THREE STEPS TO SEVEN
Step one: find £11k. Step two: read what John Evans has to say. Step three: follow his advice and buy yourself the light, agile, thrill-inducing rocket that is a Caterham Seven
“If it’s your first Seven, are you sure you want to buy the fastest one on the forecourt, because you’ll be surprised how quick and enjoyable one with less power is?” So says Roger Mcclure of Caterham specialist PT Sports Cars.
He’s owned two – a Supersport and his current car, a CSR – and has been passionate about Sevens ever since, as a lad of six, he saw a model of one at the dentist’s. That this didn’t put him off for life is testament to the little roadster’s addictive qualities.
So addictive, in fact, that autocar.co.uk has multiple Caterham Seven reviews for you to immerse yourself in. And to think that, various power outputs and mechanical refinements aside, they are, at heart, the same car Colin Chapman sold to Graham Nearn as long ago as 1973.
However, that being so, don’t think that buying a Caterham Seven is your passport to a world of roadside breakdowns. In fact, it’s hard to think of a more robust car or one whose running costs can be so reasonable. On that point, you’ll be surprised how many miles you can get from a set of brake pads and discs.
If you’re new to the Seven, you may find navigating the many model types a trifle difficult. So instead, concentrate on the established Roadsport range, a comfort-oriented line-up (it has a windscreen, a heater and full weather protection) across a spread of accessible price points.
It was launched in 1996 and powered first by Rover’s lightweight K-series engine in 1.4-, 1.6- and 1.8-litre capacities. Rover’s collapse in 2005 forced a switch to Ford’s Sigma engines. Also launched in 1996 was the Superlight range of stripped-down Sevens complete with tuned K-series engines, later to be replaced by Ford Duratec units.
There are two chassis sizes to be aware of: the original, narrow-bodied Series 3 (S3) and the longer and wider SV. The fact that many owners choose to fit a removable steering wheel tells you what a squeeze the Seven’s cabin can be. That SV might make all the difference.
Another ‘my first Seven’ to keep an eye out for is the 160, launched in 2013 and mounted on the S3 chassis only. It’s powered by a diminutive 660c three-cylinder turbocharged Suzuki engine. However, what the 160 lacks in performance, it more than makes up for in handling and steering thrills. It’s a great introduction to Seven motoring, with prices for a 2014-reg car with 10,000 miles starting at around £17,995 at a main dealer. Give it a couple of years, learn the ropes and then trade up to a Ford-powered Seven.
Sevens are either factory or ‘home’ built. Either way, they will have been through the individual vehicle approval (IVA) examination in order to be registered, which should reassure you.
With the Seven season over for another year, now could be a good time to make a seller an offer they can’t refuse. So long as you know what you’re buying, you won’t regret it.