WHY BUILD A LOTUS 7 REPLICA IN NEW ZEALAND WHILE LIVING IN JAPAN?
The answer is simple…because I want to! Actually, this is not as simple as it sounds. This project has been brewing for many years and really came to the surface during Christmas in New Zealand. Grant the younger brother must also take credit [...]

McGREGOR MOTORSPORT VISIT 
The first visit was excellent and for many reasons;
the car was not as elongated as I imagined
the body was far more elegant than I imagined
the finish/detail was consistently high
there was a real passion in the concept
the motor and transmission fit was perfect
the seating and visibility was superb

The first ride as a passenger it [...]

RUAPUNA RACEWAY TEST DRIVE
Not being a travel agent or gaining monetary gain from saying that Hotel So and their bar What is truly a hidden gem in Christchurch and gains my absolute approval. To add a touch of decadence to this was having Mark parked outside in the McGregor at 9:30am ready to head out [...]

McGREGOR BUILD BEGINS
The build is now a reality with a very comprehensive cost outline from Robert and Mark with flexibility to alter as the build progresses. I was more than happy and with a flick of the mouse funds were sent south that would begin the McGregor Kit Car Project.
The motor selection was still very [...]

APRIL IN JAPAN
Back in Japan, a large amount of time passes searching endlessly via Google for all facets of Lotus Super 7 information. A seemingly endless search uncovers incredible information, some shared, discussed and saved. More importantly in New Zealand, progress is happening so I have decided to blog the build in the following categories;
STAGE 1 – Chassis – [...]

CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION
McGregor Motorsports uses a space frame chassis. The heritage descends from the Colin Chapman 1957 Lotus 7 Design but with considerable improvements. A slightly longer cockpit, larger foot-well area increases comfort. The McGregor Design results in improved safety, strength and production simplicity. NZS4711 certified trades people maintain the high quality.
I am following McGregor [...]

MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION
After the test drive I was convinced that the MX5 1800 motor and transmission would be more than adequate. It has an excellent power to weight ratio and the fit was as if it was made for a 7 chassis! Once seated your hand fell naturally to the gear lever allowing for effortless [...]

APRIL UPDATE
It is important to keep everyone on the same page during a project. In my Mach 7 build it is even more critical given that I am in Japan and the car is in Christchurch. Mark and Robert quickly established themselves as excellent communicators from day one and this has been a vital part [...]

MAY IN JAPAN
Japan is now settling down after the euphoric cherry blossom season which after 12 years I have accepted as;
A time to lay out a large blue tarpaulin under a flowering cherry tree
Encourage friends, families and even strangers to sit with you
Drink copious amounts of intoxicating beverages and pretend to BBQ
Try and make your [...]

BRAKES
While the chassis is away being prepared for powder coating the build focus shifted towards brakes. My brother Grant was concerned about the braking capacity and my reply was from a comment on driving a Lotus 7 Kit Car during a club day event. One of the new members complained that he was experiencing brake [...]