1976 Caterham Super Seven Twin Cam

Caterham Cars is a manufacturer of specialist lightweight sports cars that are a direct evolution of the Series III Lotus Seven designed by Colin Chapman and originally launched in 1973. Caterham had been a major Lotus Seven dealer during the 1960s and its founder, Graham Nearn, purchased the rights to continue manufacture of the Seven design after Lotus announced its intention to discontinue the model. The Lotus/Caterham Seven is widely regarded by car enthusiasts and the media as one of the most precise handling sports cars ever. As with its Lotus Seven predecessor, Caterhams are constructed of aluminium sheet attached to a tubular steel chassis and all are front-engined with rear-wheel drive and two seats. Their extremely high performance is achieved through being lightweight and well balanced rather than from having particularly powerful engines although, over the years engine sizes have become larger with significant power outputs.

Back in 1976, however, the range was limited to four models with the Super Seven Twin Cam, top of the pile. On offer here is a very rare find, a UK-supplied, right-hand drive ‘factory built’ Caterham with its original Lotus Twin Cam engine. Only 28,800 miles have been covered from new, the car forming part of the first owners stable from 1976 up until 2017. It remains in remarkably original un-modified condition with its original Goodyear Gemini alloys, original John Aley roll-bar, and original engine, gearbox and axle, the only difference from absolutely standard is a factory-fitted optional heater.

The private enthusiast owner informs us that the car drives really well and was fitted with new tyres not long ago. There is a copy of the original Bill of Sale from Caterham in the impressive accompanying history file (V5 lists the car as Lotus Seven). There is history going back to the 70s with old receipts and invoices along with various valuation letters from the Caterham Owners Club over the years.

Inevitably, Sevens change hands on a regular basis and owners add things and remove other things and we feel there can’t be many factory-built Caterham Super Sevens from the 70s left today in this original condition. We welcome and encourage your inspection of this rare car at Silverstone in August.