2004-ish CMC Locost Lotus 7 replica

I built a CMC Locost 20 years ago. So did GRM. It's a Lotus 7 replica that has IRS (custom control arms, not a Miata subframe), a Miata engine and transmission and comes in at roughly 1200 lbs wet. They're a complete riot.

While building mine, I was in contact with a fellow named Wade who was also building a sister car. I recently heard from Wade's family, he has passed away and they asked if I knew anyone who might be interested in his car.

The good: The car looks great (albeit dusty) and apparently Wade purchased some hop-up parts from Flyin' Miata such as a built head and some fuel components. More details to follow on that, but it bodes well.

The bad: The car is NOT registered and does not have an MSO. CMC is out of business so it would be a challenge to get another. We have pics of the car at Mid-Ohio on Kumho V700s so it may have been a track toy. It may be possible to register as a homebuilt, but there's definitely a challenge ahead.

I've asked for more pics of the engine, etc. The family member mentioned $5000. Car is in PA. Let me know if you have interest and I'll put you in touch.

Man, why do all of these have to be on the other side of the darn country? 
I'll console myself with the knowledge that there's almost certainly no way I'd fit in this. 

If my m5 moves to the next party, I may be interested!

Do you know if it runs?

That seems like a really good price.  

One thing about the CMC kits, they're quite narrow. If you are a wide-body you may not fit. 

I'm in PA.  I have a much less complete Locost and would rather have a more complete one.  Contact info would be appreciated. Email incoming. 

I think I'm glad I'm fat.

I'll ask if it runs. Based on the dust, it probably ran when parked. Since they're a Miata drivetrain and this was built back when NAs were 20 years newer than they are today, it's unlikely it has suffered a catastrophic failure. I would want to clean the injectors and check to see if there's any anti-slosh foam (now crumbling) in the fuel tank myself.

This is a "book" frame, which means it's about the same size as the original Lotus. It's not the big +442 variant that became popular later, but that also means it's less floppy and lighter. They are not big cars, though.

I am interested in contact info as well on the off chance that Sonic passes.  

Send me an email at keith@flyinmiata.com and I'll put you in touch. I've forwarded Sonic's contact into to the seller.

I told myself I wasn't buying any more cars until the BMW sells.  This may turn me into a liar.  Sent you an email as well, but certainly not going to fight GRMer's over it.  If you guys pass, I'm interested.  And by interested, I mean I will take it :P.

More pics!

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1COs8ww5VxM2hNQImvxSSLAdZx2XXimU_

The seller says he thinks it has an FM built head (I will try to confirm) and the pictures do show a fresh looking head and intake manifold as well as an FM fuel rail. It's a 1999-00 engine. Some of the wiring could be tidier, apparently Wade was trying to sort out a crank trigger problem. Those particular engines are prone to cam angle sensor failures, it may be that easy. Looks like someone tried to jump the fuel pump as well. The sale is as-is. There is also a helmet in the footwell which tells a bit of a story of its history :)

The fuel tank is a JAZ plastic cell which will definitely need to be cleaned out if it's got the foam in it, that stuff falls apart and clogs filters with time. BTDT with my own Seven. I'd recommend cleaning out the tank before running it much.

Very cool. If Paul buys my M5.....

Paul's passing on the M5 😞

Request for contact sent

Thanks

I get the feeling the seller is not looking for an excellent future home for this vehicle, he's looking to make it leave. I would suggest that if he reaches out, you respond quickly :) He's moving down the list in the order I gave him names.

I just sent him an email that I'll take it and can pay him now, pick it up in 2 weeks. 

Based on my emails back and forth with the seller, consider it sold.  
 

Coming soon to the for sale selection: locost IRS Miata based frame with nose cone and almost all the Miata mechanical and wiring  1.8 bits needed, as a roller with totes of parts plus drivetrain on a dolly, in southeast PA. 

In reply to Sonic :

Hey, I might be interested. I also have a E36 M3 ton of Miata race cars and Miata race car parts I need to offload too if that's in your wheel house.

Seller just told me that Sonic has spoken for the car and he's happy it's going to a home that will enjoy it. Thank you GRM for keeping someone's project alive. 

accordionfolder said:

In reply to Sonic :

Hey, I might be interested. I also have a E36 M3 ton of Miata race cars and Miata race car parts I need to offload too if that's in your wheel house.

Please tell me more about these Miata parts you need to offload ?  (here's why)

I need Miata parts for my 2000. Wiring harness, brake and clutch master cylinders, other things... There was a fire. It was a bad day. 

Anything you might have that would fit?