worth while are a NACA duct footwell vent on the driver side and a removable Lexan backlite which reduces blow back which, when combined with the side curtains, <strong>makes cool weather driving considerably more comfortable for my 76 year old body</strong> (See my 01/06/06 poating entitled "Footwell Ventilation" and my 05/08/06 posting entitled "Cool Weather Driving" for pictures of these items.) In summary, a "daily driver" no but a great big boy toy. PS, no cupholders."



And all this time I thought that all you USA7 dudes were a youthful bunch of quirky post graduate ivy leaguer's with a fist full of cash and a twisted attitude (like mine), and what do I find?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... I find that you (Red Baron) are an even senior 7 (fool) than I (and I am 58).



<strong>So How Old Is The Average Age of The 7 Addict and When Does The Onset of Seven Dementia Occur?</strong>



OK I'll start:



<strong>Hello, my name is John and I'm 58 years old and I'm a Seven Addict. I have been crazy about Lotus Sevens ever since I saw my first one (basking naked in the sun) in the early 1970's</strong>.



There I feel better now!<edited><editID>BusaLoco</editID><editDate>2007-01-01 08:40:40</editDate></edited>

[slngsht]

I believe I'm younger than average at 37. It is good to see the enthusiasm will not die with age.

[jfgw]

Me too, I am 35 and have been addicted to 7's since hillclimbing in the UK in my Dad's about 15 years ago. Then bought an ex-race caterham made road leagl in the UK and now living in the US, have succumbed again - absolutely nothing like it, I love the entire ownership experience!

[xflow7]

...quirky post graduate ivy leaguer's with a fist full of cash and a twisted attitude (like mine)



Not sure about a fist full of cash, but the rest of that is a pretty eerie description of me. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/eek6.gif http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif



I'm 32 now; got bitten by the Seven bug at 14 or so.



Dave<edited><editID>xflow7</editID><editDate>2007-01-01 09:09:53</editDate></edited>

[scannon]

I'm on the senior side of this group at 62.



I got bitten so long ago I can't remember exactly where or when but couldn't fit my size 11 1/2 feet on the pedals so was unable to do anything about it until I got a chance to drive an SV at the track.



That drive set off an immediate search and I am currently approaching the end of the construction phase of an '04 SV fitted with a turbocharged Miata engine.



Skip

[Deman USA]

Hey there everybody, this is Dino from Deman USA. I believe that Paul and I are the youngest addicts here. We are both 22 years old, and are crazy in-love with the 7's. Yeah we could of opened up a shop to work on mutangs, and imports, but we chose to work on 7's instead. I hope are age isnt a big deal, but I believe that it is up to us to start showing that this incredible work of art can be admired by everone, and will be someday.

[redbaron]

Humm, I may be a bit out of my element here. I built my Rotus at age 64 and still derive great pleasue driving it at age 76.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Red Baron

[Robert O. Urfer]

I am 29 and have wanted a seven for about 12 years. Now I have one.

[redbaron]

Hey John, as I tell the senior citizens here in Florida who look at me askance when I am out with my Rotus, "us old farts need to have some fun once in a while you know."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Red Baron

[Boxologist]

31, picked up my SV last summer, and have wanted one since my early teens.

[WestTexasS2K]

Went crazy for sevens at age 36. Got my first at 37. I just hope I get to enjoy mine as long as the red baron.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/hurray.gif <edited><editID>WestTexasS2K</editID><editDate>2007-01-01 13:54:18</editDate></edited>

[Birkinpilot]

Fifty-four. Just got a Birkin and have wanted a Seven since reading about them in R&T (probably late 60's or early 70's). Still want a D-type Jag, but I'd have to hit the lotto for that one.

[Mike Rohaley]

I did'nt discover that the Lotus/Caterham Seven existed until I was about 22 and lusted for one until I reached the ripe old age of 29. I have had mine four years (33 now) and use it as my summer daily driver. I still cannot imagine another car that I could enjoy more that this.



Well.....maybe I could be pried from my seat by the lure of a McLaren F1 (if price weren't an issue, which it is.)

[yellowss7]

I'm 51 now, and built it 7 years ago. I originally wanted an old XKE, but the thoughts of maintaining a 40 year old english car made me look elswere. The Caterham was the perfect solution, old style looks, new parts and unparalled performance. Still puts a grin on my face every time I drive it. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif

[slomove]

Well, I am right in the golden middle at 52.

Have the car for 4 years (but wanted one 30 years ago)



I bought my Birkin from a retiree in Florida who gave up already at age 73 to drive his Boxter only. But he made only 600 mainly autocross miles in 4 years with this Seven.



Anyway, age is perception.



Gert

[solder_guy]

Let me be the first to express a middle age crisis and register my age at 44. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/blush5.gif



Rob Mitchell

[Al Navarro]

I had my first ride when I was 33.



Took delivery just before my 36th. Now am 37 (yes, just like Mazda).



I don't know about having a fistful of S$$, but I am familiar with a few of the University of Pennsylvania fight songs.<edited><editID>Al Navarro</editID><editDate>2007-01-02 06:33:12</editDate></edited>

[Birkin42]

I guess I'm about middle of the road at 43.



First fell in love with Seven's after I read a test report on a Caterham in Road & Track back in 1985 I believe. The more I read up on the car, Lotus as well as Colin Chapman, the more I admired it raw simplicity while still be attractive.



Had my first drive in a Birkin back in 1998. This just reinforced my desire to have one, though at the time there were few options in Canada. Got a Birkin roller in 2005 and have been working on it when time permits. Can't wait to drive it. Hopefully that won't be too far away.



Jack

[11Budlite]

Same age as the seven. Will be 50 this summer!

Bruce

[stevet]

51



Have been driving 7's since 1996 when I built my first one in the UK. Getting harder to get out of, but never tire of getting in. As Indiana Jones said "It's not the years, it's the mileage"

[powderbrake]

I'll be 70 this month. I got interested about 15 years ago, and never did anything about it, until I dedided to build "something". That something turned out to be a se7en. I started my Ultralite kit is Feb of 2004, and have thoroughly enjoyed the car ever since.

[drew...]

48



Seven has been a dream car since the early 70's - finally antied-up a year ago. Kit arrived New Year's Eve - First drive for me in a 7 and the for new Caterham S3 - Memorial Day 2006

[roll a 7]

I'm a kid trapped in a 57 year old body. I try not to look or act my age. Woody Allen said it very well: You are never too old to act immature.



So, go out and buy a 7 if you don't have one!!!!

[zetec7]

53 now...I'll grow old, but I'll never grow up http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/coolgleamA.gif

[Alaskossie]

I'll be 64 next week, and I've got my first Seven or order right now from Caterham (a Classic model with 250 hp 2.3 Cosworth Duratec and 6-speed Caterham transmission).



I'll wager that I've lusted after a Seven longer (since first reading the R&T road test of the Lotus Seven America in the summer of 1962) without doing anything about it -- 44 1/2 years -- than anyone else on the list. Any takers?



Tom Meacham

Anchorage, Alaska

[locostv8]

I'm 59 retired to build hot rods. My wife keeps saying something about second childhood to which I state "never left the first. I am building a 7 for several reasons. First I can't afford to go out and buy one. Second I can't get the Cobra much above 45 in my driveway. Third and most important I bought a very nice 12" rosewood steering wheel and I need something to put it on.

[Kitcat]

60, and still no 7 :(



First got interested when a friend smuggled a R & T magazine into study hall in '61 or so and showed me an article on the Lotus 7 kit (For about $1.2K, as I remember). It was referred to in R & T as a TDRC (thinly disguised race car) back then and the stock sports car drivers (M.G's, TR3's, etc.) hated it because they were so uncompetitive against it on the track.



One favorite memory is walking to law school at the U. of Ill. every morning in the late 60's & seeing a 7 tool down the street, make an abrupt right hand turn into the parking lot, seemingly without slowing, and passing underneath the crossgate without stopping, due to its low stature.



Jeez:cool!

[Alaskossie]

Kitcat,



I checked on the R&T road test of the Lotus Seven America (where both you and I first learned that the Seven existed), and it was the July 1961 issue -- my earlier post erroneously said 1962. (I've got all of the Road & Track issues to date, since I first subscribed in August of 1958).



So I have been waiting 45 1/2 years to buy a Seven, and finally have one on order. You've accepted my wager, and have me beaten. So when are you going to gt off your duff and buy a Seven?



Best wishes,

Tom Meacham

Anchorage, Alaska

[Alaskossie]

BTW, the Lotus Seven America as tested by R&T in July 1961 had a list price in the US of $2987. It had 40 horsepower. a curb weight of 960 lb., and a top speed of 85 mph. Zero to 60 was in 14.3 seconds, and the speed in the 1/4 mile was 67 mph.



The lead paragraph of the test described the car's design as "rather dated," and went on to say, "...from any distance or angle, the Seven looks exactly like what it is: a racing car with a passenger's seat and enough road equipment to be "legal." On an everyday, all-weather basis it is absurdly impractical -- but therein lies its great charm."



The last line of the test said, "To us, the Seven appears to be an almost perfect answer for the man who wants a real racing car that can be taken on an occasional Sunday drive."



Still so true!



Tom Meacham

[yellowss7]

locostv8 wrote: <strong>"Third and most important I bought a very nice 12" rosewood steering wheel and I need something to put it on."<strong>



12 inches!! Why so Big? I think my steering wheel is 280mm and I probably should have gone down to 260mm.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<edited><editID>yellowss7</editID><editDate>2007-01-07 10:08:12</editDate></edited>

[MHKflyer52]

55 yrs young and healty an happy.



Martin Keller

[Kitcat]

When will I get my 7? Did I mention (that due to really poor planning) I still have 3 kids in college?

[locostv8]

locostv8 wrote: <strong>"Third and most important I bought a very nice 12" rosewood steering wheel and I need something to put it on."<strong>



12 inches!! Why so Big? I think my steering wheel is 280mm and I probably should have gone down to 260mm.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



http://wrangler.rutgers.edu/gallery/d/36783-2/19_1.JPG

Cost $25, fat tires.

[yellowss7]

Nice wheel! but I don't have enough thigh room. Probably need to lower the seat.

[locostv8]

I'm using a 914 shell bucket for driver and a Mustang tilt column.

[slngsht]

One favorite memory is walking to law school at the U. of Ill. every morning in the late 60's & seeing a 7 tool down the street, make an abrupt right hand turn into the parking lot, seemingly without slowing, and passing underneath the crossgate without stopping, due to its low stature.



Jeez:cool!



I think our cars will probably be able to cross under an 18 wheeler trailer - not that I really want to find out.

[slngsht]

BTW, the Lotus Seven America as tested by R&T in July 1961 had a list price in the US of $2987. It had 40 horsepower. a curb weight of 960 lb., and a top speed of 85 mph. Zero to 60 was in 14.3 seconds, and the speed in the 1/4 mile was 67 mph.





0-60 almost took the quarter mile http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/lol.gif

I'd love to see the article.

[KENLUDE97]

HOLY $%^&&*( I feel young http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/eek6.gif



27 currently. I will be starting my build shortly. I hope it to on;y take 3 years to build and put on the street.

[xflow7]

HOLY $%^&&*( I feel young http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/eek6.gif



27 currently. I will be starting my build shortly. I hope it to on;y take 3 years to build and put on the street.



Nah. I was 27 when I built my Caterham and I still wish I'd managed to do it earlier.

[Al Navarro]

The Deman USA guys are both 22, so you're not THE youngest Ken!

[Boxologist]

When will I get my 7? Did I mention (that due to really poor planning) I still have 3 kids in college?



ahh, something addled ur mind ages ago.

u have 3 kids

they have college

and so shall the expenses be delegated.

[locost7018]

I'm 56 going on 30 something. I have a 16 yr old daughter that causes me to drink too much and a 13yr old boy that I can still run rings around. Neather kids are the least interested in my car, motorcycle, or hunting. Where did I go wrong

[Al Navarro]

Locost7018...my 9 year old daughter asked for a Lego Ferrari set for her recent birthday and her 6 year old sister can pronounce "Barrichello" properly. The real question is where did <u>I</u> go wrong!?!

[BusaLoco]

So I have taken the opportunity thoroughly read all the enlightened missives of all the postings on this forum topic and mind you I'm no math wiz but I have tallied all of the sums of the ages of the 7 owners and further have divided the sum against the number of respondents and I can now say with no equivocation nor shadow of a doubt, that the average age of the "7 addict" is 9 ... (mentally speaking).

Cheers!

BusaLoco http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif <edited><editID>BusaLoco</editID><editDate>2007-01-08 19:05:10</editDate></edited>

[slngsht]

So I have taken the opportunity thoroughly read all the enlightened missives of all the postings on this forum topic and mind you I'm no math wiz but I have tallied all of the sums of the ages of the 7 owners and further have divided the sum against the number of respondents and I can now say with no equivocation nor shadow of a doubt, that the average age of the "7 addict" is 9 ... (mentally speaking).

Cheers!

BusaLoco http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif



http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/lol.gif You got that right

[R1 Seven]

Me - 34. However, my love for the seven started in my twenties.<edited><editID>R1 Seven</editID><editDate>2007-01-08 19:59:27</editDate></edited>