Caterham
The Purest Driving Experience: Keeping Colin Chapman’s Philosophy Alive
Introduction
Caterham’s story is one of faithful preservation. When Lotus decided to stop producing the seminal Seven in 1973, Caterham Cars, then the main distributor, bought the rights and continued its production unchanged. For over 50 years, Caterham has meticulously evolved the Seven while fiercely protecting its core philosophy: minimal weight, sublime handling, and a telepathic connection between car and driver. A Caterham offers no luxury or safety nets—just the pure, unfiltered joy of driving, making it a timeless antidote to the increasingly digital and heavy modern sports car.
| Detail | Information |
| Founded | 1973 (bought rights to Lotus Seven) |
| HeadQuarters | Dartford, Kent, UK |
| Origin | Lotus Seven (1957-1973) |
| Core Philosophy | “Add Lightness” (inherited from Colin Chapman) |
| Production | Kit form and factory-built |
| Parent Company | VT Holdings (since 2021) |
Iconic Caterham Engines
- Ford Kent Crossflow (1970s-1990s): The classic heart. A simple, durable, and lightweight inline-four that powered the original Caterhams, beloved for its character and tunability.
- Ford Sigma (2000s-2010s): The modern workhorse. A more modern and refined 1.6L inline-four from Ford, used in many entry-level and mid-spec Caterhams.
- Ford Duratec/Mazda MZR (2000s-Present): The performance staple. A 2.0L inline-four used in higher-spec models like the R300 and R400, offering great power and reliability.
- Cosworth-tuned Duratec (2010s-Present): The track monster. Highly tuned 2.0L engines from Cosworth, producing extreme power for the top-tier 620R and CSR models.
- Suzuki K6A Turbo (2020-Present): The lightweight innovator. A tiny 660cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine from Suzuki, used in the Caterham 170 to maximize fun and efficiency with minimal weight.
Legendary Caterham Models
- Caterham Seven (1973-Present): The one and only. The entire brand is built around evolving this single model. It is offered in various specifications, from entry-level to track-only extreme versions.
- Caterham Super Seven: The classic replica. Faithfully continues the original Lotus Series 3 and Series 4 designs with modern components.
- Caterham Roadsport: The entry point. A slightly more comfortable and less extreme version, often using a less powerful engine, suitable for road use.
- Caterham Superlight (R500, R600, R620): The track-focused series. Ultra-lightweight, stripped-out versions with incredibly powerful engines, designed for ultimate lap times.
- Caterham 170 (2020-Present): The lightest road-legal model. Focuses on the original philosophy of minimal weight (around 440 kg) with a small turbocharged engine for maximum fun per pound.
- Caterham CSR (2005-2013): The major revision. Featured a new wider chassis, revised suspension, and the option of a powerful Cosworth Duratec engine.
The Heir to the Seven
Caterham isn’t just a car manufacturer; it is the guardian of a concept. While the rest of the automotive industry has added airbags, infotainment screens, sound deadening, and complex electronics, Caterham has defiantly stood still. A modern Caterham Seven is instantly recognizable and philosophically identical to the 1957 original. It is a rolling testament to Colin Chapman’s belief that ‘adding lightness’ is the ultimate engineering solution. Driving one requires engagement and skill, offering a reward that no heavier, more insulated modern car can possibly match.