Our sole purpose at 7Spot is to bring the world of 7s together.
Weekend Blat
July 6, 2025 edition
. The stages of Grief - Triumph, always on my mind.
. The Club Scene
. Cycle Carts
. Aprilia in Crisis
. Yummy Adverts ... and more!
Featured Articles:
. What is Behind Doesn't Matter: Ferrari Engineer, Alessandro Gaultieri, with Leonardo Nifosi.
Alessandro and his Hayabusa Hill Climb Monsters
. Luck of the Irish: The TMC Costin Story with Billy Doyle
. Beam Me Up! - My accidental Over the Top Locost Story (Mark Eliasov)
. When in Altea, ... just say Arroz (Oily Bits and Travel with Mike Rupp)
Introducing our 7Spot Live Digital Magazine #001
... and programming guide!
Click the photo to see our new publication!
Welcome to the first edition of 7Spot Live!
What began as a humble Facebook group has grown into a thriving global community of over 12,000 passionate members, and now, we’re thrilled to launch this digital magazine to bring our shared love of cars, kit cars, and all things light & fast to an even wider audience.
7Spot Live is more than just a publication—it’s a celebration of the stories that our cars help us tell.
From the roar of an engine starting for the first time to the quiet satisfaction of turning a wrench in the garage, this magazine is about the people, the builds, and the adventures that make car culture so extraordinary.
Through interviews with car builders, owners, racers, and manufacturers from around the world, we’ll explore the ingenuity, craftsmanship, and camaraderie that drive this incredible community.
Whether you’re here for inspiration, entertainment, or practical tips, we hope you find something to spark your imagination and fuel your passion.
Thank you for joining us on this exciting new journey. The best stories are yet to come—and they’re yours to tell.
Happy building,
7Spot Jim
Jim Gould
Editor-in-Chief, 7Spot Live
Click the photo to see our new publication!
I Took My Kit Car to Pikes Peak
... and Finished 9th Overall!
In motorsport, some stories transcend competition, becoming legends that inspire generations of enthusiasts.
The journey of Gary Sanders and Duncan Cowper, two former DJ Sportscars (DAX) employees, is one such story.
From their groundbreaking work at DAX to conquering the famed Pikes Peak Hill Climb, these two pioneers have left an indelible mark on the kit car world.
In a candid 7Spot interview conducted in Gary’s iconic shed, the duo shared tales of their time at DAX, the evolution of their engineering marvels, and the thrill of racing a Turbo Hayabusa-powered DAX Rush at Pikes Peak.
Full Story here How Two Friends Mastered Pikes Peak in a Kit Car
Ron Champion in conversation with 7Spot

Have you ever wondered? ... "What is a Locost?"
At its core, the Locost is more than just a car—it’s an idea.
Born from a simple premise: you don’t need to be wealthy to enjoy the thrill of building and driving your own sports car.
The Lowcost movement started with Ron Champion’s groundbreaking book, Build Your Own Sports Car for as Little as £250, published in 1996.
It was a blueprint for dreamers—a guide for those willing to roll up their sleeves, take on a challenge, and create something uniquely their own."
"For some, it’s a weekend project. For others, it’s a way of life. And for a select few, it’s the gateway to competitive motorsport. But where did this movement begin?
To answer that, we must go back to the man who started it all, ... Ron Champion
Can you Build a LOCOST 7 on a Shoestring Budget?
... What I Learned!
with Mike Rupp
Announcement: Say Hi to Robert Goddard

Dear 7Spot Community,
It is with great enthusiasm that we introduce Robert Goddard as our newest 7Spot Show Host! Robert is no stranger to the kit car scene, having already made a significant impression through his knowledge, passion, and hands-on experience.
Many of you may recognize Robert from his recent Livestream feature, where he showcased his stunning MEV Exocet build.
His thoughtful contributions to the debate underscored his technical acumen and deep understanding of the platform.
read more here:
about Robert Goddard ... Newest 7Spot Show Host!
Will I Be Pretty?
. Planning a 7 Build?
Scratch Build
Thinking of using an MX5 as the Donor?
Do you have a plan?
or
Considering an MX5 Kit?
(They’re Loads of them)
What will it take to do the build?
and
What will it Look Like When I’m Done?
Hmm, … how do the lyrics of that song go?
“Will I Be Pretty? … Will I be Rich?”
here’s what she said to me:
… Que Sera, Sera
… or something like that.
Tune In Live for our Weekend Blat
Click Photo for Live Access and Showtime in your Area
Tim Dutton at Dutton Sportscars has an exciting announcement
Tim Dutton will be making a welcome return to Kit Car manufacturing and the new car will be called the Phaeton 5.
It is a MX5 Single Donor and it is expected to be launched at the Newark National Kit Car Festival in September.
Dutton Cars is a renowned British kit car manufacturer founded by Tim Dutton in 1969.
Initially based in Sussex, England, the company gained prominence in the 1970s and 1980s for its affordable and customizable kit cars.
Dutton Cars became famous for transforming everyday vehicles into unique, high-performance automobiles that enthusiasts could build themselves.
One of the most notable models produced by Dutton is the Phaeton, which offered a sporty, open-top driving experience.
The company also ventured into amphibious vehicles, with models like the Dutton Mariner and Dutton Surf, capable of both on-road and water travel.
... more on the story in the link below but here's a teaser!
Recently 7Spot had the opportunity to do an interview with a Loyal Dutton Phaeton owner, Russ Pursely.
Russ loves his Phaeton and it is, dare I say, … very, very fast!
That’s because he’s done a few custom “Go Fast” mods that you are going to want to see.
… and when we say “Go Fast”, we’re talking about sub 9 seconds (at Santa Pod) … Oh Baby!
We also had the chance to have a bit of discussion about Dutton Cars history, Kit Cars generally and upcoming 7Spot Shows!
more Dutton News and History here! … (Click Photo Below)
Feature Interview at the National Kit Car Show
Ron Champion with Locost 001
Pull or Push Suspension? ...
the week that was
and what's on the horizon.
In the realm of sports cars, few names evoke as much reverence and mystique as the Cobra.
Synonymous with speed, power, and raw driving experience, Cobras have carved out a legendary status on the roads and racetracks around the world.
However, beneath the sleek exterior lies a tale of variability and transformation, as revealed in a recent interview with Craig Harper of Harper Sports Cars.
Harper, a seasoned expert in the world of sports cars, provided valuable insights into the enigmatic nature of Cobras.
From the outset, he delved into the nuances of Cobras, emphasizing the vast differences in quality and driving experience among various models.
This revelation sheds light on the often-overlooked reality that not all Cobras are created equal.
One of the most intriguing aspects touched upon by Harper was the phenomenon of self-built Cobras.
While these DIY projects may hold allure for enthusiasts, Harper candidly pointed out their potential drawbacks.
Drawing from his own experience, he highlighted the challenges posed by self-built Cobras, which can often result in a less-than-ideal driving experience.
Yet, amidst these challenges, Harper's narrative takes a turn towards optimism and innovation.
Read More Here ... 7Spot Substack
... Are you curious about which plans are best to use?
... Have you been thinking about building a 7 but want to hear how it went for other builders?
You have come to the right place. … It is all right here!
7Spot has been doing worldwide Livestream interviews with Locost 7 builders for years now and that's exactly why we decided to create a Series of Exclusive Webinars for people who want to build a “7”.
Full Webinar at 7Spot YouTube Channel Members
In this presentation we will feature 4 builders.
Two of the presenters (Randy Webb and Al G.) have already finished their projects and will offer helpful advice about how to make your 7 build a success.
Our other 2 presenters (Steve Dunbar and Dave Lassell) are still in the shed, building their dream cars.
Steve is closing in on the finish line and Dave is closer to the beginning than the end of his build journey.
All our presenters are normal guys, just like you and me.
We all come from different backgrounds and have different skillsets. Be with us and you will find some advice which will point you in the right direction, show you some “how it’s done points” and (hopefully) inspire you to find that light at the end of the tunnel.
Cheers!
7Spot Jim
The above pictures are of 7 Replicas.
There was a time when a Replica meant a cheap copy but times have changed.
Now many marques have their own unique technology and are creating a market share as manufacturers.
Replica:
. a copy or reproduction of a work of art produced by the maker of the original or under their supervision.
. any close or exact copy or reproduction.
Owning a Replica comes with a stigma

see the full story here:
Replica, ... Homage or Knock Off?
more here: Objects on the Horizon
Matt Reid has eclectic tastes and he is a collector.
He marches to his own drum beat and has a passion for preserving automotive history.
When Matt became aware that iconic Locost #1 was (reluctantly) being sold by Ronald Champion, he made a commitment to purchase and preserve this precious piece of history.
1st-ever Video Tour of the New Westfield Sports Cars Factory
We were honoured to have had the opportunity to create the very first Video Tour of the new Westfield / Chesil facility.
We feel that it is critically important that we stand behind Westfield now so that they can get off to a good start.
From my perspective, it really doesn’t matter which brand of 7 you drive. (… Mine isn’t a Westfield)
What is important is that we do what we can to help keep the Westfield brand alive.
We are spreading the word for Westfield-Chesil and would really appreciate it if you would consider sharing this with all of your friends, groups and everyone 7.
Cheers!
Jim
Part 2.
The First Video Video Tour of Westfield-Chesil Factory in Bicester
Part 1.
Join us for the exclusive first video tour of the new Westfield - Chesil factory, including an interview with Simeon Cattle who is heading up the new operation who tells us how it all came about, why they have been quiet up to now, and where the company goes from here. It all makes for a very interesting watch.
I hit the Barrier, now I don't drive
Life's been Good to me So Far!
More HP/ton than a Veyron? ... under £10K?
In this exclusive new video to 7Spot we take a look at Ben Bonfield's two single-seater hill climb cars, a Jedi and an OMS.
Space frame chassis, bike engine and double wishbone suspension will be familiar to kit car owners, but this combination has a much more narrow focus.
Ben’s two 1000cc hill climb racers weigh around 300kg each and produce 200bhp – which is 667bhp/ton (compared to just 523bhp/ton for the Veyron) and can be bought for less than £10,000.
Fraser Cars is a Lotus 7 style Kit Car manufacturing company located in Aukland New Zealand.
We have loads of members who are Fraser owners at 7Spot and they are universally loyal to the marque, sincere in their praise of build quality and absolutely ebullient in describing the Fraser experience.
In short, a community of very satisfied customers.
For Rowan Hick, realizing his dream car was a very simple task.
He just picked up the phone and called Ida Tristram (and life/business partner, Scott) to share his fantasy, worked out a build plan, then had the skilled Fraser Artisans build it for him. … How Perfect is that? ... full story here.
What makes the TMC Costin Great?
... so light, structurally rigid, technically innovative with the development of aerodynamics … and very quick!
Two roads diverged in a wood, and
I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference
We all have reasons for the things we do and ultimately we choose our own paths to follow.
For the purpose of privacy, the author’s name shaw be … Anonymous
because … It’s Not Easy Being Green
One thing about building a "Sevenesque Roadster” is that there is literally no blueprint.
Under the skin, there’s skeletal similarities but each finished creation is absolutely unique.
After seeing this little gem on a 7Spot Facebook Group post, I was immediately sent on a trip down memory lane.
Yep, … I was awash with a trove of “all British” (and now all faded) memories from a long time ago.
Sunrise and Sunset, ... same thing every day?
For me, Santa brought in the Festive Season with a dump of Snow!
Makes for a beautiful postcard but the reality is that after shovelling the damned sh1t for hours, all I had to show was marginal progress, very wet feet and I couldn’t feel my fingers anymore.
In this season it’s important to express your gratitude for the well wishes from friends though.
That’s exactly how I felt, when after coming in to warm up from the cold, I received a cheery messages from a friends in Australia and Norway.
... more here:
At 7Spot we are committed to bringing a diversity of 7s Content for your “Dining” pleasure.
We scour the globe to find the kind of “Light and Fast” content that we just gotta have.
Today we are proud to announce that we have added to our complement of outstanding and professional Show Hosts.
We have been busy interviewing potential candidates and have decided to grant 7Spot Studio privileges to our friends Alejandro Striegl and Troy Umlauf.
more here ... https://7spot.nationbuilder.com/new_show_hosts_for_7spot
Written and Driven by: Gary Taylor
So here we are , I’m here at the hotel just outside Donington race track for a Caterham (and a Westy) track day with PT Motorsport.
There are always exceptions to the rule and this car is worthy of some additional attention.
Included in the link below (or click Picture) you will see the bare bones of our conversation but the conversation is a preamble to what will soon be coming.
Nikolay is a professional (race and sports car) development engineer and there’s more to the story than just “Selling a 7”.
You will see from some of the additional technical data that theres much more “meat on the bone” so to speak.
… and speaking of “so to speak” we (at 7Spot) will be doing a Livestream with Nikolay to discuss his Journey (physically and in engineering terms) with this car.
STAY Tuned!
https://7spot.substack.com/p/supercar-slayer?sd=pf

Nota Sports and Racing Cars … the HRB Ford Special
I have to admit that I’ve developed a real affection for the classic Australian Clubman cars.
Everything about them speaks to the independent Aussie spirit and I flat out love it!
I have recently fuelled my obsession with a bit of a dive into Nota Sports and Racing Cars.
… so many great cars, so much history and the owners are so passionate about preserving the marque.
They also have a great Facebook Group page.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/513248692181090) … check it out!
This page always has something exciting and discussion worthy.
I am easily distracted when it comes to 7s and recently, I fell down (yet another) rabbit hole.
Perusing the Nota Facebook group page I noticed the pleadings of a previous owner who had lost touch with his beloved (but sadly sold on) Nota #49.
He had written … “Its one of those cars I would love to catch up with” and he submitted the post along with a picture of his ex-ride.
I’d love to find out about #49 too and can’t find any info on the car (using Google).
I have a copy of “The Nota Files” (an excellent book written by Rod Moore and Bruce Bloodworth) and there’s not much meat on the bone about #49 in there either.
I’m not Australian, and don’t have access to a lot of information about historic Nota cars but do know that #49 was the 1st Nota fitted with a Mini engine.
btw … I did write the previous owner of #49 in the hope of finding some history, some stories and maybe a picture of two. … Who knows if he will reply? … I do hope so!
Following the string of comments in the Facebook article I found an photo of NOTA #49 being chased by Nota #63.
The owner Nota #63, Matt Liersch, contributed to the conversation and posted a photo with the comments:
“The ex Peter Cohen (HRB special) as it sits today.”
full story here: https://7spot.substack.com/publish/post/89401605
Surfing! ... (all the time ... and ... pretty much) ... Everywhere!
Photos, Build Blogs, Stories, YouTubes, Manufacturer websites,
... You Name It, ... That's what we do.
Yes, ... We are Addicted!
... and Yes, it is true that we Surf the Web to feed our insatiable lust for all things light and fast,
... but is also true that we do this stuff as a service for those in our community with similar compulsive disorders.
... Deal With It!
Holiday Greetings and a 7Spot Announcement

Ridden Hard and Put Away Wet!
... about the why part of his client bought a track day PRB Clubman.
Was it about "discovery and creation" or just an excuse to buy a new toy?
It's not going to be a full restoration though, ... just a "Refresh".
Did the client mention that the car has been parked for 10 years?
No matter how you you slice this piece of pie, ... it's really going to be
all about "trials and tribulations" ... for Troy.
(Emails, Messengers and other Rambling Nonsense)
You’ve Stolen My Future … True!
The story you are about to see is true,
… only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.
We have friends in high places.
We also have friends in the lower stations of life, people who toil with their hands and have accumulated grime under the nails.
… We Like that!
This is the testament of just one of us who thrashes and bashes about in the shed.
We can’t reveal the totality of the story but we can offer tidbits and samples.
Click Image (above) for more! … For your Dining Pleasure:
If you want to heal, you’ve got to Confront your Demans
… or something like that
We’ve got all kinds of wing nuts in the group (I’m one of em).
One of our members has a somewhat singular obsession with the (now defunct) Deman Motorsport SR27 marque.
From time to time he has bared his soul on 7Spot FB group to share his personal angst of not finding an SR27 to love and cherish.
Gotta Love SR27 Angst! … Hell, I’m all for it! … What can I say? … I own a Deman too!
In response to his most recent outburst, I decided to take matters into my own hands and exacerbate the situation by feeding his addiction even further. ... It was the right thing to do.
Using all the Googling skills I could muster I searched and queried until I found some secret SR27 pics on the dark web.
WoW! … just 1360 lbs and it delivers 311hp to the wheels.
Click Image (above) for more!
The Weather was complete Shite!
Pissing down rain and a Weather Canada Warning of an "Atmospheric River" (whatever that is)
... but Steve and Jim went on a Road Trip anyway
... just to see what Jerry Wang is up to in the Shed!
Pics, Vids and exaggerated Stories of Bravery to Follow.
... Stay Tuned to 7Spot:
Your intrepid source for 7s, 7s style cars and pretty much everything light and fast.
Want to see more ... Click Here!
Passion and Commitment
...What does it mean?
I am always … Just Surfing (the web) and 7Spotting.
It’s my personal obsession. … I admit it, I’m hooked!
This week on our Facebook group page, I found a lovely quick video of Zé Regis M Souza’s 7 replica in Brazil.
Our little cars often allow us to tell our stories best and I knew there was a lot more behind this story.
I do not know Zé Regis personally (but have FB friends who have teased me with delicious hints and rumours) so I sent Zé Regis a Messenger text requesting more info and pics of the build.
Having absolutely no Portuguese language skills I reached out using good old Google Translate.
Although the Google has some great tools, I have found that the language of Gasoline Fumes is the universal translator. … Needless to say, we made in instant connection!
Wow, what a build story he sent me in pics!
What can I say? … How about, … “Gobsmacked!” … That pretty much sums it up.
The journey through his pictures gave me pause to consider what the words Passion and Commitment really mean.
In Canada, it’s easy to say “I’m a weekend warrior … just having a go in the shed” but in other countries “Having a Go in the Shed” can mean a completely different economic reality.
Zé Regis M Souza, … I Salute You!

"It may be a bit loud"

One of the treats of building your own car is that it is never quite finished.
There's always need for something to tinker with.
After all, it's all self made so when something isn't right, you've got no choice,
... just go for it!
Lately, that need for change expressed itself in terms of the exhaust situation on his Clubby (some say he just wanted side exit exhaust) so in the typical way that Chris G. gets things sorted, he got right after it.
Thanks Chris !
"I built my first car in 1990.
I saw a Cobra on a drink advert and it hooked me.
Then I was working at a chaps house who had started a build but had given up on it.
So I asked my wife if I could buy it and make it work.
She was not overjoyed about it but she let me buy it.
We were building our own home at the time so it was a big ask.
That build took me 13 years to get it on the road.
The only thing I did not do was rebuild the engine.
I only spent money on the build as I got money from doing weekend work.
Half of that money went towards my Cobra and the other half went to my wife as we share everything.
The build is everything to me not the driving of the cars.
I get embarrassed about driving them.
I finished the cobra in 2003.
12 months later while talking to a friend who was building a clubby, I got the urge to have a go at building one. But being a big fat bugger, I soon worked out that it would need to be bigger and have a V8."
More on the Life and Times of Chris G. ... Here
Raptor Soup for Breakfast
It was 3:38 in the morning, on Sunday (June 19th) and I was just waking up and trying to find consciousness in preparation for our KITFEST Livestream. … oh God!
Whilst slurping my coffee and trying to clear the cobwebs, I received a bevy of messages from our good friend Andrew Entwistle (Raptor Sports Cars) with some exciting news.
... Click here for the Full Story!
Every Shed tells a story and in the Umlauf tradition, it's a family affair.
Whether it's fabricating and welding or performing absolute magic with paint, it all gets done right, ... together!
Sit back, grab a Fosters ... and ... enjoy!
With many thanks to the Umlauf Family!
Click Pic Below for Full Story
Loads of Loti, … or is it Lotuses?
... it's Lotus ... (idiot!)
Harvey Rice (of XCS Designs) was very kind at the 2022 Stoneleigh Kit Car Show to give us a guided tour of the all new and totally incredible K24 XCS Rush.
... WoW! ... Absolutely Gobsmacked! ... Speechless!
... pretty much Wanting for Words but here's a few points to ponder:
1,000 hp 4Piston K-24 engine, T-56 Magnum Transmission (with a Sadev Sequential Gearbox in the works) , Sadev Differential and ... Camber Compensation / Anti-Roll Suspension (Front and Rear)!
So why is XCS Designs Great? ... because that's what they do!
More Details (and a Preview of Upcoming Livestream HERE)
Don’t you just Hate It when …
instead of going Vroom, Vroom,
… it goes Inklety, Tinklety … Plink!
We had planned to go live with Alan Stares and his very lovely Hayausa powered Amaroo
but the cursed Gods of Busted Busa's intervened.
… Damn!
But all is not lost because, in the book of life, for every page that is turned a new page will often present itself.
... more here: Thank God for Bolly
Simple Instructions for Passengers

thanks Nicoseventies!
... (on Instagram) https://www.instagram.com/
The Aussie Clubmans:
Nota Sports and Racing Cars
Oh, by the way, ... did I mention ... ?
The Curiosity and Enigma of #35 ... (Who did What, Where, When, How and Why?)
click photo for full story:
Number 5 is the oldest Nota still in existence and, according to The Nota Files, the next Clubmans produced by Nota were Numbers 6 and 7.
(The NOTA Files is an outstanding reference book Documenting the History of Nota Sports and Racing Cars, written by Rob Moore and Bruce Bloodworth and printed by Nuts and Bolts Publishing)
After Number 7 came several vehicles which were not Clubmans.
The next Clubman built by Nota was Chassis Number 18 followed by Clubmans Numbered 34, 35 and 36.
Construction on these Clubmans was started by (but not completed) by Nota.
7Spot News:
Light, and Fast and South African!
with Matt Nash

a 7 and Much More, ... Kom binnekort na 7Spot!
"A few progress shots of our new 7.
Off to wiring and then we can run it"
totsiens,
Matt Nash
and the best is yet to come!
Writing the Book(s) on Building a Locost 7
When it comes to building a Colin Chapman Tribute,
there is no doubt that Randy Webb certainly takes 1st Prize.
We stand in Absolute Awe and can only offer our Congratulations.
Outstanding job Randy! ... Go forth and Autocross!
Some Say: "He's Fast"
Flying Low in South Africa!
Shanil Govinderpershad is Flying Low
and Living Life by the Moment
More pics Vid and Livestream preview here ... Flying Low with Shanil Govindpershad
Just a few words about an upcoming live stream.
Sex on Wheels!

We are looking forward to having a nice visit in Australia with our good friend Peter Lefrancke.
He owns a truly magnificent Centaur 1B.
It's a truly fantastic car, and you know what’s even more fantastic? … It’s Peter’s Centaur Story!
It’s the story of how the Australian Company Centaur took the smashed bits of a Lotus 11 and through Aussie mechanical genius, created something truly magnificent.
Some have even called it “Sex on Wheels”! … works for me!
The Centaur story is a story unto itself and we will have more to say about that too, but Peter's story is even more compelling.
Can you imagine Peter's anguish after having fully restored a historically important race car (to honour the Centaur marque), then after a track day incident which left his beloved car damaged and trailered home, to have it stolen (trailer and all) from right out of his front yard.
Truly pathetic and sad! ... Effing Bastards!
What's worse is the vehicle was lost and was presumed gone forever.
Then a miracle happened!
Through an unknown twist of fate, his beloved was found and returned to him in pieces (… only to be rebuilt again).
Coming Soon to a Computer, iPhone or iPad near you.
Stay tuned!

Jan 11, 2022




Wouldn't it be Nice to Get Away ... for a Winter Vacation?
... Somewhere nice and warm,
... like to Tenerife in the Canary Islands, maybe?
I hear that the scenery is gorgeous there,
... especially Lucas Greg’s Fabulous 7!
Be with Greg and John Minion this Saturday ... It’s gonna be great!
(Click the picture below for show time in your area)













































































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