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                 Our Classic Caterham 7                            

 

Autocar's 'Greatest Road Tests of all Time' says about the Caterham Seven R500: "Half a century on, the genius of Colin Chapman's creation still shines through. Basic versions of the Seven are best...."

 

Specification are similar on all cars, with heater, full weather gear and leather seats. The  blue car has the lowered floor option and removable steering wheel.

 

This car will be much appreciated by those under about 5'6" who struggle to reach the pedals in the SV without a cushion, as well as the Se7en purists who want to experience the car pretty much as Colin Chapman designed it (albeit with more power and creature comforts). The car will accommodate drivers up to around 5'11". I'm not sure what the weight limit is but the seat is 16" wide.
 

The Caterham Seven evolved from the legendary Lotus Seven designed by Colin Chapman back in the 1950s. His philosophy was that the lighter the car the better; it will accelerate, brake and change direction faster ,even with a modestly tuned everyday car engine continues to this day. A principle prove recently on Top Gear's circuit when the R500  beat  much more powerfull and expensive motors.  When Lotus ceased production of the Seven in 1973, then main agents, Caterham Cars, took over production and have continued to develop and improve the car for both track and road use. Our new cars may share the same appearance, but these are certainly no "old classics",  but  thoroughly modern sport cars which continue to set the standard for performance, handling and comfort.

 
 
     
 

The Classic Caterham 7

narrow-bodied as designed by Colin Chapman

1.6 Rover K-series 120 hp.

 
     
 
 

Suspension

Front – adjustable double wishbones with anti-roll bar. Rear – de Dion axle located by lower A frame and upper longitudinal Watts linkage.

Brakes

Discs all round, split system, no servo assistance, no ABS

Steering

Rack and pinion, no power assistance

Wheels

6 1/2 J x 15" alloys shod with 195 45 premium Avon rubber

Weight

540kg

Power to Weight Ratio

220 hp. / tonne

Power Steering

No

Electric Windows

what windows?

Brake Assist

None

Seats

Strictly two only but leather and very comfortable.

Doors

Two sort of doors, we call them sidescreens and they can be completely removed.

Hood Operation

Push button, but not in the modern sense; there are two dozen of them. Very effective but only required for heavy rain or if stopped.

Boot capacity

More than you might expect at around 40litres. That's a couple of soft bags enough for a weekend. Golf bags can be carried - vertically and lashed to the roll-over bar.

Cubby holes

These weren't invented in 1957 and haven't been added; there's lots of room by the passenger's feet though.

Seat belts

This car has a four belt racing harness - works like a child safety seat.

Indicators

Non-self-cancelling; but the beeper will remind you.

Radio/ tape / CD / MP3

None fitted but you couldn't hear it anyway. Just listen to that lovely exhaust!

Sound System

That's the exhaust again, but believe it or not you can hear birds singing - something to do the different sound frequency.

Airbags

None.

Electronic Traction Control

It's called "your right foot". There is no electronic intervention on this car.

ABS

As above.

Electronic Stability Control

As above

Air conditioning

Yes, but no control over it other than erecting the hood.

Sun roof

Absolutely! Don't forget the sun lotion.

 

Those are made for running not driving.

Regular driver Duncan Hepburn demonstrates the adjustment required to operate the Classic's rather narrow pedal box.


 

Getting in with the hood up.

There is a technique; this is not it Ewan.


 
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