Driven5 wrote:
In my mind, it mostly comes down to whether you want a car that has a more traditional '7 replica' look and feel or a more modern '7 inspired' look and feel. Do you want it to be a pair of pants that you put on, or a tub that you sit in?
Interesting analogy, Justin.
Both chassis types can yield a riff on the classic roadster. The primary visual difference is one has cutaway cockpit sides, the other does not.
The higher and continuous upper rail precludes this cutaway in the Car9 design. This results in a significantly more rigid chassis structure and improved occupant protection. Yes, the Car9 cockpit “feel” is a bit more “Formula Ford” like, reflecting Marcus’s experience.
There may also be some ease of ingress/egress difference as well, but that is more likely due to Car9’s forward roll hoop braces which also add to chassis rigidity. The braces are an option that could be added at a later time.
The swing-up doors in my Ultima Spyder provide a kind of cutaway cockpit for entry. I don’t think they make it particularly easy to get in/out. Let’s face it, all these cars are low to the ground and require some slithering to settle into the cockpit. It’s not like scrambling into a WWII Jeep.
Also with these cars so low, I don’t feel the aesthetics of a cutaway/no-cutaway cockpit makes much difference in achieving a classic roadster look. It’s all kind of happening at knee height.
In my Car9 build, I'm changing a couple of exterior design elements, but those are "builders choice." (Long scuttle, no hood, front side panel crease, free-standing rear fenders, etc.) I could have gone with a more traditional exterior on the Car9 chassis, but I gotta be me.