How to buy the right Caterham Seven for you in 2024

LYRICS: NATHAN CHADWICK | PHOTO: CTERHAM/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

In 1970, Colin Chapman had his eyes on the future, taking on Europe’s biggest cars. By 1972 that dream began to shine with the Esprit written by Giugiaro. However, moving the company meant abandoning the Lotus car image – and the Seven, which debuted in 1957, was not part of the company’s future.

In 1973 Caterham Cars of Surrey took over the rights from Lotus, and have been producing the model ever since. The first examples were effectively the remaining Series IV (S4) cars produced by Lotus. A departure from previous models, it was boxier, larger, better equipped and more stylish. The 1970s model did little to broaden the Seven’s market appeal, however, and did not prove popular with enthusiasts. So, as soon as the supply of Series IV cars dried up, Caterham started making the Series III (S3) once again, making gradual improvements as production continued.

The S3 is still the basis of Caterham’s standard chassis today, although a larger SV chassis is also available. Major changes have been made to the Seven over the years, so much so that not a single part of the modern car is shared with the original. However, the DNA of the original Lotus Seven has remained intact.

Andy Noble out SEvents & Classics explains the appeal: “The Seven may not do many things, but what they do, they do better than any other car. And that applies today just as it did when the model was created back in the 1950s.

“As cars advance in safety, technology and performance, of course they gain weight, and that’s where the Seven gets its marks. It’s a case of simple physics; the lighter the car, the easier it will be to accelerate, turn and stop. It’s a very simple principle, really. “

ENGINE

Many manufacturers have seen their powerplants adorn the Caterham Seven’s engine bay over the years. Four-cylinder units from the likes of Rover, Ford and Vauxhall are often used. Regardless of the origin, check that the motor is well maintained – especially if the car has spent a lot of time on the track. Cycle work is what the Saba is designed for, so it shouldn’t put you off as long as the maintenance schedule is strictly followed.

Rover K-series engines can suffer from head gasket leaks, but these are not an issue if dealt with early. However, such problems are not so common in Saba – MGF motors were more famous for this, due to improper cooling.

Regardless of mileage, oil changes should be done every year. Reduce this to every 1000-1500 miles if the car is used on the line. Noisy backs in K-series cars can be a sign of fuel starvation due to heavy use of the circuit, or it can also be caused by oil foam clogging the feed tube.

The engines are relatively lightweight, weighing just 500kg to spin, meaning reliability is strong.

GEARBOX

All gearboxes are manual, with a Ford T9 five-speed or six-ratio developed by Caterham. Early Sevens came with four-speed units, while some Caterhams have Honda or Suzuki motorcycle engines with matching bicycle gearboxes, which means sequential shifting. These are great on the track, but not refined for street use, and they sound awful with the reverse gear installed. The Ford T9 is a more affordable and durable unit, yet the six-speed is more desirable and gets more from the Seven’s smaller engine.

Gearbox issues are uncommon thanks to the car’s low weight; even when forced, the transmission is not laborious. Check for all the usual things like proper, smooth shifting, and that the clutch bit is not too close to the floor. Grinding in gears can indicate worn synchros.

The car’s lack of sound with a small cabin means there is noticeable transmission noise from the central tunnel. If you are told that a potential purchase has a small variance, check to make sure it does. Jack up the back of the car and turn the rear wheel; the other lip will turn in the same direction if LSD is installed. Later cars with the Titan LSD have internal carbon plates installed, which can fail.

STOPPING AND BRAKES

Thanks to the low weight of the car, discs and pads last a very long time, even if they are used on the track. Uneven tire wear indicates a misaligned suspension, which the Seven’s handling is very sensitive to. Modern models and cars equipped with motorcycle engines have direct rear axles; the rest has Dion’s semi-free rear ends.

“The CSR models feature an internal coilover front suspension and a fully independent double wishbone setup at the rear,” says Andy. “The frontal bones can be damaged, but it is only cosmetic, and structural corrosion is very rare.”

BODY AND INTERNAL FUNCTIONS

Fiberglass and aluminum make up most of the panels, so they are not susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion can still occur where aluminum panels and steel chassis rails meet, however. Color is also known to bubble on the lower skin, indicating underlying issues. Substandard suspension components are damaged as well. Aim to get any potential purchases in the air, so you can get a good look down. While the Saba’s low ride height means it can be driven under parking restrictions, this also means it can be vulnerable to speed humps.

If you are a big model, wide and long SV cars are the best choice. This feature is a £2500 new option: “It can add up to £1500 to a used car over an S3,” says Andy.

Since there is not much in the interior, there is little to go wrong. The condition of the seat should be checked, as the bolsters may wear. Some owners mount by standing on the base, so check here as well. Windshields (if present) can also wear out, because people often use them for support when entering the cabin. Some cars came optioned with a low floor for tall drivers; that extra depth might be worth having.

WHAT TO BUY

Think about how you intend to use the car, and work from there. Looking for some serious track day thrills? Then the R models will give a lot of adrenaline. Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway or something to tour, the S, Roadsport, Classic and Sprint models will suffice.

If you’re on the big side, a car in the larger SV dimensions might be worth it. As mentioned, the lower floor mentioned in other cars is also a viable option.

WHAT TO PAY

FAIR: £10,000

GOODNESS: £15,200

BEST: £22,400

COMPETITION: £33,800

DESCRIPTION:

Ford inline-four (1700 Super Sprint)
Power: 135 bhp
Top speed: 111mph
0-60mph: 5.9 seconds

Rover K-series 1.8-liter inline-four (sports)
Power: 122 bhp
Top speed: 118mph
0-60mph: 5.8 seconds