With a full 50 years of continuous production, the Caterham 7 is one of the most long-serving, enduring cars of all-time – even more so when you consider it can trace its roots back to the 1957 Lotus Seven.
But then, the market for low cost sports cars and specials has always been lively, so the Caterham has been offered as either a kit or a fully completed car throughout that period. This one is a later model – a 2010 car with a 1.6-litre Ford Sigma engine, which has been with its current owner for five years, used annually for trips across France among other regular use.
In 2020, the car was upgraded to ‘Supersport’ specification by specialists Sevens and Classics. Higher-lift camshafts with matched valve springs, a remapped ECU, new air box, mechanical cambelt tensioner and a lightweight flywheel were fitted to bring the car to 140bhp with a rev limit of 7,600rpm.
The car had already been fitted with the Supersport specification aluminium radiator by a previous owner. At the same time Toyo R888Rs tyres were fitted and a full geometric set up done to suit the new tyres - the car has a fully adjustable Bilstein suspension and an adjustable rear anti-roll bar.
The gearbox was refurbished and upgraded with a higher first gear at the same time, as the standard first gear is very low when using lower profile tyres - this modification makes a big improvement to the driving experience and acceleration from a standstill.
The car comes with a large history file and two sets of keys including a spare battery cut off key.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
MOT May 2024
Four previous owners
Genuine 30k from new
Substantial history file
Two sets of keys
THE INTERIOR
Tillet seats
Four-point harnesses
Dash-mounted USB socket
Quick release Momo steering wheel
Starter button
Heater
Full hood with zip-out rear ‘window’
Standard rollover bar - fitted by the owner for better luggage access while touring
Removable spare wheel and carrier
Small tear in centre tunnel cover
Heated windscreen disconnected
THE EXTERIOR
Full weather equipment
Nosecone and rear arches recently replaced
Black windscreen surround
Very good overall condition
The front wings have some small star cracks, and the aluminium body has several inevitable dings caused by stones thrown up from the road, but nothing off-putting or of any great consequence
Some small chips in windscreen
Boot cover designed for use without hood sticks fitted by previous owner, but this does not clip down properly at the front as can be seen in the photos
Two new Toyo tyres will be fitted to rear before sale to address MOT advisories
THE MECHANICS
1.6 Ford Sigma 140bhp Supersport-spec engine - upgraded to Supersport specification by specialists Sevens and Classics. Higher-lift camshafts with matched valve springs, a remapped ECU, new air box, mechanical cambelt tensioner and a lightweight flywheel were fitted to bring the car to 140bhp with a rev limit of 7,600rpm
Adjustable platform dampers
Adjustable rear anti-roll-bar - allows the handling balance to be adjusted from mild understeer, to neutral, to mild oversteer as preferred
A low mileage Ford differential from an earlier Caterham is fitted, with a ZF plate-type LSD as the earlier differentials are considered to be better quality than the later reconditioned units fitted by Caterham. The differential was checked and set up by Road & Race transmissions in Kent before being fitted by Sevens and Classics
The unit still has some slight whine on a light throttle at 40-50 mph but this appears to be a common characteristic of Caterhams with metric chassis and Ford differentials
Higher first gear upgrade on rebuilt five-speed gearbox
Alloy radiator
SUMMARY
Used extensively for touring by the vendor, this is a gem of a Caterham with an extensive record of considered maintenance and some very well-thought-out upgrades. It’s in great order, well-looked-after and comes with stacks of history – ideal for road or track use and promising to deliver huge amounts of fun, while the black-on-aluminium colour scheme also looks pretty cool. It’s a hugely likeable thing with grin-inducing enjoyment included as a standard feature.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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