2000 Caterham Seven 1.8 Super Sport

Lot details
Registration No: X446MKJ
Chassis No: SDKRDSARCY0030856
Mot Expiry: None

The immortal Seven reached its 50th anniversary two years ago - and is still the fastest point-to-point road vehicle this side of a superbike. Lotus founder, the genius Colin Chapman, designed the tiny two-seater as a car that could be put together by customers, driven on the road and also used in competition - and the featherweight road-racer hasn't stopped evolving since, growing in power, performance and even comfort and practicality. Main distributor Caterham Cars took over the rights and manufacture of the car in 1973 and has continually improved it in line with the technology available, upgrading with modern engines and more sophisticated suspensions, but the basic ethos of the car remains unchanged: fun - with shattering performance.

This car, specially finished in 40th anniversary Ruby Red, was built by the Caterham factory in Dartford and has had one owner from new, having only covered 4700 miles. It was fitted from new with "just about every possible extra", including wide-track front suspension and de Dion rear, offering superior handling and comfort over more basic versions, six-speed Caterham gearbox, limited-slip differential, carbon-fibre nosecone, front wings and dash, heater, heated windscreen, harnesses, battery kill switch, plumbed-in fire extinguisher and quick-release Momo steering wheel, taking the total new price to £23,982. The owner notes that the original bucket seats have been replaced with the basic Seven's bench-type seat back, which provides more room. The lightweight Rover K-series engine perfectly suits the Seven and in this free-revving 1.8VVC form gives 151bhp, punching from a standing start to 60mph in 5.5 secs and pushing on a 130mph top end. This attractive and iconic roadster presents an opportunity to acquire an almost unused piece of true British motoring history - one that is eminently enjoyable, with sparkling performance and irreproachable handling.

PLEASE NOTE: The original seats are not with the car.