GRM boomerang Locost 7 project, Miata based with IRS, includes all Miata mechanicals. PA, $2k.

Remember the GRM free Europa that bounced around for a while until Machinenbau worked his magic?  Well, this is the Locost version of that. 

I bought this in mid 2013, and from what I can tell I am the 4th GRM forum owner.  Here's the whole history:

Original for sale post, by Apis_Mellifera:  https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/200x-classifieds/fs-stalled-locost-and-mgb-gt/49827/page1/

Foxtrapper bought it, then promptly sold it to Flyinlow, who then sold it to me:  https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/200x-classifieds/fs-stalled-locost-project/57577/page1/

I had big hopes for this, and would still keep it, but I bought the CMC Locost project that Keith posted last week, which is basically complete, and I don't need two. 

Here's what you get: 

- Locost frame, standard book dimensions, setup for a Miata based IRS rear end, and Miata uprights in the front.  Custom control arms, not Miata pieces or subframes.  Frame is all fully welded, suspension is made and attached but needs finish welding and other finishing.  There is surface rust as it was left outside for a rainstorm before I got it.  The frame and all parts have been indoors for the entirety of my time with it.

-Mechanicals from a 52k mile 1996 Miata.  Including complete engine, transmission, driveshaft, steering rack and column, etc. I got the car with an open rear end, I have exchanged that for a stock Torsen at some point

-Tub of Miata bits: all from that same miata, including a complete car wiring harness with labels on the plugs, ECU, gauge cluster, pedals, brake and clutch master, MAF, e brake cables, brake calipers (attached to the uprights), and probably more. 

-Fiberglass nose cone

-Title for the 96 Miata donor car to prove it is not stolen

-4 rough Miata dasies with junk tires to hold the car up and make it easy to move around

There is no title, this is home made.  There will be a bill of sale listing the parts.   The one potential change here is that if my new to me locost does not have a torsen then I will want to keep that, and we can adjust the price accordingly.

I'm asking $2k.  I paid less 11 years ago, but upgraded the diff, plus time.  This seems to be less than what the Miata parts alone are worth based on the low miles, and I want to pass along the good deal here on the forum.  I won't separate the Miata parts unless someone buys the frame first and doesn't want them. The frame is decent and I don't want to see it scrapped.  You can reach me at abbottcd at the g mailing place, or use the link to contact me through the forum, or text me: five-oh 8, fiver sixtysix, 65fourfiver. 

Located in Birdsboro PA (southeast corner, just east of Reading).  This should fit on a utility trailer if 5' wide.  If you happen to be between here and Pittsburgh, or want to meet in Pittsburgh, I am going with an open trailer to pick up the other Locost there this weekend.    

Pics, look at the link for a shared drive, but here are some samples.  I'm happy to take whatever other pictures or measurements you might like.

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1KdrMN-ztZH6pJH_cUKl0Tu0ChxfJ_4ZM 

Ah, memories.  I've realized I won't finish a project like this until I'm not working 60-70 hours a week.

Can you put me in line for the finished Locost if you ever decide to sell it? ;)

Interested in a Volvo 240 wagon at all? I have an ok one I was thinking about getting rid of. Pm me if you are interested.

First of all, let me know if you'd like me to delete this as I don't want to intrude on your sale thread.  But if it might help you find a buyer, i am local to you and have rear fenders, scuttle, windshield kit and i think a slightly different nose cone, all from Kinetic. The first 3 are parts that your buyer would presumably need to finish the build.  They could save a lot of money getting it all in one trip instead of paying shipping on the large fiberglass stuff.

Racebrick, no thanks, there are already too many cars around here! 
 

RedGT, absolutely would be great to buy that along with this, hopefully someone gets all of it together. 

I don't know if it is mentioned anywhere, but the chassis and suspension was built by the founder of LocostUSA.  The first car he built was incredible and he made some improvements on this one.  I have a few pics of the chassis build and some of the donor Miata I bought and disassembled if the new owner is interested.

Seems like a screaming deal. No time or space on my end!

I can't believe I am the first to suggest it .  .  

Parking Lot Build?

Just out of curiosity mostly what is the wheel base of this? 

Too bad im in canada.. having that cross boarder would be a nightmare.. i would have bought it!

Wheelbase is about 92", rough measurement.  
 

I don't see why it would be hard to get this into Canada, it isn't a car, it is just some car parts.  
 

I brought the new car home yesterday, and it does have a limited slip so the 1.8 Torsen that I have can stay with this car.  I will also throw in 1 if not 2 Kirkey seats to sweeten the deal. 

I really need to stop looking in on this thread.

In reply to Apexcarver :

I'll even meet you half way between us, you aren't all that far.  

Do it mustang boy

Man..  I have to be realistic. I've always wanted to do a locost, but I only have so much time and space. I need to stick to making what I've got the best it can be and getting out and using them. 

Someone needs to get this, but I don't think someone is me right now.

Good luck with sale. Thank you for the dream of pulling the trigger.

In reply to Apexcarver :

I feel you man, I am in the exact same boat. It's the best start one could hope for, more complete than the last one I had, and I could see myself ripping around in it. But not right now and I don't have space to store a dismantled car right now because of the <waves arms at all the disassembled cars>

If this is still available in a few months when I have my new garage built, it would make a great first project.  Perhaps even a last project.

If anyone wants the frame but isn't sure about all the Miata bits, I'll sell the frame with control arms only separate from all the Miata stuff for a case of beer or good bottle of rum, I just don't want it to get scrapped as it is good, then I can easily sell the Miata bits separately.  Or, any sort of modified package deal is fine with me as long as it includes the frame.  

In reply to Sonic :

I can't believe no one has taken that offer yet.  I sat here for at least a minute thinking about it.

I wonder if I should take a ride down and check out the frame and go completely the other direction. It sounds like it's in better starting point than the one I have.

Sonic said:

If anyone wants the frame but isn't sure about all the Miata bits, I'll sell the frame with control arms only separate from all the Miata stuff for a case of beer or good bottle of rum, I just don't want it to get scrapped as it is good, then I can easily sell the Miata bits separately.  Or, any sort of modified package deal is fine with me as long as it includes the frame.  

Hot damn...

im glad I'm in WA... I have rum and beer on hand. Heck, I'd throw in some good whiskey too

Still available.  Really trying to keep it "in the family" here but need the space back.  

Probably regret this but I am interested.  Live about 2 hrs away so could drop by for a look.  

nocones said:

I can't believe I am the first to suggest it .  .  

Parking Lot Build?

Great idea! 

Only downside would be the factory body/frame rails rule. That's still a thing right? 

Ugh, 10 hrs away.  And I have room right now.  

Ever since driving a restored original 7 across the U.P. of Michigan I have wanted one.  Realistically I should get one that is more completed with my time constraints.