1993 Caterham Seven 1.4 Roadsport

Lot details
Registration No: L14 TOY
Chassis No: T.B.A.
Mot Expiry: April 2007

Launched in 1957, the Lotus 7 was essentially a racing car for the road. Available in both fully assembled and kit forms, the latter bypassing the exorbitant purchase taxes levied on contemporary new cars, it was a simple but very effective design that neatly embodied Colin Chapman's ethos of achieving greater speed by 'adding lightness'. Its elegant spaceframe chassis instantly transformed the dynamics of the most humdrum saloon car mechanical components. A giant killer in competition, the Seven was evolved through four series but as Chapman's road car aspirations pushed upmarket so his enthusiasm for the low profit 'kit car' waned. However, by the time Lotus ceased production in 1971 a good number of its clients had become addicted to the little sports car. Among them was Lotus agent Caterham whose belief in the design saw them buy all the tooling, presses and dies for the Seven from Lotus in 1973. Settling upon the Series III as the best of the breed they restarted production that year and have yet to stop.
Dating from 1993, this particular Roadsport model is equipped with adjustable suspension (double wishbone front / de Dion axle rear), four-wheel disc brakes and rack and pinion steering. Powered by a 1.4 litre DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder Rover K-series unit mated to five-speed manual transmission, we are informed that it was "used as a race car in Caterham Championship until 1998" before transferring its attentions to the "750 MC Series". Further said to have been "fully rebuilt in 2003 on a new chassis with fresh engine, gearbox, differential, new suspension, brakes and wiring", its ten subsequent track appearances were apparently rewarded with "eight class wins and two second places". Reportedly "undamaged" during any of these outings, the Caterham was "converted to a road / track day car in 2005 by changing the cage and adding another seat / harness". Still finished in bright yellow with contrasting mid-blue wings, the vendor states that although the car "has not currently got an MOT", he is "fairly sure it would fly through one if needed". One of the greatest four-wheel adrenalin pumps known to man, a good Seven is hard to beat (quite literally in fact the FIA banning the model from International competition). Please Note: The above photograph shows the car in race trim.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an MOT until April 2007.