Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Caterham Cars

Caterham Cars is one of the most iconic British sports car manufacturers, celebrated for its minimalist, lightweight philosophy that delivers an exhilarating driving experience. Founded in the early 1970s, the company rose to prominence by continuing the legacy of the Lotus Seven, a car that came to define the concept of a “driver’s car.” Despite its small size, Caterham has maintained a fierce following thanks to its focus on purity, performance, and the raw joy of motoring.

Origins: From Lotus to Caterham

The Lotus Seven Legacy

The story of Caterham begins with the Lotus Seven, a lightweight, open-top sports car introduced in 1957 by Colin Chapman, the legendary founder of Lotus Cars. Chapman’s guiding philosophy—simplify, then add lightness—was embodied in the Seven, a car known for its razor-sharp handling and basic, no-frills construction.

Lotus produced the Seven in various iterations (Series 1 to Series 4) until 1972. At that point, Chapman decided to cease production to focus on other ventures, including Formula One. Rather than see the Seven disappear, Lotus sold the rights to the design and name to one of its leading dealerships—Caterham Cars.

The Birth of Caterham Cars

Founded by Graham Nearn, Caterham Cars had been a major distributor of Lotus Sevens. Upon acquiring the rights in 1973, Caterham continued production under its own name, initially building the Series 4. However, customers longed for the classic look and feel of the earlier models, prompting Caterham to revert to the Series 3 design—essentially the same styling that continues today.

Evolution Through the Decades

1970s–1980s: The Caterham Seven Emerges

In the 1970s, Caterham started to define itself independently from Lotus. The Caterham Seven Series 3 (S3) became its cornerstone, and the car was offered as both a kit and a factory-built vehicle. Power came from a range of Ford-sourced engines, including the popular Kent crossflow units.

During the 1980s, Caterham introduced more powerful versions of the Seven, such as the Seven 1700 Super Sprint, marking the beginning of the brand’s commitment to offering higher-performance variants. While technology advanced elsewhere, Caterham stayed true to the Seven’s analog roots.

1990s: Entering the Modern Era

Caterham broadened its appeal during the 1990s by expanding its lineup. This era saw the introduction of models like the:

• Caterham 1.6 K-Series – Using Rover’s lightweight K-Series engine, this model brought improved balance and performance.
• Caterham Superlight R – A stripped-back, performance-focused variant introduced in 1996 that brought racing to the road.

In 1999, Caterham launched the R500, a model that pushed the boundaries of road car performance. Weighing just over 500 kg and producing over 230 bhp, the R500 became a benchmark for ultra-lightweight performance.

2000s: Recognition and Refinement

R-Series and CSR Series

The early 2000s were a time of innovation for Caterham. The company continued to refine the Seven with:

• Caterham R300 and R400 – These performance variants offered an ideal blend of road usability and track-day readiness.
• Caterham CSR (2005) – A major departure from the traditional Seven design. The CSR featured an all-new, stiffer chassis, inboard front suspension, and improved aerodynamics. It was powered by a 2.3-liter Ford Duratec engine delivering up to 260 bhp.

While purists viewed the CSR as a step too far, it demonstrated Caterham’s willingness to evolve without abandoning its core DNA.

Motorsport Growth

Caterham’s racing pedigree grew in this era. The Caterham Academy, launched in the mid-1990s, had matured into one of the most successful entry-level race series in the UK. The Academy allowed amateur drivers to race identical Sevens in a professionally run championship—many drivers credited it with launching their motorsport careers.

2010s: Global Recognition and F1 Involvement

Acquisition by Tony Fernandes

In 2011, Malaysian entrepreneur and AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes acquired Caterham Cars, setting ambitious plans in motion. He rebranded his Formula One team as Caterham F1 Team and aimed to elevate the Caterham name on the global stage.

The F1 venture, however, proved financially unsustainable and folded in 2014. Despite its short-lived nature, it gave Caterham worldwide exposure and solidified its reputation as a high-performance, motorsport-aligned brand.

New Variants and International Expansion

During this period, Caterham continued to diversify its product lineup, including:

• Caterham Seven 160 (2013) – A back-to-basics model powered by a 660cc turbocharged Suzuki engine. It was light (just 490 kg) and perfect for first-time owners. Despite modest power, its nimble handling captured the spirit of the original Seven.
• Caterham Seven 620R (2013) – The most powerful Seven to date, with 310 bhp from a supercharged 2.0-liter Duratec engine. 0–60 mph took under 2.8 seconds, making it one of the fastest road cars in the world.

This decade also saw Caterham forge a brief partnership with Renault, announcing plans to co-develop a sports car. The project was eventually cancelled, but it showed Caterham’s growing ambition.

2020s: Modernizing the Classic

New Ownership and Electrification Plans

In 2021, Caterham was acquired by the Japanese automotive group VT Holdings, one of its long-time importers. The new owners promised to protect the brand’s heritage while preparing it for the future—specifically, the electric age.

Under this stewardship, Caterham announced the development of an all-electric version of the Seven. Unlike mainstream EVs, Caterham insisted its electric model would remain light and agile, with a target weight of under 700 kg—almost unheard of in the EV space.

Caterham Project V (2023 Reveal)

In July 2023, Caterham revealed the Project V, a bold new electric coupe designed as a daily-use sports car. With sleek styling, a 268 bhp electric motor, and a target weight of around 1,190 kg, it promised 0–60 mph in 4.5 seconds and a range of 250 miles.

Project V marks a potential turning point, showing that Caterham’s minimalist ethos can be carried into the electric future without sacrificing the brand’s soul.

Key Caterham Models Over the Years

Caterham Seven 160

• Years: 2013–2020
• Engine: 660cc turbocharged 3-cylinder (Suzuki)
• Notes: A throwback to the original Lotus Seven; featherweight and perfectly suited to winding British B-roads.

Caterham R500

• Years: 2000–2012 (various versions)
• Engine: 2.0-liter Duratec, ~263 bhp
• Notes: Lauded by Top Gear, which declared it “Car of the Year.” Known for savage acceleration and sublime handling.

Caterham CSR 260

• Years: From 2005
• Engine: 2.3-liter Ford Duratec
• Notes: A radical evolution of the Seven with advanced suspension and a bigger body, appealing to more demanding drivers.

Caterham Seven 620R

• Years: From 2013
• Engine: Supercharged 2.0-liter Duratec, 310 bhp
• Notes: The most extreme road-legal Caterham, capable of outpacing many supercars on track.

Project V

• Unveiled: 2023
• Power: 268 bhp electric motor
• Notes: A fully electric fixed-roof coupe, showcasing a new design language and a dramatic shift in direction.

Caterham in Motorsport

Caterham’s link to motorsport is inseparable from its identity. With dozens of cars racing every weekend in the UK alone, Caterham’s series—like the Academy, Roadsport, and Superlight championships—remain key entry points for amateur and semi-professional racers.

The cars’ simplicity, affordability, and parity make Caterham racing extremely competitive and one of the purest forms of motorsport. The brand’s tagline, “Less is more,” is never more evident than on the racetrack.

Legacy and Philosophy

Throughout its history, Caterham has never strayed far from its core principles: simplicity, performance, and driver engagement. In an era where many performance cars grow heavier and more complex, Caterham stands virtually alone in its dedication to analog motoring.

While the automotive world shifts toward electrification and autonomy, Caterham remains a guardian of the old-school driving experience. For those who value feeling every bump, every gear change, and every ounce of steering feedback, Caterham offers something no other marque does.

Conclusion

Caterham Cars is far more than a company that builds a single model. It represents a philosophy—a commitment to unfiltered driving and engineering purity. From its roots in the Lotus Seven to the thunderous R500 and the electric future promised by Project V, Caterham has adapted while never losing its soul.

As the automotive world changes, Caterham continues to offer an experience that reminds drivers why they fell in love with cars in the first place.