Considering this car….any views welcome

[Foggy748]

Hi all,

Coming from a Lotus Exige Sport 350 and considering this:
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/13728836

Just fancy something a bit different and have always liked the Ultimas but know little about what to look for so any help or advice would be much appreciated.

I thought all GTR’s came with a wing (probably wrong on that) but this one appears not to have one?

Would this car be a wise choice or can I expect to be spending a lot of time on ongoing maintenance compared to my Lotus?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Caddyshack]

Looks a lovely car. A bit odd without the wing but assume you could add that if you wanted it?

Seems cheaper than I thought it would be.

[Steve_D]

Looks good.
Nothing special or difficult to service. parts are available both from the Factory or parts suppliers many suspension/running gear parts are Ford.

Personally I prefer the wing but you don't need it until very high leptons. Easy retro-fit.

Steve

[Foggy748]

The engine is a 383 6.3L Chevy V8.
Any thoughts on that?

[BogBeast]

Foggy748 said:

The engine is a 383 6.3L Chevy V8.
Any thoughts on that?

Sure it will be fine. Easy and cheap to look after, might weep a bit of oil, but that's old small blocks for you. G50 is solid box.

Looks like it could be a factory-supplied American Speed engine, so I don't imagine its a solid lifter that could require regular poking with a feeler gauge.

Expect it to glug super unleaded tho'

That livery ..

If you are planning to track it alot then I might look at the oil system and consider an Accusump Oil Accumulator

Mine has an appetite for certain suspension bushes. That ones had them replaced so you'll be good for a few years (I replaced two of the most wear-prone bushes with ones machined up from Nylatron). They are easy to swap anyway

[jontysafe]

I think the answer to your question is yes it will need more fettling and that is all part of the proposition with kit cars.

If you don't mind that then great.

While Lotus aren't quite mass produced, owners aren't quite under the car or bonnet as much.

If I was living in UK I'd be tempted by that Ultima.

Go for it.

[interstellar]

That looks epic for under 50k. I agree, go for it!!

[paddy1970]

Get the car a ppi by a mechanic familiar with ultimas and you should be good to go 😀