If you're looking for a good autocross in that price range, I think the Ariel Atom would be great. Have you thought about one of those?

Peter

pfft caterham super 7

the ariel atom is just too wierd looking for this visual architect.

the seven clones have always attracted me.

but since i kindof discovered the beck spyder it has me thinking that a mid engine design might be the ultimate for handling. i really like the looks of it too. i havent sat in a caterham yet but i suspect i might be a tight fit at 5' 8 and 190#. i am kindof broad. there is lots of elbow room in the spyder.

thanks for the tips i will check out the websites mentioned above.

if the spyders dont seem competitive i will probably look at a seven.

although in the 20 to 30 range there are a host of attractive nimble cars...minis (dont want fwd), honda 2000, crossfire, bmw zs and z coupes, and so forth.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Seems as if the power to weight ratio is right the car should be fast but then again it has smallish looking tires. With such low curb weight I would hope it does just fine with 205-225mm tires. Did it not handle well or just feel like it could not be pushed?

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1974 240D 3.0L 4(M) - 250K -OM617.910 + 300D FW + Rajay turbo power!
1977 6.9 3(A) - 84k

Those Beck Spyders look nice but I wouldn't think of them as an auto-x car really. More something nice to cruise around in. Here's a pic of a Spyder I saw last time I was in LA. Sharp design.

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1984 300D turbo, 250K
1971 MGBGT, 101K
2007 VW Jetta, 4K

i checked out one of the spyder forums. it seems most folks arent autocrossing them. a lot of discussion of horsepower and brakes, not much discussion that i could see about handling. it seems that they are a bit heavier than i was lead to believe, in fact they weigh about the same as an early beetle i think. so i am not sure but it kindof looks like if i wanted to autocross it i will have to sort out the suspension myself. also rubbing tires is a common problem too. i was surprised that nobody was talking of actual porsche engines in them, but some had seen subie engines in them.

they are so sweet looking and the quality seems so great that i havent given up on them but i suspect if autocrossing is a priority i will be better off with a seven clone as everybody ,pretty much, races them somehow.

thanks for the comments, everybody.

tom w

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

miata?