Lot details Registration No: A17 BDR Chassis No: 5LC4786HPRD Mot Expiry: April 2005
The basis of this exciting package is a 1988 Caterham factory-built Ford BDA 1700 engined, long-cockpit Seven with the desirable De Dion rear end. One of a 1988-1991 very limited edition to be powered by Ford's potent belt-driven, twin ohc sixteen valve four, it was acquired by Chris Bibb, at the time a McLaren F1 technician, to take part in the 1995 La Carrera Pan Americana. Competing cars have to be of a type that raced in the original 1950-1960 races.
The standard Seven bodywork was altered by Gomm's to give it an early Lotus Six appearance with nosecone and rear wings fashioned from aluminium and a double-thickness floor employed. The standard BDA was sent to John Wilcox to receive all steel internals, the transmission upgraded with a set of straight-cut, close-ratio gears and a limited-slip differential, and a sumpguard fitted. It was then shipped to Mexico for the grueling 2500 miles epic only to be denied third place by running short of fuel during the final stages, though eventually finishing fifth versus the 600-800bhp American competition; an achievement well documented in event book and video.
This extraordinary Caterham was acquired four years ago, since when items such as radiators, dry-sump tank and aeroquip hoses have been renewed, the BDA given a £6000 rebuild in January by Racing Fabrications of Bury St Edmunds and original livery restored. Cosmetic condition is described as very good and the 36,093 mileage displayed claimed to be the genuine total.
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