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Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Primer, but lacking a little for some builders
Review: And you won't have to do it alone. This is not another 'how to' book,...This is a phenomenon! Like the orginal Lotus 'Seven' by Colin Chapman, on which it's based, interest in Ron Champions Locost 'Seven' has vastly exceeded it's creator's expectations and attracted a world-wide following of builders, planners, drivers and dreamers. So what does the book tell us? Everything we need to know to build a very desirable ('very', in this context, is supreme understatement) road-registered sports/racing car in the UK. Since the first edition of BYOSC, clubs, race teams, 'E'groups and individual websites have formed, all sharing experiences, helping source parts, find answers to builders' questions, and, for builders elsewhere, advise on variations or plan modifications required to comply with design regulations wherever you decide you've gotta have one. This co-operative system is well supported by the second edition book, which list's organisations, books, and specialists who can provide project support. It has been particularly helpful where different market conditions, environmental or legal requirements make sourcing of donor vehicles and parts as specified in 'the book' somewhat difficult. For instance, as a frustrated Aussie builder, I was referred to "E-groups-Locost" where fellow enthusiasts told me how to re-spec'with GM Holden and Toyota bits, so I'm now powering my first chassis with a Toyota 4A-GE 1600cc,DOHC,16valve,fuel injected 'V8killer'. There will be other performance enhancing modifications too, all made possible by the research and development of the support network, and the fact that Mr. Champions masterly design is capable of absorbing considerable 'tweaking'. (wait till the $40000+ Lotus/Caterham bunch see this one! )..... Probably the most glaring omission from this book is a warning of the addictive effect of reading it! Go on, read it anyway,...your build-project will add to the statistics that will help me justify my project to 'herself' when she realises that the steel tubing delivered last month is not going to be the new pergola she expected.
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Summary: The ultimate project car for the hardcore buildasaurus
Review: The Locost is really a homebuilt-as in, from scratch-Lotus 7, and for the person with more time than money, it's a magnificently educational project. My only caveat is, it's tiny. Before you start cutting metal, at least sit in one , if you can't arrange a drive. Also, you may have to import components or scrounge very, very carefully in the US for the needed parts, as the English Fords the Locost is designed around are scarce on the ground in America. Ultimately, the American reader/builder would probably be better off with a scaled up version around common RWD Japanese and other common bits from U.S. junkyards and a bigger cockpit-Americans tend to be heftier than Europeans. Engines readily available in the U.S. such as the Quad 4 and the 20R/22R Toyota which make ideal sense, also, are a bit big for the Locost as designed. That doesn't take away from this book one iota-it's worth five stars for inspiration alone.
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Summary: Great Book for person trying to build hot rod on low budget
Review: This book has been my first step to a component car creation. It has outlined all the skills required and assists the builder by suggesting further reading. I have not as yet made any further in roads into the production of my Locost but intend to in the near future. I must admit living in Yugoslavia helps as parts are available here and there are enterprising individuals building parts to meet Ron's specification. Would reccomend this book for anybody on lwo budget who wants a great car.
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Summary: Go for IT!!!
Review: This is an excellent book to help you develop your own first kit car. It will guide you step by step including how to weld, where to source parts, etc. It is an inspiring book!
Rating:
Summary: Go for IT!!!
Review: This is an excellent book to help you develop your own first kit car. It will guide you step by step including how to weld, where to source parts, etc. It is an inspiring book!
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Summary: An excellent outline on how to build a Seven replica
Review: What a concept! Building your own car! With this book Ron Champion outlines a plan for building your own Lotus Seven/Westfield clone. Some sections may be not as detailed as some people would prefer but overall it is excellent and informative. There are lots of builders and discussion groups that readers could join and learn from. The most valuable part of this book, in my opinion, is how to build the frame. The frame is built from square section steel tubing and welding equipment is required. Parts like the nosecone, windscreen, etc. can be fabricated or bought. There are quite a few Seven clone manufacturers around the world. The 'for as little as..' part may be a slightly incorrect but its much cheaper than most kit cars. In the course of building this car the reader will have to learn a lot about suspensions, drivetrain and engine rebuilding, fibreglass work, etc. It's almost like an outline for a course in Motor Vehicle Technology! I must say that this is one of the best car books I have ever read and if you've ever had schoolboy dreams of building your own roadster type car then you've definitely got to get this book!
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