Caterham did a retro version of the “7”. A limited edition with small engine, thin tyres based on the space frame chassis etc. with a price to entice sales.
I can’t see MMC going down that route. Reverting to the old ladder chassis, wood frames possibility but driving dynamics and spec/comfort to entice an entry level buyer? The redevelopment cost, build cost would not generate profit.
Perhaps buying up selected used cars that are filling the market and tarting them up might work? Still not cheap and a step back from the upmarket route they have chosen. There are a lot of trads out there either owned and used, stored in a garage or for sale so even upgrade deals for owners to do upgrades. The new models are expensive so a cheaper upgrade package(s) for owners not having funds for new but enough for limited budget spends?
I liked my trad Plus8. I wanted to keep on driving it. So, to do so I made a list of future proofing it. It was a 20+ yr old car so electrics, bodywork, trim power steering ( make long trips more relaxing as age crept up), suspension, assessment of under the bonnet time and effort. A nice project but...
New Plus Four bought, happy with the trade in deal. Very happy with the car. Mrs sospan fully behind the change, even taking the lead in finding one!
Me? Very positive despite losing the V8 rumble. Auto rather than manual but paddle shift there as a bonus. Best of both worlds.
The Plus Four is the entry level. The bread and butter car for MMC with future projects and limited editions providing the cream.
