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 was a familiar open car feeling, the close proximity to the ground and ride took me back to Healy Sprite days. This test model did not have the side windshields, which caused a great deal of buffeting….something not that comfortable for a long journey. The sheer power to weight and outstanding balance was evident from the passengers ride as corners were hardly noticed. The power was adequate given that it was a standard 1800cc MX5 that was calmed down by a restrictive exhaust muffler configuration.
The engineering is a work in progress, beginning with an already well-established design modifications happen so each car off their drawing board exhibits change in the most positive manner. The Kit-Car concept has and always been a calling card and now with a bare bones kit to any stage of assembly is available, the call is even stronger. It is a matter of doing it right first time and taking sensible alternatives that meet your situation.
The re-furbished parts seem to be more than adequate and certainly it makes no sense to spend time and money doing too much of this other than perhaps the motor and transmission. The willingness to accept help, backed by experience and wisdom, has never been something that I would pass over. Right now, I am very much convinced that living in Japan having a partial build of the car is the best option….everything must be correct and this is the right path to take.

I am certainly considering;
Motor/Transmission/drive installed
Suspension and brakes installed
The under body pan to be attached
All body panels to be pre-drilled

Some design aesthetic choices will include:
Black powder coated chassis
Black powder coated suspension components
Black powder coated roll bar
Black powder coated headers/engine parts
Carbon fiber smaller headlights
Carbon fiber rear vision wing mirrors
Carbon fiber dash with simple white gauges

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 for his part in making this happen other than merely having a garage.
We both looked very carefully at the options available in New Zealand and emails for product and price information was the first step. From the three options, we came to a conclusive decision; let us really investigate the McGregor Mach 7 operation in Christchurch. From the first email, the McGregor team exhibited professionalism in product knowledge, technical expertise but the most important factor was their passion.
Japan suddenly seemed a long way from New Zealand but being completely bitten by the need to build a boyhood dream travel plans were drafted to visit the McGregor team. Three years ago stumbling upon rather scratched, tardy, and sad looking 1986 Ruff Porsche 911 was an entry into classic car restoration. This however this was in Japan, at a local garage only 10 minutes drive not 10 hours flying.
What would Christchurch hold in store? The offer of a test drive at the Ruapuna Speedway certainly raised possibility of this happening.