James R

Reviewed a 1999 Caterham Seven on Sep 14, 2009

The design is now 50 years old but the original formula still applies. Simplify. Add lightness. It has an old Holden engine, a ford Sierra gearbox, the rear axle out of a Morris Ital, and the front suspension from a Triumph TR5 and dispite all of this it could be described as the ultimate performance car. Nothing is allowed to comprimise the function of the machine. There is no heater, no stereo, no doors, and no roof. The 525kg mass of the car is distributed exactly evenly over the four wheels. The power is sent to the back, just like it should be. Most of the steering is done at the front but power oversteer is always an option! Every one is built by hand in Cambridgeshire by one of nine assembly workers, using Artisan techniques reserved for only the most discerning car enthusiasts. The chassis is clad in aluminium and the rest of the bodywork (also UK made) is moulded from Fibreglass. Needless to say, the drive is not comparable with any other driving experience. This little British car is a true Giant killer!