Descripción
Caterham Roadsport 40TH Anniversary Limited Edition.
You may be wondering why we have a Caterham for sale here at Paul Stephens, but when it is a 1 owner 6, 000-mile limited edition example that was produced when Paul himself was racing them, a little nostalgia came into its purchase.
Lotus launched the immortal seven in 1957 as a cost-effective performance sports car and on track, success came quickly against far more expensive and powerful machinery. Caterham purchased the production rights for the seven in 1973 and this formula continues today with their latest models. Whilst motorsport has always been at the core of the companies DNA, of course the seven also makes a fantastic road car and even in its most basic form, is a sprightly and entertaining performer.
The Roadsport as its name suggests was a model launched to replace the traditional crossflow road going models and was fitted with the new Rover K series engines mated to a 5-speed gearbox with independent rear suspension as standard. Originally fitted with a 1. 4 litre engine, a new more powerful 1. 6 litre 16 valve version soon followed and unlike the racing versions, most can be found with full weather equipment and sometimes even a heater fitted! Originally supplied with distinctive long ` clam shell` front wings, this option was rarely specified in the 90s, as cycle wings had become more fashionable. Ironic then that this iconic styling feature has returned to the current Super Seven.
In 1997, the company launched a 40th Anniversary Edition to celebrate 40 years of Super Seven production with several special options including the distinctive `clam shell` front wings and the unique 15” Prisoner alloys wheels usually found on the more powerful 2. 0 HPC version. The desirable S interior pack featuring full leather sports seats with embossed Caterham logos were part of the package too, along with full harness Caterham belts, heater, removeable Momo sports steering wheel, heated screen and full weather equipment. Just 67 examples were produced, all finished in ruby red metallic with a silver stripe and 40th anniversary logos. This is number 45, a factory-built example with just 1 previous keeper and 6, 000 miles from new.
Despite its low mileage, this seven has been well maintained and still presents in near immaculate condition today. On the road, it’s a peppy performer and of course its diminutive size and excellent handling ensures it can be threaded down your favourite Back Road with ease.
On The Road
What do we think? The Super Seven has always been a keen driver's car and in recent years available in variants from mild to extremely wild, the latter often extremely rapid and capable of giving the full fat Sunday morning fix for those experienced enough to exploit it.
We feel this car captures the driving spirit of the original 1957 original seven perfectly, its superb handling and modest weight at 545KGs ensure it makes the most of the 115BHP on tap for maximum smiles without the fire breathing antics of more powerful models. And unlike some of the `stripped out` variants, the S specification seats are genuinely comfortable, whilst the full weather pack, heater and heated screen ensure its still a pleasant place to be, even on our cooler days. Those who still enjoy their driving, but no longer need that to be at breakneck speed will really appreciate the driving experience this 7 offers, whilst its rarity will always ensure it’s a talking point at the local pub or cars and coffee event.
