Miami, Florida, Wednesday, 17 December 2025 – Caterham has announced the appointment of Walt Grace Vintage as its new official dealer in the United States.

Fuelled by generations of passionate automotive experience and located within the iconic Wynwood Arts District of Miami, Walt Grace Vintage is a unique gallery which showcases and sells the finest investment grade automobiles, watches and guitars.

Marking Caterham’s continued expansion across the United States, the new dealership will offer the range of Caterham’s lightweight sports cars, and customers on the East Coast will be able to configure, purchase and take delivery of Sevens directly through the Miami gallery.

Bill Goldstein, Founder of Walt Grace Vintage, commented: “We are thrilled to bring Caterham to Miami. With the Seven being such an iconic car, coupled with an incredible driving experience and competitive motorsport offering, we are honoured to be become part of the Caterham story in the USA.”

Trevor Steel, Senior Vice President of Operations & CFO, Caterham Cars, added: “Walt Grace Vintage is the perfect cultural fit for us, and we welcome them to the Caterham family. Miami has a renowned and eclectic automotive scene, and this partnership will give more USA-based enthusiasts the chance to experience the unique thrill of driving a Seven from the racetrack to Ocean Drive.

“Bill and his team at Walt Grace Vintage are driven by the same principles we have at Caterham, and to be in one of the most vibrant art and cultural hubs in Florida brings an exciting new chapter for us in North America.”

The addition of Walt Grace Vintage strengthens Caterham’s commitment to growing its North American footprint, and joins existing dealers in California, Colorado, Florida, New York and Washington.  

Walt Grace Vintage is located at 300 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127, United States.

The first Caterham Seven model available in the gallery will be the 420R SV, with test drives being available now. For further information, please visit the Caterham website.

Dartford, Wednesday, 11 June 2025 – Caterham has launched its latest limited-edition model, the Seven 310 Encore, which celebrates the final farewell of the Ford Sigma engine.

Since the brand’s inception in 1973, Ford’s 1.6 litre four-cylinder engines have been at the heart of Caterham Seven road and race cars. Introduced in 2007, the Sigma has proved to be one of the most popular and enduring power units of this long association with Ford.

Only 25 examples of the 310 Encore will be made available to customers in the UK, US and UAE, with prices starting from £39,995.

At home on track as it is on the road, this unique limited edition run uses the most powerful 1.6 litre version of the Sigma engine. It delivers 152bhp at 7,000rpm for a thrilling power-to-weight ratio of 281bhp/tonne. Mated to a five-speed gearbox, it allows the Encore to accelerate from 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 127mph.

For the Encore there are also several enhancements inspired by the successful, Sigma-powered Caterham 310R Championship. These include a lightened flywheel, sports suspension pack (widened front track, with adjustable spring platforms and adjustable rear anti-roll bar) and 254mm vented front brake discs that use red-finished quad piston calipers and a race brake master cylinder. As a result, the Encore can lap the famous Donington Park National circuit in just 1min 18 secs.

The Encore has the looks to match the performance with a range of six bold colour schemes each combining a unique new paint finish with distinctive body stripes. Inspired by six well-renowned pop and rock songs, the new paint colours are named, Blue Monday, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Green Light, Orange Crush, Back in Black and White Noise.

Other exterior upgrades include a 620 aero nose cone, CUP grille, carbon fibre front wings and standard black pack finish for the windscreen surround, headlight bowls and exhaust heat shield cover. Also included is a bespoke gun metal finish for the chassis and 13” black Apollo alloy wheels with track-ready TOYO R888R tyres.

The Seven 310 Encore interior features black leather seats with dark grey stitching and a unique Encore logo. It also includes a carbon fibre dashboard and bespoke Encore edition dials, while motorsport-inspired touches include the gearshift light, four-point harness and removable MOMO steering wheel.

For a final touch, each car is finished with a numbered plaque that is located between the seats on the rear interior panel, denoting the individual car number of the 25 available.

At £39,995, the Encore represents incredible value for money. Featuring a whole host of extra equipment and bespoke features, its starting price is just £505 more than a standard Seven 360R.

Bob Laishley, Caterham Cars CEO, said: “For over 50 years the Caterham Seven has been powered to success by various versions of Ford’s four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. From the simplicity of the original 1.6-litre Crossflow through to the sophisticated Sigma, these units have offered an unrivalled blend of exhilarating performance and affordable running costs. The Sigma also has incredible motorsport pedigree, having been at the heart of numerous Caterham race series for nearly two decades.

“As a result, the Seven 310 Encore really is a proper tribute to this long-lasting and unique association. Perfectly designed for road and track, it distils all the successes of the last half century into a unique vehicle that truly acts as a fitting celebration of the Ford Sigma’s indelible mark on Caterham history.”

For more information, please visit the Caterham website. 

Dartford, Wednesday, 9 April 2025 – Caterham has signed a formal agreement with Horse Technologies, a division of Horse Powertrain, who will become the new supplier of engines for the Caterham Academy Championship from 2026 onwards.

The 2026 Caterham Academy car will be powered by Horse Technologies’ 1.3 litre, four-cylinder HR13 turbocharged engine. The petrol engine with bespoke tuning, is expected to deliver 130bhp (132PS) and a peak torque of 176Nm at 5,150rpm.

Horse Technologies is a division of Horse Powertrain – a global joint venture between Renault, Geely and Aramco – that develops and manufacturers next-generation hybrid and combustion engines and systems. Along with complete powertrains, Horse Technologies also produces cutting-edge engines, gearboxes, motors, batteries, and power electronics systems.

The HR13 engine replaces the outgoing Ford Sigma engine, which has powered the Caterham Academy series since 2008.

Originally established in 1995, the Caterham Academy remains the championship for rookie racing drivers in the UK. To date, over 1,400 new drivers have been introduced to competitive motorsport through this renowned racing series.

The all-inclusive Caterham Academy package offers drivers their own road-legal Caterham Seven, a full championship of seven races and one sprint, two exclusive practice days, their racing licence one-day course, trackside technical support and the experienced teams’ guidance throughout the duration of the series. Across the Championship, drivers learn the art of car control, race craft and the joys of the camaraderie of racing – something no other rookie championship offers in the UK.

Bob Laishley, CEO, Caterham said: “The Caterham Academy has successfully introduced more than 1,400 rookie racing drivers to motorsport in the UK over the last 30 years. We’re very pleased to confirm our new partnership with Horse Technologies and look forward to working with their team on the introduction of this new turbo engine to our competitive rookie series from next season.”

Matias Giannini, Chief Executive Officer of Horse Powertrain, said: “Caterham is an iconic brand in the automotive and racing world, with an incredibly rich history. Our team at Horse Powertrain and Horse Technologies are very excited to be working with them for the 2026 Academy Series. Supplying our HR13 engine for the championship is a unique opportunity for us to play a part in discovering the next generation of racing talent.”

Finance options for the 2026 Caterham Academy are now available through Caterham Financial Services, making it easier than ever to start your racing journey. With limited places remaining, visit the Caterham website for more details on how to secure your place on the motorsport grid for next season.

December 09, 2024 – Taipei –XING Mobility, a leader in immersion-cooled battery technology, today announced the partnership with Caterham, the renowned UK-based sports car manufacturer, to supply its revolutionary IMMERSIO CTP (cell-to-pack) battery system for Caterham’s first all-electric lightweight sports car, Project V. This collaboration will debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon from January 10 to 12, 2025, where both Project V and XING’s IMMERSIO CTP system will be showcased.

Caterham, celebrated for its legacy of lightweight design and thrilling driving dynamics, is taking a bold step into electrification with Project V, a car that combines the joy of driving with cutting-edge electric technology. XING Mobility’s IMMERSIO CTP system is designed to enhance performance by integrating cells directly into the battery pack, improving energy density and reducing weight. Custom-built to complement Project V’s dynamic design, the system employs XING’s proprietary immersion-cooled technology, ensuring exceptional safety and stability during high-speed drives and rapid charging.

Project V, Caterham’s first all-electric lightweight sports coupe

Royce YC Hong, Founder and CEO of XING Mobility, shared his excitement: “As a longtime Caterham 7 enthusiast and owner, I am thrilled that XING Mobility is contributing to this transformative chapter in Caterham’s history. Their iconic philosophy of ‘Simplify, then add lightness’ aligns perfectly with our commitment to innovation, simplicity, and efficiency. This collaboration celebrates shared values and bold visions, and we are proud to help bring Project V to life. Together, we’re redefining what it means to deliver a driving experience that is pure, exhilarating, and unforgettable.”

XING Mobility’s cutting-edge  IMMERSIO CTP (cell-to-pack)
battery system is set to power the evolution of Project V 

Project V: A Global Collaboration Highlighted at Tokyo Auto Salon
Project V represents an international partnership between Caterham, XING Mobility, TOKYO R&D, and Yamaha Motor, blending expertise to deliver a groundbreaking electric sports car. The car features a proprietary chassis developed by Caterham, XING Mobility’s IMMERSIO CTP battery system, and Yamaha Motor’s e-Axle, achieving an ideal balance of performance, handling, and lightweight engineering.

Since its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK in 2023, Project V has captured global attention as a symbol of Caterham’s evolution into electrification. The car’s return to the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey toward sustainable innovation, offering enthusiasts a glimpse of its electric future.

This collaboration underscores Caterham’s dedication to preserving its iconic driving philosophy while embracing cutting-edge technology, ensuring the spirit of driving remains as thrilling as ever.

More at: https://www.xingmobility.com/

Dartford, Tuesday, 12 November 2024 – Caterham has launched its latest limited-edition model, the Seven CSR Twenty, to celebrate 20 years of the CSR chassis.

It’s the first vehicle for the UK market that has been built in Caterham’s new multi-million-pound factory in Dartford.

Only 20 examples will be made available to UK customers, with prices starting from £79,995.

This special edition features Caterham’s most compliant chassis and includes inboard front and fully independent rear suspension. The inboard front suspension provides more direct and composed steering, ensuring an engaging driving experience suitable for devouring road miles.  While the independent rear set up creates additional rear end grip, comfort and composure.  Combined, these allow CSR Twenty to deliver its performance confidently, regardless of road quality. The ultimate in point-to-point performance.

This, paired to Caterham’s most popular engine, the 210bhp variation of the 2.0 litre Ford Duratec engine used in the Seven 420, is a combination that has never been offered before.

The performance of the four-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine delivers a brake horsepower of 210 (bhp), revs up to 7,600 rpm, 0 – 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 136mph.  The model also includes a 5-speed manual transmission, and ventilated front discs with quad-piston calipers.

To signify the anniversary, the model boasts the most premium finish ever seen on a Seven.

Its interior features a satin carbon dashboard, CSR Twenty edition dials, a premium leather tunnel top, Alcantara gearstick and handbrake gaiters, plush, black carpets and leather Momo steering wheel.

For all 20 exclusive owners of the CSR Twenty, a numbered plaque from one to 20 is located between the seats on the rear interior panel.

In addition, the CSR Twenty seats are designed with premium leather, Alcantara inserts, red stitching and CSR Twenty logos, resulting in a Seven that is unmatched in terms of quality and finish.

The exterior of the car features a Seven 620-style nose cone and front wings, LED front and rear lights, black Mohair boot and weather gear, red brake calipers, a two-tone Union Flag grille and for the first time on any UK model, the exclusive-to-CSR Vulcan 15” alloys.

Customers also have a choice of two premium colours, Kinetic Grey and Dynamic Silver.

Bob Laishley, Caterham Cars CEO, said: “This is without doubt the most premium Seven we’ve ever built. The interior of the car is a level up from what we’ve produced before thanks to an array of high-quality materials used throughout.

“When you combine this with the exhilarating and engaging handling of our CSR chassis, this really is a Caterham built for longer distance road trips.

“It’s a vehicle that truly celebrates 20 years of our CSR chassis and I’m proud to see it being hand built here in our new Dartford factory.” 

Caterham will also make an additional 20 units available to the US market.

For more information, please visit the Caterham website.

Dartford, Tuesday, 12 November 2024 – Caterham has launched its latest limited-edition model, the Seven CSR Twenty, to celebrate 20 years of the CSR chassis.

It’s the first vehicle for the UK market that has been built in Caterham’s new multi-million-pound factory in Dartford.

Only 20 examples will be made available to UK customers, with prices starting from £79,995.

This special edition features Caterham’s most compliant chassis and includes inboard front and fully independent rear suspension. The inboard front suspension provides more direct and composed steering, ensuring an engaging driving experience suitable for devouring road miles.  While the independent rear set up creates additional rear end grip, comfort and composure.  Combined, these allow CSR Twenty to deliver its performance confidently, regardless of road quality. The ultimate in point-to-point performance.

This, paired to Caterham’s most popular engine, the 210bhp variation of the 2.0 litre Ford Duratec engine used in the Seven 420, is a combination that has never been offered before.

The performance of the four-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine delivers a brake horsepower of 210 (bhp), revs up to 7,600 rpm, 0 – 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 136mph.  The model also includes a 5-speed manual transmission, and ventilated front discs with quad-piston calipers.

To signify the anniversary, the model boasts the most premium finish ever seen on a Seven.

Its interior features a satin carbon dashboard, CSR Twenty edition dials, a premium leather tunnel top, Alcantara gearstick and handbrake gaiters, plush, black carpets and leather Momo steering wheel.

For all 20 exclusive owners of the CSR Twenty, a numbered plaque from one to 20 is located between the seats on the rear interior panel.

In addition, the CSR Twenty seats are designed with premium leather, Alcantara inserts, red stitching and CSR Twenty logos, resulting in a Seven that is unmatched in terms of quality and finish.

The exterior of the car features a Seven 620-style nose cone and front wings, LED front and rear lights, black Mohair boot and weather gear, red brake calipers, a two-tone Union Flag grille and for the first time on any UK model, the exclusive-to-CSR Vulcan 15” alloys.

Customers also have a choice of two premium colours, Kinetic Grey and Dynamic Silver.

Bob Laishley, Caterham Cars CEO, said: “This is without doubt the most premium Seven we’ve ever built. The interior of the car is a level up from what we’ve produced before thanks to an array of high-quality materials used throughout.

“When you combine this with the exhilarating and engaging handling of our CSR chassis, this really is a Caterham built for longer distance road trips.

“It’s a vehicle that truly celebrates 20 years of our CSR chassis and I’m proud to see it being hand built here in our new Dartford factory.” 

Caterham will also make an additional 20 units available to the US market.

For more information, please visit the Caterham website.

Friday, 5 July 2024: Caterham and the RAF have unveiled a special one-off car built using exterior and interior components from a Puma HC2 helicopter, paying tribute to the remarkable aircraft.

The Caterham Seven 360R has been created to raise money for injured servicemen and women and will be on display for the first time at this weekend’s Formula 1 British Grand Prix.

To be auctioned off through Collecting Cars, it’s hoped the joint project between the Royal Air Force, Caterham, Mission Motorsport and Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund will raise more than £100,000.

This project between Caterham and the RAF is in support of the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) division, allowing those part of the program external opportunities to grow their skills.

Operated by Joint Aviation Command (JAC) at RAF Benson, XW232 entered service in 1972 and operated around the world. Upon reaching the end of its service life recently, teams at Benson and Caterham decided to create a tribute to the Puma and its servicemen and women.

Based on a Seven 360R, the external finish remains as it was when taken from the aircraft, while the remaining panels have been painted in matching ‘NATO Green’. The chassis also mirrors the aircraft beneath the surface, finished in ‘Desert Sand’.

Aluminium skin from the aircraft’s tail boom and doors have been used as panels for the Seven’s exterior as well as the internal rear bulkhead, where the door jettison handle remains in place.

Details from the Puma are carried through to the interior. The aircraft’s quilted soundproofing lines the door panels, tunnel top, and forms padding for the carbon fibre seats. The helicopter’s evacuation instructions have been preserved, stitched into the lining.

A unique satin black dashboard features to match the Puma’s military grade switchgear, replacing the regular dash switches. The 360R also features a helicopter-style three-stage ignition sequence for added theatre to start-up, while the aircraft’s navigation clock forms the centrepiece of the dash.

Underneath the bonnet, the ammunition box now contains the car’s battery.

Assembly of the car was a joint effort between Caterham and serving personnel from RAF Benson. The names of all those involved in this project are featured on the bonnet.

Puma HC2 medium support helicopters are used for a variety of combat roles including tactical movement of troops and weapons, as well as the extraction of casualties on the frontline. They are also employed for humanitarian and disaster relief operations.

Corporal McCreadie said: “It has been an honour to be a part of the Caterham project. As an Aircraft Technician (mechanical), I volunteered my time to remove the decommissioned materials from the Puma for the Caterham RAF Seven 360. To see the transformation of the materials has been fascinating.

“Through the course of the project I had the opportunity to refine my skills and learn some new engineering techniques. I am proud to have been a part of the team that made this car and to promote Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics within the RAF.”

Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham, said: “When the RAF approached us about this project we jumped at the chance to be involved. Firstly, because it was an interesting build process for us as it’s the first time in our history that a Seven has been made from recycled helicopter parts.

“It was a true team effort as well, with engineers from the RAF supporting us throughout the build. But, more importantly, it’s great to know that any proceeds from the auction will go to incredibly important causes.”

Squadron Leader Morley said: “Royal Air Force Benson Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) team will be attending multiple events throughout the summer, promoting STEM in both the military and industry. Along with support from RAF Engineering & Cyber Recruitment the team have an amazing opportunity to host and present this one-off Caterham car made with former RAF Puma components.

“The car has been assembled by RAF personnel with the help of Caterham and highlights the amazing skills of the engineering teams that both maintain the RAF Puma’s and that work in industry. It’s our opportunity to celebrate the history of the RAF Puma Force while showcasing the opportunities that are available within the RAF and wider STEM community.”

Bidding for the car opens 15 August and ends 12 September through Collecting Cars.

The car is scheduled to be displayed at several events throughout the Summer. For more information, visit

Dartford, Thursday 13^th April – Caterham has announced it will open a brand new manufacturing facility and headquarters later this year as it celebrates its 50^th anniversary.

Still located in Dartford, Kent, the new state-of-the-art building will be home to Caterham’s production, engineering, motorsport and commercial teams.

The multi million pound investment from owners VT Holdings – one of Japan’s largest retailer groups – will see Caterham increase its production capacity by 50%, meaning around 750 units could be built annually.

The 54,000 sq ft facility is situated in a brand new nine-acre industrial park development called Dartford X. It is within close proximity to the existing factory, enabling the retention of the skilled workforce who are responsible for hand assembling all cars. The new building will undergo a full fit out in the coming months with completion anticipated towards the end of 2023.

In the future, Caterham plans to offer a range of customer experiences at the site including factory tours, events and vehicle handovers.

Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham, said: “It’s fitting that, in our 50^th anniversary year, we can invest in new premises to facilitate our ambitions, for the future of the Seven and the brand as a whole.

“The site not only increases our production capacity but enables us to advance our manufacturing capabilities into a modern setting. It will be a fantastic new home for the brand, our employees and our customers past, present and future to visit.”

Alastair Dawson, Senior Asset Manager at Railpen, said: “Caterham is a British manufacturing, engineering and marketing success story with a longstanding connection to Dartford. We have worked closely with the brand in its search for a new home, with Dartford X meeting all of Caterham’s criteria to support the business’ continued growth over the coming years, while retaining local jobs and the vitality of its supply chain partners.”

The South East of England has been home to Caterham since it started building cars in 1973 in the town of Caterham, Surrey. In 1987, production moved to Kennet Road in Dartford where its cars have been assembled ever since. This year marks the brand’s 50^th anniversary. To find out more visit https://www.caterhamcars.com/

As Caterham® embarks on its golden anniversary year, the brand has kicked off celebrations with the reveal of 50 facts that look back at how the company has evolved over the past five decades.

It coincides with Caterham also confirming it will be hosting a 50^th Anniversary Festival at Donington Park on 2^nd and 3^rd September.

Where it began
The timeline begins in 1973 when Caterham was born after a handshake between Graham Nearn and Lotus founder Colin Chapman in Pub Lotus in Primrose Hill, London. In May that year, Caterham Car Sales & Coachworks acquired the tooling, designs and exclusive rights to the Seven and commenced manufacturing in Town End, Caterham, a month later.

Global appeal
Despite its British origins, Caterham has always been a truly international brand – in fact all 10 of the first orders were exported to overseas markets: Germany, Angola and Guatemala. Since then, many Caterhams have found homes all over the world, including in the Middle East, US, South America and Japan.

Variants and limited editions
Over the years, there have been over 100 different variants of the Seven, including many special editions. Some of the most notable editions were the Silver Jubilee Edition from 1981 (ahead of the Seven’s 25^th anniversary in 1982), the 1989 Prisoner Edition that paid homage to the hit 1966 TV series and the Vauxhall-powered Beaulieu Edition of 2001. Additional models included the 2014 Japanese market Kamui Kobayashi Edition and a one-off Harrods model in 2016 to showcase Caterham’s Signature customisation program.

World records
The brand has broken many world records over the years too, including the fastest-accelerating production car from 0-60 mph with the 1992 JPE model at 3.4 seconds; the fastest speed in reverse (102.52 mph) in a modified Honda Fireblade-engined car; the greatest number of non-stop donuts (566) in 2011; and the greatest number of donuts in 60 seconds (19), which was set by Sir Chris Hoy in 2017.

Sales and famous owners
Caterham has sold more than 22,000 cars in its 50-year history. There have also been several celebrity owners, including Sir Chris Hoy, Rowan Atkinson, Simon Cowell, Eddie Irvine, Chris Rea, Nigel Mansell, Guy Berryman, Jonathan Palmer, Theo Paphitis and Lee Dixon.

Motorsport
Motorsport has played a huge part in Caterham’s heritage. The sixth car ever built went on to compete in the 1973 Grande Prémio Café de Angola – a two-hour race held at Autódromo Internacional de Luanda. In 1992, Caterham won the ‘Longest Day of Nelson’ 24-hour endurance race at Nelson Ledges Road Course, Ohio, covering 990 laps and 1,980 miles, and finishing with a race lead of seven laps. In 2002, an R400 driven by Chris Harris, Clive Richards, Chris Cooper and Peter Haynes came 11^th overall out of around 200 starters at the Nürburgring 24-hour race, winning its class by 10 laps.

In the mid-nineties, Caterham Scholarship, today known as the Caterham Academy, was launched helping make motorsport more accessible to novice drivers. Since then, more than 1,300 people have become racing drivers because of competing in the Academy.

Celebrating 50 years
Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham Cars, said: “We’re very proud of our heritage at Caterham and look forward to celebrating our 50^th anniversary throughout 2023. The Seven of today may still share a strong visual resemblance of the car from 1973, but much has evolved underneath to ensure this truly iconic car delivers a modern driving experience while continuing to offer unrivalled outright fun and thrills.

“We have exciting plans for the brand in the coming years as we look to increase our production capacity and develop new versions.”

Caterham will be celebrating its 50^th anniversary year throughout 2023 with a look back on its past, a review of its current model line-up and a look ahead to its ambitious plans going forwards.

On 2^nd and 3^rd September, Caterham will host its 50^th Anniversary Festival at Donington Park for a weekend filled with celebrations.

There will be host of motorsport events, including crowning the Academy, Roadsport, 270R and 310R champions, a Caterham and Seven owners zone, a pop-up event space and store, owners parade, paddock party with live music, a track day and much more.

To find out more information or purchase tickets, click here.

50 Facts for 50 Years

1. Caterham acquired the tooling, designs and exclusive rights to the Seven from Lotus Cars in May 1973. The handshake between Colin Chapman and Graham Nearn took place in Pub Lotus in Primrose Hill, London.
2. Caterham started building cars in June 1973 in Town End, Caterham, at a rate of circa one Series 4 car per week. Just 38 Series 4 cars were built before production ceased less than a year later.
3. All of the first 10 Caterham orders were exported, with the first five going to Germany. Three cars went to Luanda, Angola and chassis #10 went to Guatemala. Chassis #6 was purchased by Jose Rebocho to compete in the Grande Prémio Café de Angola, a two-hour race held at the Autódromo Internacional de Luanda.
4. Caterham relaunched the Series 3 model in 1974 featuring Lotus Twin Cam and Ford Crossflow engine options. It received strong demand from export markets, with the first 100 S3 cars built going to destinations such as the US, Canada, Germany, France, Belgium, Sweden, Japan, Hong Kong, Qatar and Libya.
5. French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo drove a Super Seven in the 1979 French action movie “Flic Ou Voyou” or “Cop or Hood”.
6. Caterham revealed the Silver Jubilee edition Seven at the 1981 London Motorfair, limited to just eight examples, to mark 25 years of the Seven in 1982.
7. In 1984, Caterham launched the Cosworth-powered 1600 BDR model. At the time it was the fastest production Seven built to date and boasted a power-to-weight ratio of nearly 300bhp per ton.
8. In 1986, an HPC model launched with a Cosworth 1700 engine, and sales were restricted to buyers who took Caterham’s two-day High Performance Course. Just 62 cars were built and it was capable of 0-60mph in 5.0 seconds.
9. Caterham launched Super 7 Racing in 1986, the brand’s one-make championship.
10. From the onset, cars were built in the town of Caterham but in 1987, production moved to a larger premises at Kennett Road, Dartford, where cars are still built today.
11. In 1989, the ‘Prisoner’ edition was launched in homage to the 1966 TV Series, in which Patrick McGoohan drove a Lotus 7 at the start of every episode. The Prisoner edition made its debut at the 1990 Birmingham Motorshow with Patrick McGoohan flying in from Hollywood for its launch. It featured a unique colour scheme and alloy wheel design.
12. In 1990, Vauxhall became a new engine supplier with its engines used in the HPC VX and HPC VXI models.
13. Caterham switched from Ford engines to Rover K-Series engines in 1991 with the launch of the 1.4 K-Series taken from the then-new Rover Metro GTI.
14. The 35^th Anniversary edition launched in 1992, marking 35 years of Seven production. The model received wide press coverage when it was photographed being driven by HRH Prince Edward and Lord Montagu of Beaulieu.
15. Caterham won the ‘Longest Day of Nelson’ 24-hour endurance race at Nelson Ledges Road Course, Ohio in June 1992. The HPC Twin Cam car built specially for the race won by seven laps and covered 990 laps and 1,980 miles. The driver team consisted of Jez Coates, Reg Price, Robert Nearn and George Alderman. The size of the trophy meant that on the flight home, it had its own seat on the plane.
16. The 1992 Jonathan Palmer Evolution (‘JPE’) model featured a Swindon Racing Engines modified Vauxhall 2.0-litre 250bhp engine with a specification almost identical to those used in the British Touring Car Championship. It achieved 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and set a new world record for the fastest accelerating, unmodified production car.
17. In 1994 Caterham launched the 21, a two-seat roadster which was based on the Seven’s chassis but wrapped in a more practical body style, with doors, side windows and a boot.
18. The Caterham Scholarship, now known as the Caterham Academy, originally launched in 1995 and has since seen more than 1,300 novices become racing drivers.
19. The 1999 Superlight R500 model launched with a power-to-weight ratio of 500bhp per tonne. It was powered by a Caterham-modified 1.8-litre Rover K-Series engine with roller barrel throttle bodies to give uninterrupted airflow into the engine on full throttle.
20. Caterham launched a motorbike-engined car in 1999, the Blackbird, using a Honda Blackbird CBR1100 engine that delivered 170bhp and redlined at 11,750 rpm. In 2001, a specially adapted Caterham which used a Honda Fireblade engine set a new world record for the fastest speed driven in reverse at 102.52 mph at the hands of Darren Manning.
21. The Seven’s chassis dimensions remained unchanged right up until 2000 when the larger ‘SV’ chassis was introduced, increasing the length by 3 inches and the width by 4.3 inches, allowing for more interior space.
22. Building on the great success of the R500, the R300 and R400 models were launched in 2002. At the 2002 Nürburgring 24-hour race, the R400 won its class by 10 laps, and came 11^th overall out of around 200 starters, at the hands of Chris Harris, Clive Richards, Chris Cooper and Peter Haynes.
23. The 2004 Superlight R500 Evolution used a K-Series engine increased to 2.0-litres developed by Minister Racing Engines, and achieved a 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds, 0-100 mph in 6.9 seconds and 0-100-0 mph in 10.7 seconds (faster than the £425,000 Ferrari Enzo).
24. The Cosworth-powered CSR200 and CSR260 models of 2005 featured the first use of fully independent rear suspension, reprofiled front wings and an all-new interior with a curved cockpit subframe.
25. In 2006, Ford Sigma engines replaced Rover as the main engines in the Seven, with the launch of the Roadsport models and the Superlight 120 / 150 models.
26. Caterham partnered with Axon Automotive in 2006 to create the Axon 2R/Eco-M prototype. It featured a carbon fibre spaceframe and enhanced aerodynamics, enabling the car to achieve 131mpg in the 2007 Eco-Marathon.
27. The Superlight R500 badge was reborn in 2008 with the launch of a Duratec-engined model. It had 263bhp with a power-to-weight ratio of 520 bhp per tonne. Options available for the first time included a six-speed sequential gearbox and launch control. It was subsequently named ‘Car of the Year’ by Top Gear and famously set a lap time of 1:17.9 around its Dunsfold test track – faster than the £1 million Bugatti Veyron.
28. In 2011, Terry Grant set a new world record for the greatest number of non-stop donuts, managing 566 in a 150 bhp Roadsport.
29. Caterham Cars was acquired from Corven Ventures by Team Lotus Enterprises in 2011, a group led by Malaysian, Tony Fernandes. Team Lotus Enterprises entered Formula 1 that year as Team Lotus (though it was not related to Lotus Cars). For the 2012 to 2014 seasons, the F1 team became ‘Caterham F1’. A Team Lotus edition Seven was also launched, finished in a matching colour scheme to the F1 car.
30. In November 2012, a deal was signed with Renault to jointly develop a new mid-engined two-seater sports car, the Caterham C120 / Alpine A110 – separate cars with shared architecture and components. However, Caterham and Renault/Alpine parted company in mid-2014.
31. Since 2013, Caterham has no longer been based in the town of Caterham, after it relocated to a larger, more modern unit near Gatwick Airport.
32. Caterham revealed a new concept for a low-cost karting championship in 2013, aimed at novice drivers aged 13 to 16, which would have used its own newly designed kart, the CK-01.
33. The 620R was launched at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed by F1 drivers Charles Pic and Alexander Rossi. It was powered by a supercharged 2.0-litre Duratec engine, featured an all-new six-speed straight-cut sequential gearbox, a LSD and race dampers.
34. Caterham launched a new entry-level model, the Seven 160, in 2013. Weighing just 490kg, it was powered by Suzuki’s 3-cylinder 660cc turbo engine delivering 80 bhp – a similar engine is used in today’s 170 and Super Seven 600. It featured a rear live axle, rather than the normal De Dion unit. In Japan, the model was launched at an event at the British embassy in Tokyo.
35. Since the launch of the Seven 160 and 620R, Caterham has used a ‘double horsepower’ naming strategy. This was continued in 2015 with the launch of the 2.0-litre Duratec-powered 360 as a replacement for the Roadsport 175, along with the 270 and 420 models.
36. Caterham launched the Kamui Kobayashi Edition for the Japanese market in 2014, designed by F1 driver Kobayashi, which was a single-seater and featured green lacquer carbon fibre front wings and rear wing protectors – Caterham’s first use of this finish. All but one of the cars built were sold in Japan.
37. Caterham partnered with LEGO in 2015 to produce a 620R LEGO set consisting of 770 pieces. More than ten LEGO Sevens have been sold for every full-size Caterham.
38. The limited-edition retro inspired Seven Sprint launched in 2016 was created to commemorate 60 years since the launch of the Lotus Seven. It was based on the Seven 160 with the same Suzuki engine, but featured flared wings, red leather seats, red dashboard and a wood-rimmed steering wheel. It was only available in paint colours offered by British manufacturers in 1967. All 120 cars (60 in Europe and 60 in Japan) sold out within days.
39. The Seven 310R launched in 2016, based on the 1.6-litre Sigma engine used in the 270R but with reprofiled cams and a remap to deliver 152 bhp (compared to 135 bhp for the 270R). It featured double-wishbone front suspension and a LSD.
40. Caterham launched its ‘Signature’ customisation programme in 2016 with a special Harrods model to demonstrate the breadth of options available.
41. In 2017, Sir Chris Hoy – both a former Caterham owner and racer – set a new world record for the number of donuts in 60 seconds, managing to do 19 in a 620R.
42. The limited-edition retro inspired SuperSprint of 2018 used an uprated 95 bhp version of the 660cc Suzuki engine, tan leather seats and race-inspired details such as an LSD, round chrome mirrors and period decals. It was available in six colour combinations, each named after a historic racing circuit such as Zandvoort. Limited to just 120 units, it sold out within the first day.
43. Caterham starred in The Grand Tour’s ‘A Massive Hunt’, with James May using a 310R with off-road modifications to travel across Madagascar.
44. In 2021, a Seven 170 was built in less than six hours in the world’s highest car dealership – the top of Brighton’s 450ft British Airways i360 Tower.
45. At 440kg, the 170R (launched in 2021) is Caterham’s lightest model yet and one of the world’s lightest production cars.
46. Last year the 420 Cup was launched, a road legal car built for the track. It features a 210 bhp 2.0-litre Duratec engine, 6-speed sequential gearbox, fully adjustable dampers and carbon seats.
47. Now owned by VT Holdings, Caterham has had three previous owners over the years: the Nearn family until 2005, Corven Ventures until 2011 and Team Lotus Enterprises until 2021.
48. There have been several celebrity Caterham owners, including Sir Chris Hoy, Rowan Atkinson, Simon Cowell, Eddie Irvine, Chris Rea, Nigel Mansell, Guy Berryman, Jonathan Palmer, Theo Paphitis, Lee Dixon and Jeremy Clarkson who purchased one for his ex-wife Frances Cain.
49. There have been over 100 variants of the Seven since it was introduced in 1957.
50. Caterham has sold over 22,000 cars to date, in both kit and factory-built form, and used over 35 engine variants. 2021 was a record sales year for the brand, with 670 units sold.

Caterham® has partnered with OVERDRIVE as its media partner for the 2023 Academy Championship.

OVERDRIVE’s Callum McIntyre will race in all eight rounds of the championship, taking place between March and September. Venues for the race weekends are at some of the UK’s most well-known circuits including Oulton Park, Thruxton, Snetterton and Donington Park GP.

Over the coming months, OVERDRIVE will document its experience and progress throughout the series on its YouTube and social media channels.

As with the other competitors, McIntyre will race in a Ford Sigma powered road-legal race car. Producing 125bhp and weighing just 550kg, the Academy race car has the power-to-weight ratio to match a Porsche Cayman; and unique ‘Caterham Academy’ tyres to help teach car control.

With a highly competitive season ahead, the test for OVERDRIVE has already begun with the challenge of building its race car in just 24 hours. Check out the team’s video to see how they did:

Callum McIntyre, Head of Production at OVERDRIVE, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Caterham and take part in its Academy Championship. It’s always been a dream to go racing, after hundreds of hours in the simulator, and this year I get to do it in the best way possible: in the Academy Championship with a grid of other novice racing drivers.

“Building our car in 24 hours was a lot of fun and a great way to understand how the car works, even if we were exhausted by the end! We know the competition will be fierce, but we can’t wait to take part in our first race at Curborough Sprint.”

The Caterham Academy is a unique series for drivers completely new to racing. It’s an all-inclusive ‘introduction to motorsport’ package that includes a road-legal Academy race car, ARDS course, competition licence, exclusive track and test days, and a full season of competition with an introductory sprint and seven races, all with ongoing support and guidance from Caterham. Since its launch in 1995, nearly 1,300 people have become racing drivers from the Caterham Academy.

The eight rounds of this year’s Championship consists of one sprint race, five single-header race weekends and one double-header race weekend. It will kick-off at Curborough Sprint Course near Lichfield on 25^th March, followed by:

• Cadwell Park: 15^th April 2023
• Croft: 20^th May 2023
• Oulton Park: 8^th July 2023
• Thruxton: 29^th July 2023
• Snetterton: 19^th – 20^th August 2023 (double-header)
• Donington Park GP: 2^nd – 3^rd September 2023

The final race of the season at Donington Park will be a special celebration, as Caterham will host its 50^th Anniversary Festival on the race weekend. More details about the event will be announced later in the year.

Find out more information on the Caterham Academy Championship here.