After more than forty years of evolving its interpretation of the iconic Lotus Seven, Caterham has looked to an early Lotus version for the inspiration behind its latest model.
The Caterham Seven Sprint has been fitted out with plenty of sixties-inspired details, and looks for all the world like a restored Series 2 Lotus Seven rather than a brand new vehicle.
Launched in a perfectly appropriate environment at this weekend’s Goodwood Revival, the Seven Sprint kicks off Caterham’s ’60 Years of the Seven’ anniversary program, which will run across the next year. Only 60 vehicles will be produced.
Mechanically, the Seven Sprint is based on the entry-level Seven 160 model and is powered by a three-cylinder Suzuki engine generating 80hp. However, unlike the somewhat incomplete look of the bare-bones 160, the Seven Sprint has been finished far more generously.
The wheels are the same steel types used on the 160, but are painted cream and finished with polished hubcaps. The body is painted in one of six original 1960s colours and emblazoned with retro badging and logos. The chassis is powder coated in grey like the Lotus Series 2, while the suspension and rollover bar have also been designed to replicate the original. Uniquely for a modern Caterham, the front wings are the larger flared guards instead of the normal cycle guards used for many years. The rear lights also hark back to the original, rather than the blocky units used on regular Caterham models.
The retro-fest continues in the cabin, with a wooden steering wheel and dashboard, classic-look instruments, and period-style stitching for the scarlet red seats. Both the interior and luggage space are fully carpeted.
The overall effect is quite stunning, and Caterham should have little trouble shifting all 60 units. The Seven Sprint will only be available as a factory-built car rather than as a kit. Pricing will start at £27,995.
