When the automotive press first announced a collaboration between the Mercedes-Benz and Swatch to build a car, it was funny. When the specs were released and it was advertised as a rear-engine rear-drive, and the smiles got bigger. But when it arrived and you got a 44 horsepower car for $15k starting price (before options, taxes and dealer markup) the smiles were wiped off. However, you might find that this next example could tickle a fancy or two. Find this 2002 Smart ForTwo
here on eBay offered for $27,500 buy-it-now or make offer located in Schaumburg, IL. Tip from Adam.
I recently had the opportunity to ride in and drive a late model Caterham kit version of the Lotus 7 that was built by an insane friend and equipped with a 350 horsepower turbocharged GM Ecotech 4-cylinder and 6-speed. Getting into the coffin-shaped passenger compartment was tricky, but acceleration was nothing short of psychotic. At the end of a 45 minute ride through curving coastal California blacktop I felt equal parts impressed, sun-burned, nauseated, and euphoric. I've driven some fast cars in my time (SLR McLaren, Z06 C7.R) but this was in its own league in orders of the level of excitement (and NVH) you experience on WOT in 2nd or 3rd gear...so I can only imagine that a Hayabusa 11,000 rpm powered version of the same car should similarly deliver a visceral gut punch of fun. Find this 2011 Lotus Caterham Replica MK Indy here on eBay offered for $22,800 buy-it-now located in Waxhaw, NC.
