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Caterham: All Models, History & Specs | The Ultimate Driving Machine

Caterham is the custodian of the legendary Lotus Seven, a brand dedicated to the purest, most unfiltered driving experience on four wheels. Built on the philosophy of 'Simplify, then add lightness,' a Caterham is not just a car; it's a direct connection to the road. From the featherweight 170 to the unhinged 620R, this is the ultimate driver's car.

Caterham: The Purest Driving Experience on Earth

In a world of silent electric cars and computer-controlled supercars, one small British company continues to be the undisputed guardian of the pure, unfiltered driving experience: Caterham Cars. Based in Dartford, England, Caterham is not just a car manufacturer; it is the custodian of a legend. The brand's entire existence is dedicated to the continuation and perfection of one of the greatest automotive designs in history: the Lotus Seven. A Caterham is a car stripped back to its bare essentials, a masterpiece of lightweight engineering that offers a telepathic, wind-in-your-face connection to the road that is simply unmatched by anything else on four wheels.

The Genesis: The Legacy of the Seven

The story of Caterham is intrinsically linked to Lotus. In 1957, the legendary Colin Chapman created the Lotus Seven, a minimalist, road-legal race car that was the ultimate expression of his "simplify, then add lightness" philosophy. The car was a sensation. One of the biggest and most passionate dealers for the Seven was Caterham Cars, founded by Graham Nearn in 1959. When Lotus decided to discontinue the Seven in the early 1970s to focus on more upmarket sports cars, Graham Nearn knew this brilliant design was too good to die. In 1973, he made a historic deal and purchased the manufacturing rights to the Seven from Lotus. Caterham Cars went from being a dealer to a manufacturer, and the legend of the Seven was secured for a new generation.

Core Philosophy: "Designed for Racing, Built for Living"

The core philosophy of Caterham is an unwavering devotion to the original Lotus Seven ethos. While the cars have become faster and more powerful, the foundational principles have never changed:

  • Absolute Light Weight: This is the holy grail. A Caterham is obsessively engineered to be as light as possible. This results in breathtaking acceleration, incredible braking, and a level of cornering agility that can humble genuine supercars.
  • Driver Engagement Above All Else: There are no electronic driver aids in a Caterham. There is no traction control, no power steering (on most models), and no unnecessary luxuries. It is a car that demands your full attention and rewards you with a level of feedback and communication that is simply extinct in the modern automotive world.
  • "Fit for Purpose": A Caterham is a tool designed for a specific job: driving pleasure. Every component, from the exposed suspension to the tiny steering wheel, is there for a reason. There is no fat, no excess, just pure, unadulterated performance.

The Seven: A Spectrum of Thrills

While all Caterhams look similar, the model range offers a wide spectrum of performance, from nimble lightweights to unhinged monsters.

The Sweet Spot: 360 and 420

For many enthusiasts, the heart of the Caterham range is the Seven 360 and Seven 420. Powered by robust and tunable Ford Duratec engines, these models offer the perfect balance of thrilling, accessible power and sublime, lightweight handling. They are the quintessential choice for the enthusiast who wants a fast, engaging, and perfectly poised car for both the road and the occasional track day.

The Entry to Purity: The 170

The Seven 170 is the purest modern expression of the lightweight philosophy. Powered by a tiny, 660cc turbocharged engine from a Suzuki city car, it is the lightest production Caterham ever made. It is not about brute force; it is about preserving momentum, feeling the chassis work beneath you, and experiencing the absolute joy of a featherweight machine.

The Supercharged Monster: The 620R

At the absolute opposite end of the spectrum is the Caterham 620R. This is an unhinged, supercharged beast with over 300 horsepower, a sequential gearbox, and a power-to-weight ratio that is in the same league as a Bugatti Veyron. The 620R is a true, road-legal track weapon, a car that delivers one of the most brutal and exhilarating acceleration experiences on the planet. It is not for the faint of heart.

Caterham's Market Position: A Car for the True Believer

Caterham occupies a cherished and uncompromising niche in the automotive world. It is a brand for the true believer, the driving purist who values the experience of driving above all else.

Target Audience and Competitive Landscape

The Caterham owner is a dedicated enthusiast. They often own other cars for daily transport, and the Caterham is their weekend toy, their track day weapon, their escape machine. They are not cross-shopping a Caterham with a Porsche Boxster; they are cross-shopping it with a motorcycle, an Ariel Atom, or another Caterham. The brand appeals to those who are not just content to drive, but who want to feel every part of the experience. Many owners even build their own cars from a kit, a tradition that is a core part of the Caterham ownership journey.

In a world of increasing isolation from the road, Caterham remains a defiant and glorious anachronism. It is a reminder of what a sports car can be at its most fundamental, elemental, and joyous level.

Caterham Models

  • Seven (The Legend)

    1973-Present

    The legend. The icon. The purest driving experience on four wheels. As the official successor to the Lotus Seven, the Caterham is the ultimate expression of 'simplify, then add lightness.' It is not a car; it is a direct, unfiltered connection to the road.

  • Seven 620R

    2013-Present

    The unhinged, supercharged monster. The 620R is the absolute pinnacle of the Seven's performance, a featherweight rocket with a sequential gearbox and a power-to-weight ratio that can humble hypercars. A true, road-legal track weapon for the brave.

  • Seven 420 / 360

    2015-Present

    The sweet spot of the Caterham range. These models offer the perfect balance of thrilling power and sublime, lightweight handling. They are the quintessential choice for the enthusiast who wants a fast, engaging, and perfectly poised road and track car.

  • Seven 170 / SuperSeven 600

    2021-Present

    The purest expression of the lightweight philosophy. Powered by a tiny Suzuki turbo engine, these featherweight models are all about momentum and cornering speed. The SuperSeven adds a dose of retro styling for the ultimate classic driving feel.

  • Project V

    Announced

    The future of lightweight, electrified. Project V is a stunning, all-electric coupe concept that aims to preserve the brand's core values of lightness and driver engagement in a new, sustainable era. A bold and beautiful new chapter for Caterham.

  • 21

    1994-1999

    A rare and beautiful attempt to create a more 'civilized' Caterham. The 21 was a more conventional roadster that clothed the brilliant Seven chassis in a curvaceous, modern body. A unique and fascinating piece of the brand's history.

  • Superlight R500

    2008-2012

    The screaming, naturally-aspirated legend that famously humbled supercars on Top Gear. The R500 was a masterpiece of raw, high-revving performance, a track-focused weapon that cemented the Seven's reputation as the ultimate giant-killer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Caterham the same as a Lotus Seven?
Yes, essentially. The Caterham Seven is the official continuation of the original Lotus Seven. Lotus founder Colin Chapman created the Seven in 1957. When Lotus decided to stop making it in the early 70s, their biggest dealer, Caterham Cars, bought the manufacturing rights in 1973. So, every Caterham is a direct, authentic descendant of the legendary Lotus Seven.
Why do Caterham cars have no roof or doors?
Caterham cars are built on a philosophy of "simplify, then add lightness." The primary goal is to provide the purest, most direct driving experience possible. A roof, permanent doors, and windows add significant weight and complexity, which would compromise the car's incredible agility and performance. While weather protection is available as an option, the car is designed to be experienced in its most raw and elemental form.
Can you build a Caterham yourself?
Yes. A core part of the Caterham ownership experience is the option to buy the car in kit form and build it yourself in your own garage. For many enthusiasts, this is a rite of passage, creating an unparalleled mechanical bond with their car. The company provides detailed manuals and support, and the process is a famously rewarding, albeit challenging, project.
What is the fastest Caterham model?
The fastest and most extreme model is the Caterham Seven 620R. It is a supercharged, 310-horsepower monster that weighs barely over 1,200 pounds. This gives it a power-to-weight ratio that is better than most hypercars. With a sequential gearbox and track-focused suspension, it is a raw, brutal, and incredibly fast machine designed for the ultimate performance thrill.
Are Caterham cars street legal in the USA?
This is a complex issue. For many years, Caterham cars have been sold in the United States as "kit cars" or component vehicles, which are then assembled and registered by the owner under individual state laws (like the "SB100" in California). This means they are not federally certified by Caterham in the same way as a mass-produced car from Ford or GM. The legality and registration process can vary significantly from state to state.