Looking for CM car

Michael Wood · Post by **Michael Wood** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 8:37 am

This should probably go in classifieds, but maybe not, as there's a discussion combined...

I'm looking to buy a CM car, as I've sold my Shelby. In a perfect world, I'd find a Swift DB1 that was turnkey for no more than $12,000. Seeing as one just went on ebay for $10,200, that seems reasonable.

Now, the discussion part...I know that there is a growing number of CM cars on the west coast, a number owned by folks on this board.
How did you find your car?
What were your top criteria when looking?
I want an inboard suspension car, but does SCCA club racing success of a particular chassis equate to a better car for Solo?

Thanks,
Mike

Robert Puertas · Post by **Robert Puertas** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 9:33 am

I found the Mondiale on Apexspeed.
Paid $6k and shipped it out from Louisville.

Mondiale and Reynard were two of the chassis I knew I could fit in.
No way I could fit in a Swift, those things are tiny, especially in the foot box.

I don't think you need a modern car to win CM, but I did like the price point of the non-Swift in-board cars.

The earlier cars are eligible for CF road racing and some even for vintage. This makes them worth more to more people.
Also, certain brands seem to have stronger followings overseas, and a number of the non-Swift in-board cars have been heading to OZ and NZ. They allow a wider rear wheel, which may play a hand in what is competitive...

Whatever you end up with, I think it can be made competitive in CM. Either way, CM on the west coast is shaping up quite nicely!

George Schilling · Post by **George Schilling** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 10:27 am

I also found my '85 VD on Apexspeed. Also paid $6000 including trailer. I was fortunate in that it was local, however it was not set up for autox. Between our two cars, hopefully we can learn from each other so we can get competitive.

Michael Wood · Post by **Michael Wood** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 11:00 am

Good stuff, thanks guys. Sounds like a good group is forming out here, for sure.

I drove Mark Mervich's VD this weekend at Marina and the hook was set...I had been thinking about it for awhile, but now I NEED a CM car.

Doug Kott · Post by **Doug Kott** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 10:41 pm

Hey Mike,

Do you still have the MR2? If so, I hope you're enjoying it.

--Doug

Jason Isley BS RX8 · Post by **Jason Isley BS RX8** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 9:46 am

If it is still for sale you should jump on Jim Bishops car. http://www.apexspeed.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47113" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Great car, and he is a great guy to deal with.

Michael Wood · Post by **Michael Wood** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 1:25 pm

Thanks, Jason. I left Jim a voicemail, we'll see what happens...I'd be all OVER that car.

Doug, I still have Mr.Two. Actually found a set of DA Konis built by ProParts that I'll be installing (hopefully) this weekend. I'm also mounting up a set of Toyos on the stock rims, for daily driver use and general mischief. ;)

Ron Tsumura · Post by **Ron Tsumura** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 1:32 pm

Michael Wood wrote:Thanks, Jason. I left Jim a voicemail, we'll see what happens...I'd be all OVER that car.

Doug, I still have Mr.Two. Actually found a set of DA Konis built by ProParts that I'll be installing (hopefully) this weekend. I'm also mounting up a set of Toyos on the stock rims, for daily driver use and general mischief. ;)

Don't get your hopes up yet.

Jim e-mailed me back in August and said it was "tentatively sold" back then.

Michael Wood · Post by **Michael Wood** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 2:22 pm

Yeah...I'd expect it is gone.

There's another Swift for sale up here that looks ok, but the guy wants all the money ($17.7k)...which is probably why it has been for sale since June.

Eric Clements · Post by **Eric Clements** » Fri Oct 14, 2011 10:47 am

SoPac news has a '92 Van Dieman, $11,999. In SanDiego, don't know seller/car, just saw the add.

Wmwalls@roadrunner.com

Michael Wood · Post by **Michael Wood** » Fri Oct 14, 2011 9:04 pm

Thanks, Eric. I sent an email, we'll see what the deal is...

edit: the VD in SD is sold.

Robert Puertas · Post by **Robert Puertas** » Sun Oct 16, 2011 8:18 am

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/ct ... 39965.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Q V · Post by **Q V** » Sun Oct 16, 2011 1:36 pm

Robert Puertas wrote:http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/ct ... 39965.html

I approve of the color!

KJ Christopher · Post by **KJ Christopher** » Sun Oct 16, 2011 2:10 pm

Right down the street from my house.

Michael Wood · Post by **Michael Wood** » Sun Oct 16, 2011 6:28 pm

Pretty car, but I'm interested in the '84-'94 era with inboard suspension. Thanks for posting.

The price seems pretty reasonable for a Merlyn, as IIRC they have a really good following in vintage racing and a solid reputation. I wonder if it is because the 29/31 cars are kind of "tweeners"...too new to run with the big vintage organizations, but not going to get it done in Club Ford?

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