Saying hello and asking questions

[MiguelMcTyson]

Hello everybody,

This is the first of what I think will be many posts, took my little boy to the Silverstone Classic last week and was just blown away by the collection of Stratos there, I'll try and post the pic I took, Henry is only 4 so I couldn't get him to hang around, but it rekindled my passion for the marque and I want to know more.

My first ever car was a Fiat 127 GT 5 Speed no less, then I moved onto an Uno Turbo ie, before heading into dull company car land, having said that I did manage to purchase a beautiful Beta Spyder 2000, but that had to go when we moved house last, more recently I ordered an Alfa Brera but had to cancel because of the driving position, anyway the point of my post is this, having always promised myself an integrale for occasional use when I could afford it I now feel that I might prefer something a bit more exotic and a bit less likely to have been "tuned" by someone who couldn't afford a Impreza.

Is a well built replica a viable alternative to a more traditional trackday car, Caterham, Elise etc.?

As someone who is dangerous with a spanner is it possible to employ someone to build a car to my spec and whay would be the likely cost?

What sort of bhp per tonne does the average replica run on, assuming the Alfa V6 which seems to be the most common engine choice?

Is it a straight choice between building a Stradale replica or a Rally one or do owners make their own choice on asthetics and still get accepted by the community (sounds a bit weird I know)?

I have a load more questions but this post is way to long already, I would really appreciate any and all feedback.


:)

[MiguelMcTyson]

Pic as mentioned

[mogul_x]

Mike,

In response to your questions:

Is a well built replica a viable alternative to a more traditional trackday car, Caterham, Elise etc.?
Yes and no. Club members using their cars in sprint competitions have posted times on par with Lotus Elise in some events. Whether that's more a result of the equipment or driver skill is open to debate. ;) Obviously, you'd be giving up something to more sophisticated, modern engineering, but it's possible to build a Stratos replica that will give respectable performance.


is it possible to employ someone to build a car to my spec and whay would be the likely cost?
It is possible. Chris Smith, John Whalley, and I think Graham Bates have built cars for customers in the past. I'm pretty sure Chris Smith has done contract work within the last year or two, but as far as I know, neither was a complete "turn-key" affair. I was hoping to talk Chris into doing some work on my car, but negotiations are ongoing due to my location.... :rolleyes:

I won't venture a guess as to the price premium over a bare kit. Best to see if anyone volunteers a quote.


What sort of bhp per tonne does the average replica run on, assuming the Alfa V6?
Right around 200. The exact figure will depend on the engine spec and build configuration, since horsepower and weight will vary depending on how you equip the car.


Is it a straight choice between building a Stradale replica or a Rally one or do owners make their own choice on asthetics and still get accepted by the community.
As far as bodystyles go, you've got to pick one or the other, but there really isn't much of a difference between Stradale and Gp.4 (wide fenders, air scoop, light pod, dashboard). Everyone pretty much does their own thing. Some folks are sticklers for accuracy, others will incorporate modern touches never available on genuine Stratos (like aircon or power windows). There've been several Gp.4 bodied cars running around with Stradale interiors, and a couple Stradale bodied rally cars. Most Stradales have the tail and roof spoilers fitted - I don't recall having seen a "naked" Stradale replica anywhere.

One of the nice things about a replica is that you can do what you want to it without fear of being shunned. Not everyone may agree with your personal tastes, but nobody has ever been excluded for aesthetic eccentricities.

Hope this answers your questions

[Chris J]

Hello

The green car in your photo is one of the most 'enjoyed' cars in the SEC.

It's very expensive to have one built for you. Reckon on at the very least £30,000 to have one built. Over £20,000 to build one yourself from a new kit. Or about £12,000 to £20,000 for a complete secondhand finished car. But you'll only get 2 or 3 of those a year, and they tend to get snapped up quick.

For the time being, have a read of this:

http://www.stratossupersite.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1861

and this:

http://www.stratossupersite.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1996&highlight=newbie

[MiguelMcTyson]

Thanks Guys,

So I can spend £30k on having one built which will lose me £10k if I ever sell it or wait very patiently for a decent one to become available,

I don't like my choices so far!

[chris.richard]

My pennyworth (and it's probably not worth more) :)

For a turnkey I'd aim at more like £70,000 There's a lot of hours involved at commercial rates.

For a V6, bhp/ton I'd say 200 - 260+ (210 - 240bhp @ 800 - 1000kg)

Although most are straightforward Stradales/Gp 4 bodywork, there is the volks-wagen!!! :D gallery (http://www.stratossupersite.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=3018)

[guy mayers]

Thanks Guys,

So I can spend £30k on having one built which will lose me £10k if I ever sell it or wait very patiently for a decent one to become available,

I don't like my choices so far!

If you build it yourself for £20k and it will still be worth that 5, 10 years down the road.
Spend a similar amount on a new Elise or similar now and what will it be worth in the future? Probably £15k three years down the line? And it'll only get worse!

As for being "dangerous with a spanner" you'd be surprised at what you can acheive with a little patience and time, assuming that you have both (and an understanding partner) there is no reason not to give it a go. Any problems that arise during the build will have been overcome by others whose advice is freely available through this site.
You'll remember the day you turn the ignition key and your car moves under it's own power for the first time for the rest of your life! I still do.
However the Stratos is more than that, it's a group of like minded enthusiasts with a passion for the car but it will develop into lifelong friendships that transcend the mere car.
Well, that's my thoughts anyway! Come to a meet someday and see what I mean!
Guy

[Chris J]

Thanks Guys,

So I can spend £30k on having one built which will lose me £10k if I ever sell it or wait very patiently for a decent one to become available,

I don't like my choices so far!

That's why nobody takes the 'turnkey' route to ownership, it's too expensive unless you're very well off. The save up and wait option looks like the best one for you. You do need to be commited though. Most people don't have the patience, and it's lots of patience you'll need whichever route you take to Stratos (replica) ownership, even if you've got the money.

It's like Guy says above, owning one of these cars tends to be a way of life rather something you just dip into. Some people in the Stratos Enthusiasts Club would rather go without holidays, new clothing and food before they gave up their Stratos!

[strat6v]

Mine has cost me a pot of dosh, two girlfriends and one wife :eek: , but the correct decision was made, choose the strat :D

Armourer Doug had a part finished Hawk for sale recently. Did it sell?

John.

[Chris J]

Armourer Doug had a part finished Hawk for sale recently. Did it sell?

John.

Yes it did sell John. What we want here are complete cars though.

Did Sue Holloway's car sell? Or Denys Jones car?

[strat6v]

I haven't a clue.

[catswhiskers]

Thanks Guys,

So I can spend £30k on having one built which will lose me £10k if I ever sell it or wait very patiently for a decent one to become available,

I don't like my choices so far!

Hi Peter and welcome.
Probably a good way to help you with the decision making process is to come along to Snetterton circuit in Norfolk on August bank holiday Monday.
Thats the venue for the latest 'Total Kit Car Live' event. Napiersport have booked a pit lane garage and I'll be there with my Stratos replica and at least 1 other giving guest rides round the circuit all day. ;) Come along and have a good look around, ask as many questions as you like and talk to the 'Kit Manufacturer' You'll find that they offer 'Turnkey' builds at a very realistic cost, depending in your needs of course.

See you there? :D

Mick

[John]

Mick,
thanks for posting that!
Just for balance I should say that as well as the Napiersport Corse's there will also be a Hawk present (hopefully) on the day (as there was at Oulton too, courtesy of Chris Ellis).
Again we are hoping to get as many people as possible rides in a Stratos replica because we are again running the event to raise funds for Jerry's cancer appeal, hence getting as many cars on circuit as possible (no matter what breed they are!)
Oulton Park taught us that it was bloody hard work for the drivers (am I right Mick?) and so we are hoping to have three cars there to satisfy demand.
Looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the day.
John

[catswhiskers]

Mick,

Oulton Park taught us that it was bloody hard work for the drivers (am I right Mick?)
John

Oh yes John, sheer torture :D But in the interest of a good cause....bring it on again ;)

See you there.

Mick

[carlsberg]

john and mick, sorry I can't be there as I am on holiday.
I enjoyed the hard work at oulton park.
it was for a good cause afterall.

[John]

Chris,
sorry not to have been in touch. Hope all is well with the car again now. You would have been most welcome at Snetterton of course. I won't say it's a pity you are on holiday because no doubt you are looking forward to it.
See you soon,
John