Highlights
- Advisory-free MOT until 30th August 2025
- Features the classic Ford Kent ‘Crossflow’ engine
- Recently imported to the UK, road-registered and ready to go
The Appeal
Picking things up where Colin Chapman left off, Caterham bought the Seven’s design from Lotus in 1972. The ultimate embodiment of Chapman’s “Simplify and add lightness” mantra, the Seven is about as paired-back as a car could be, offering a driving experience that’s arguably unmatched in its purity.
This 1996 example was supplied by the factory in kit form - as many Severns are. This is a hangover from Lotus’ purchase tax bypassing tactic back in the ‘50s - nearly halving the price in its day. By the time this one was made, you could opt for several modern twin-cam engines, but the owner/builder of this car opted for the classic Ford Kent unit - an engine still available at the time and favoured by those who loved older Lotus/Caterham Sevens.
Freshly imported to the UK and complete with an advisory-free MOT, this Seven looks a very smart example. In left-hand drive, it would be perfect for a European excursion, and in such a small open car with excellent visibility, it really doesn’t hamper its usab ility in the UK either.
Whatever you choose to do with it, this Caterham looks like a lot of fun.
The History and Paperwork
- Left-hand drive
- Kilometre speedometer fitted: 14,173km indicated
- V5C present
- MOT until 30th August 2025
- Number plate: N985 VFO
- Caterham chassis plate present and legible
The Condition
- Retro-inspired finish in one solid colour (orange) with a bare aluminium bonnet as seen on some of the earliest Lotus Sevens
- ‘LADA’ alloy wheels plus rear-mounted steel spare
- Straight and solid-looking bodywork with no notable defects apparent in the photographs
- The paint looks very smart, with minimal blemishes
- Smart chrome finishes to the headlamps, rool hoop stone chip guards and exhaust heat shrowd
- Tonneau for the rear compartment present and in good order although this example does not have a roof or side screens
- We note that the Lucas reversing lamp lens is cracked
- The underside presents well with no obvious issues
- No notable wear apparent to the seat upholstery
- Smart minimalist dashboard
- The switchgear and instruments appear in good order
The Mechanics
- 1.6-litre Ford Kent carburetted four-cylinder engine
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- Smart engine compartment
- No MOT advisories recorded during the recent test
- We understand that the Caterham runs and drives
- Yet to be extensively road-tested since arriving in the UK
- We’re not informed of any known mechanical issues
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
