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Caterham Seven Gallery
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It's a long time since Lotus boss Colin Chapman pulled together some work colleagues, drew some chalk outlines on a workshop floor and engineered the Lotus Seven, a design he reckoned 'one could dash off in a weekend.' But it has endured, through four generations of Lotus production between 1957 and 1973, and since then under Caterham's stewardship, who have been developing and manufacturing the Seven for over thirty years.
And there has been plenty of development. Although the outer shape is largely unchanged from the Series 3 Lotus Seven, don't be fooled into thinking that this is a modern classic like a Morgan roadster. Over the years, Sevens have received stiffened chassis', honeycomb impact panels, faster engines, de Dion rear suspension, six-speed gearboxes, better brakes and some storming engine options, including one that gives 550bhp/tonne.
But the basics remain the same. Performance doesn't come solely from the engines' power output, but from Colin Chapman's obsession with saving weight. Even Sevens with 100bhp are brisk, and one with 150bhp will leave most serious sports cars trailing in its wake. 200bhp plus cars are fearsome: think superbike fast, or a trip off Beachy Head tied to a piano.
They're not cheap fun, however, with prices that start from around £15,000, and rise to the other side of £40,000 if you choose a really fast one with some options. But they don't depreciate much, either, so whole-life costs aren't unbearable. Besides which, they give one of the most intoxicating, thrilling driving experiences at any price.
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