7Spot Media

01/01/2025

Happy New Year Spotters!
What's your resolution? How many Cars will You Buy This Year? about that Rusting Relic in the Garden? ... Will You Find Your Round To-It? sour grapes - Lost Toys? ... Happy New Year to You Too!
No Honest Answers please, ... just whimsical Hopes and Prayers!

12/24/2024

Welcome to the first edition of 7Spot Live!
What began as a humble Facebook group has grown into a thriving global community of over 12,000 passionate members, and now, we’re thrilled to launch this digital magazine to bring our shared love of cars, kit cars, and all things light & fast to an even wider audience.
7Spot Live is more than just a publication—it’s a celebration of the stories that our cars help us tell. From the roar of an engine starting for the first time to the quiet satisfaction of turning a wrench in the garage, this magazine is about the people, the builds, and the adventures that make car culture so extraordinary.
Through interviews with car builders, owners, racers, and manufacturers from around the world, we’ll explore the ingenuity, craftsmanship, and camaraderie that drive this incredible community. Whether you’re here for inspiration, entertainment, or practical tips, we hope you find something to spark your imagination and fuel your passion.
Thank you for joining us on this exciting new journey. The best stories are yet to come—and they’re yours to tell.
Happy building,
7Spot Jim
Jim Gould
Editor-in-Chief, 7Spot Live
https://7spot.nationbuilder.com/7spot_live_digital_magazine_issue_001

12/13/2024

I took my Kit Car to Pikes Peak
and Finished 9th OVERALL!

In motorsport, some stories transcend competition, becoming legends that inspire generations of enthusiasts.

The journey of Gary Sanders and Duncan Cowper, two former DJ Sportscars (DAX) employees, is one such story.

From their groundbreaking work at DAX to conquering the famed Pikes Peak Hill Climb, these two pioneers have left an indelible mark on the kit car world.
https://7spot.nationbuilder.com/race_to_the_clouds_in_a_dax_rush

12/08/2024

� 7Spot Livestream: Kit Cars – The Good, The Bad, and the Unbelievable �

Join us for a thrilling 7Spot Channel livestream as our expert panel dives deep into the fascinating world of kit cars!
We'll explore the highs and lows of the industry, categorizing manufacturer offerings into four intriguing groups:

� The Good – Iconic kits that stood the test of time and won the hearts of enthusiasts.
� The Bad – Projects that failed to deliver on their promises.
� Those That Should Have Done Better – Hidden gems that didn’t get the recognition they deserved.
� What Were They Thinking? – Outlandish designs and questionable ideas that left us scratching our heads.

� Money No Object – If cost wasn’t a concern, what would be the ultimate kit car? Our panel shares their dream builds!

� Whether you're a builder, enthusiast, or just curious about the history and future of kit cars, this livestream is packed with insights, laughter, and spirited debate. Don’t miss it!

� Bring your questions and opinions to the live chat—your input matters!

� Hit Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss this exciting event!

12/03/2024

I Built a Hill Climb Racer ... and You Can Too!
We have also included a "High Def" version of this episode and
we invite you to "Like, Share and Comment" on our 7Spot YT Channel ... link here: https://youtu.be/8p-zvAiilhA

11/26/2024

Join us for an exciting livestream from Brazil as we chat with Henrique Meneses about his incredible Locost 7-style roadster build! Henrique has taken the classic Locost formula and added his own creative twist, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind car.

In this livestream, we’ll dive into Henrique’s build journey, including:

The inspiration behind his design.
Challenges he faced building the car.
The custom features and unique modifications that make his roadster stand out.
What it’s like to drive and enjoy this fantastic machine on Brazilian roads.
Whether you're a Locost enthusiast, a kit car builder, or just love innovative engineering, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Make sure to tune in, ask questions, and celebrate Henrique’s achievement with us!

11/17/2024

Things you Can Do at Home.. when you have Less Money.. and More Time!

11/10/2024

https://youtu.be/GLLsUZclljQ
Unfinished and Abandoned for 24 years!.. Will it Start?

Welcome back to the Avon Rescue series! 🚗💨 In this episode, follow Chris Hollier as he tackles the next step in reviving a 24-year-abandoned Tiger Avon kit...

11/10/2024

What is a Kit Car?

Synthetic Conversations with ChatGTP, ElevenLabs.io and real conversations with Gary Janes at Formosa 120 GR. So I was wondering, … What is a Kit Car? … and...

10/23/2024

https://open.substack.com/pub/7spot/p/addams-family-phaeton?r=1gz1eh&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Addams Family Dutton Phaeton

in Canada, ... you say?

10/21/2024

https://youtu.be/7pdSMXSMbqQ?si=3VN97KkinmsBnQJW

10/14/2024

Want to build a Racer's Dash and Aero Screen for your Kit Car?
more details in pinned comment

10/09/2024

Say Hi to Robert Goddard
Dear 7Spot Community,
It is with great enthusiasm that we introduce Robert Goddard as our newest 7Spot Show Host!
Robert is no stranger to the kit car scene, having already made a significant impression through his knowledge, passion, and hands-on experience.
Many of you may recognize Robert from his recent Livestream feature, where he showcased his stunning MEV Exocet build.
more here ... https://7spot.nationbuilder.com/say_hi_to_robert_goddard

09/01/2024

Founded by Jim Dudley in 1989, Tiger Racing had a reputation for crafting high-performance, lightweight sports cars.
The Avon was one of their most beloved models, a kit car car that combined classic British sports car aesthetics with modern engineering.
This is a kit car story that started long ago.
It began as a Kit Car Build Project which, tragically, went horribly wrong.
We do not know the details but somewhere along the line, this Brand New Tiger Avon kit build stopped and the unfinished "roller" was left abandoned for over 20 years.
The good news is that it was perfectly stored in a garage for all those years just waiting for someone to rescue it and complete the project.
Chris Hollier is just the right guy for this job and he recently stepped up to purchase the neglected kit.
Chris is no novice when it comes to working with kit cars.
He has built over 100 cars, developed his own kit car marque and was the editor of a well known Kit Car Magazine. ... He really knows his stuff!

08/27/2024

7Spot Jim's Rabbit Holes

The McCoy: Scotland's Mini-Based Sports Car
The McCoy is a unique and rare sports car with roots in Scotland, developed by the talented engineer Arthur Birchall. This distinctive vehicle is a Mini-based version of the Clan, another iconic small sports car from the 1970s. The McCoy captures the essence of the British kit car movement, combining the reliable mechanics of the Mini with the sporty and stylish design elements inspired by the Clan.

Arthur Birchall's Vision
Arthur Birchall, known for his work in the kit car industry, sought to create a car that blended the best aspects of the Mini with the performance-oriented characteristics of the Clan. The Clan, originally designed by former Lotus engineers, was renowned for its lightweight fiberglass body and excellent handling. Birchall saw an opportunity to adapt this successful formula using the Mini as the donor car, creating the McCoy as a result.

Design and Construction
The McCoy's design is a reflection of both the Mini's practicality and the Clan's sportiness. Like the Clan, the McCoy features a fiberglass body, which not only reduces weight but also adds to the car's durability. This lightweight construction, paired with the Mini's legendary chassis, makes the McCoy an agile and responsive car on the road.

The car utilizes the Mini's engine, gearbox, and suspension, making it relatively easy for enthusiasts to build and maintain. Depending on the choice of Mini components, the McCoy could be equipped with various engine sizes, ranging from the standard 998cc to the more powerful 1275cc units, providing a lively driving experience.

The McCoy's Legacy
Though the McCoy was never produced in large numbers, it has garnered a dedicated following among classic car enthusiasts. Its rarity and connection to both the Mini and the Clan make it a sought-after collector's item today. The car's unique blend of Scottish engineering and British automotive heritage gives it a special place in the world of classic cars.

Arthur Birchall's McCoy remains a testament to the ingenuity and passion that drove the kit car movement in the UK during the 1980s. For those fortunate enough to own or drive one, the McCoy offers a delightful mix of nostalgia, performance, and charm—embodying the spirit of an era when creativity and craftsmanship were the hallmarks of automotive design.

08/20/2024

20 years in storage and this little car has never turned a wheel in anger!
This is the Tiger Avon Restoration story with Chris Hollier.
It is the sad story of a kit car project that never found it's way to completion.
In the last 20 years, this little Kit Car has had (at least) 2 owners who eventually gave up on their dreams.
Failure to complete a project is one of the unfortunate facts about building a kit car.
Many build dreams, for many reasons (including lack of planning) have ended up hanging on the wall of shame of their owner's shed. ... Just a bad dream waiting to be disposed of!
That's where Chris Hollier entered this story.
For a cheap price on FB marketplace Chris purchased this rolling chassis of a Kit.
Yes, the car lived a desolate, albeit well preserved, life.
Yes, it's yet another kit car for Chris! ... Like he really needs another.
He's built over 130 of them, manufactured his own Kit Car marque and has written countless stories about them as the editor of a kit car magazine... but what could you do? ... The price was absolutely right and Chris has a plan!
There are loads of kit car "Look at Me build" stories on YouTube but this one is a bit different... Sure there will be lots of "How To" and "Wrenching" but our series will also tell the "Why" part and hopefully help shed some light on the decision making process.

08/16/2024

... a Shed Tour with Chris!
Where the series, "Broken Wings & Learn to Fly" Happens.
The Tiger Avon Restoration series will give you a very real view of what it takes to build (or restore) a 7 style roadster.
This isn't going to be one of those over produced, ... "Look at Me" kind of YouTube series.
There going to be lots of "How To" and "Wrenching" segments but this series of videos will focus on the "Why" part of Planning your build.
The video series is a story of Phoenix rising from the ashes, ... kinda!
But it's much more than that.
It starts with Chris telling the sad story of kit car project that was never completed... just another abandoned Kit Car Project!
For a cheap price on FB marketplace Chris purchased yet another kit car. ... Like he really needs another.
He's built over 130 of them, manufactured his own kit car marque and has written countless stories about them as the editor of a kit car magazine... but what could you do! ... The price was absolutely right and Chris has plans!
Stay Tuned! ... It's Going to be Great!

Where "Broken Wings & Learn to Fly" Happens.... a Shed Tour with Chris Hollier.The Tiger Avon Restoration series will give you a very real view of what it ta...

08/04/2024

https://youtube.com/live/deMjJuULluM
Will I be Pretty? ... Planning a 7 Build?
Thinking of using an MX5 as the Donor?
Do you have a plan?
… or considering an MX5 Kit?
(They’re Loads of them)
What will it take to do the build?
and
What will it Look Like When I’m Done?
Hmm, … how do the lyrics of that song go?
“Will I Be Pretty? … Will I be Rich?”
here’s what she said to me:
"Que Sera, Sera", … or something like that.

Planning a 7 Build?Thinking of using an MX5 as the Donor?Do you have a plan?… or considering an MX5 Kit? (They’re Loads of them)What will it take to do the b...