Follow us on TwitterZolfe Adds New Model to Lineup
If you’ve followed my articles you know I love covering small, independent manufacturers and the unique creations they come up with. Once such company is Zolfe, a British sports car manufacturer. Britain has a long history of sports cars, and Zolfe is working to continue that. In their words, it was “conceived to fill the gap left by the tragic disappearance of several great marques.”
While I’ve heard the car referred to as the Zolfe Orange, it doesn’t seem to be the car’s official name. It’s the Zolfe Classic GTC4, thank you very much. It just so happens to be orange though (I love the color!). Zolfe is a product years in the making, a collaboration between British Midlands businessman Nic Strong and former Caterham Technical Director Jez Coates.
The car’s styling is pretty unique; anyone seeing Opel GT when they look at the rear? I’ll have to post comparison pictures. If you’re interested in the Zolfe, it’s not a guarantee you’ll get one. While the at £27,500 (about $42,142 USD at current exchange rates) price is definitely reasonable for the performance level, if you want one it isn’t guaranteed – only about 30 are slated to be produced.
Tony, the Zolfe’s sharp looking design is reminiscent of a 280Z, but without the excess weight of a 280Z. I did a little research on this cool looking car and discovered that its 285HP four cylinder engine is capable generating a top speed of 161 MPH, and can pass people up on local highways by accelerating from 0 – 60 in 3.8 seconds. But unfortunately is not available in the states, due to emission standards. The option Zolfe is offering U.S. consumers involves installing a 2 liter Mazda Miata engine that generates 165 horsepower in a GTC4 (USA Zolfe Model) which weighs 1500 pounds.
Alongside the Ariel Atom, this sort of car really makes me wonder.
Why hasn’t anyone out there designed a lightweight chassis that can be bought and customized by the buyer? Why does Ariel insist upon forcing the American market to pony up for a $40k+ gem with a hunk of Cobalt turning the wheels? If this Zolfe chassis is to be that much fun, why not offer to sell the car as a kit? Why not sell the chassis?
I like to think that being called a “kit car manufacturer” would lose its stigma once word got out that you were merely selling a solid, competition-ready chassis that was wildly popular and winning races across the country. I mean, when most kit cars are along the lines of take-a-Honda-Accord-and-make-it-look-like-a-Ferrari, why not build your own car?
Dunno. Just a thought.
Brian good point, the drive train is also Mazda product, when I inquired about a warranty was informed that this vehicle comes with a 6 month warranty, (yes I confirmed with Frank, Zolfes authorized representative in Georgia), 6 month warranty bumper to bumper. Except for the Mazda engine and drive train which come with a Mazda warranty which I would guess is 3 yr or 36000 miles. In any event, at $40,000++, a Lotus looks alot better to me.
Interesting thoughts guys! 3.8 seconds is a crazy 0-60 mph time for a car of this price! Very neat information Austin.
I think the reason most likely is the kit car stigma, like you said as well as 2 other factors. One is profitability; it’s more profitable for them to sell you a completed vehicle. Second, do you think there is a large market for those with the time, etc to build their own vehicle? It certainly is a good idea though. I agree though about that Ariel, that is a high price.
I wonder how the situation works with the engine warranty. It would be great if it is still covered even though it is not in a Mazda vehicle. It probably is something Zolfe agrees to work out with Mazda as part of purchasing the engines.