Catalog / Caterham
Caterham Cars, a British manufacturer of lightweight sports cars, has a rich history dating back to 1973. However, its roots stretch even further, to the iconic Lotus Seven designed by Colin Chapman in 1957. When Lotus decided to discontinue the Seven, Caterham Cars' founder Graham Nearn, who had been a Lotus dealer, acquired the rights to continue its production.
The company's dedication to Chapman's philosophy of 'simplify, then add lightness' has been the cornerstone of Caterham's success. Their cars, particularly the Caterham 7 (a direct descendant of the Lotus Seven), are renowned for their minimalist design, exceptional power-to-weight ratio, and pure driving experience.
In 1973, Caterham began producing the Caterham 7, which became their flagship model. Over the years, they've introduced various iterations and improvements, but the basic formula has remained largely unchanged - a lightweight, open-top two-seater with incredible performance.
One of the most significant milestones in Caterham's history came in 2006 when they introduced the CSR model. This represented a major evolution of the Seven's design, featuring inboard front suspension, a redesigned chassis, and improved aerodynamics.
In 2011, Caterham was acquired by Team Lotus Enterprise, owned by Tony Fernandes. This acquisition led to Caterham's brief foray into Formula One from 2012 to 2014, further cementing its reputation in the motorsport world.
Caterham has also ventured beyond the Seven, introducing models like the SP/300.R track day car in 2011 and the abandoned C120 project (a joint venture with Renault that was later developed into the Alpine A110).
Today, Caterham continues to produce a range of Seven models, from the entry-level Seven 270 to the high-performance Seven 620. They've also embraced modern technology, offering electric versions of their cars to meet changing market demands.
Interestingly, Caterham cars are often sold in kit form, allowing enthusiasts to build their own vehicles. This not only reduces costs but also provides a unique bonding experience between car and owner.
Despite changes in ownership and evolving automotive trends, Caterham has maintained its commitment to producing lightweight, high-performance cars that offer an unparalleled driving experience. Their ability to combine traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering continues to attract driving purists and thrill-seekers alike.
The cost of a Caterham car can vary significantly depending on the model, specifications, and whether it's purchased as a kit or fully assembled. Generally, prices for new Caterham cars in Europe range from about €30,000 for the most basic models to over €80,000 for top-of-the-line variants.
For instance, the entry-level Caterham Seven 270, which offers a balance of performance and affordability, typically starts around €35,000 in its most basic form. Moving up the range, the more powerful Seven 310 might begin at about €40,000, while the high-performance Seven 420 could start from €50,000.
At the top end of the spectrum, the track-focused Seven 620, with its supercharged engine, can exceed €80,000 when fully equipped. It's important to note that these prices can increase substantially with options and customizations, which are a significant part of the Caterham buying experience.
The option to purchase a Caterham as a kit can reduce the initial cost by about 10-15%, though this requires assembly time and skills. Additionally, prices can vary between countries due to different tax structures, import duties, and local market conditions.
The most affordable Caterham model is typically the Seven 270 in its most basic configuration. In Europe, the starting price for this model is around €30,000 to €35,000, depending on the specific market and whether it's purchased as a kit or fully assembled.
However, the final price can vary significantly based on several factors:
It's worth noting that while the base model is the cheapest, many buyers opt for at least some upgrades, which can quickly increase the price by several thousand euros.
The most expensive Caterham model is typically the Seven 620, which in its top-spec 'R' version can cost upwards of €80,000 to €90,000 in Europe, depending on options and local taxes. However, the final price can easily exceed €100,000 with extensive customization.
The cost of a fully-loaded Caterham 620R can vary based on several high-end options:
It's important to note that at this level, many Caterham buyers opt for extensive customization, treating their purchase as a bespoke sports car. This can push the price even higher, potentially exceeding €120,000 for a truly unique, high-performance machine.
