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Not A Lotus, But A Locost

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Although this looks something like a Lotus 7, it’s not. Back in 1996, a Brit named Ron Champion wrote a book about building your own sports car for 250 pounds (roughly $380 at the time). The car he designed resembles a Lotus or Caterham 7, and is relatively simple in design but offers excellent performance due to light weight and good suspension geometry. Mr. Champion coined the name “Locost” as a takeoff of Lotus, and many have been built worldwide since then. This looks like an attempt at one that never got completed. Based on the wheels, it’s probably based on an MGB or MG Midget. This cool find was sent in by Barn Finds reader Herb, who correctly pointed out you can’t beat the $200 price. That’s right, $200! The seller does state that it won’t come with wheels or the rear axle, but neither are hard to come by. However, the seller also calls it an “amateur project gone wrong.” I’m thinking the nose cone and rear fenders are worth close to the asking price, and I’ll bet the aluminum could be reworked if necessary. It’s located in Portland, Oregon, and is listed here on craigslist. Let us know if you pick up this project and what you would do with it!

Comments

  1. Avatar jim s

    listing is deleted. hard to move car around without wheels/rear axle but i guess someone wanted it. yes you are right, not a big risk at $200. interesting find.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Mark E

    Ah well. If it were 1,700 miles closer I’d be frustrated but, as it is, cie la vie!

    Like 0
  3. Avatar jeff steindler

    back in the 1980s, I owned a sports car repair garage and a customer brought his 1974 lotus europa in with regularity………..it was in good shape, but it was cramped and tight inside ( even for a bunch of mid-20s guys ) and HOT in the summer………..it didn’t take long until it became known as the LOCUST !

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  4. Avatar Isaiah Cox

    I bought it. After another owner. Going completely through it. Everyweld and tube. If you google vintage car blog you can find my blog VintageandClassicCars dot net. You can see the build there to some degree.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jesse Staff

      Thanks for sharing and good luck with the project Isaiah!

      Like 0
  5. Avatar Isaiah Cox

    Hey, thanks Jesse!

    Like 0

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