Thinking Again
Discussion
I first did the showroom and factory tour in 1995, when the showroom was garages at the top of the hill in Caterham.
I pondered again about 10 years later and went as far as getting quite serious on an SV chassis'd K series powered car that the specialist in Dursley had. Not sure if it was cold feet or just a decision to put the money into a regular car and from memory we went and bought a Boxster using the extra money that would have gone into the Caterham.
Anyway I'm pondering again as the love for them has never really gone away, but wouldn't really know where to start. The last Caterham I've driven was a 1.4 K Series, which I "think" might have been about 125 BHP (would that sound right?)
So where do I begin, there is no fixed time scale really, this is just an initial thought, I've tried to join the 7 and Lotus FB group, but not sure if they will let me.
I pondered again about 10 years later and went as far as getting quite serious on an SV chassis'd K series powered car that the specialist in Dursley had. Not sure if it was cold feet or just a decision to put the money into a regular car and from memory we went and bought a Boxster using the extra money that would have gone into the Caterham.
Anyway I'm pondering again as the love for them has never really gone away, but wouldn't really know where to start. The last Caterham I've driven was a 1.4 K Series, which I "think" might have been about 125 BHP (would that sound right?)
So where do I begin, there is no fixed time scale really, this is just an initial thought, I've tried to join the 7 and Lotus FB group, but not sure if they will let me.
I did something similar. Looked at a 7 approx 20 years ago but decided against - lack of storage etc.
Considered the marque again in '06 and took delivery of a Sigma powered SV in '07. Only 125 BHP and I've thought about upgrading but I still have the car.
My advice would be to get yourself along to a L7C meeting. You may not see too many cars at those meetings at this time of year but you can start to narrow the options.
You may find some owners who will let you have a closer look at their cars.
I'm also Wiltshire based and you're more than welcome to have a look at mine.
Considered the marque again in '06 and took delivery of a Sigma powered SV in '07. Only 125 BHP and I've thought about upgrading but I still have the car.
My advice would be to get yourself along to a L7C meeting. You may not see too many cars at those meetings at this time of year but you can start to narrow the options.
You may find some owners who will let you have a closer look at their cars.
I'm also Wiltshire based and you're more than welcome to have a look at mine.
Make a visit to Millwood, you will find John really helpful and more than happy to chap through the pleasures and pitfalls of Caterham ownership.
http://www.millwood-mc.com/
http://www.millwood-mc.com/
Keep it stiff said:
Make a visit to Millwood, you will find John really helpful and more than happy to chap through the pleasures and pitfalls of Caterham ownership.
http://www.millwood-mc.com/
I'd second that, John is very helpful and not your usual car dealer! Bought our first Caterham from him - a CSR - brilliant car!!
http://www.millwood-mc.com/
I'd second that, John is very helpful and not your usual car dealer! Bought our first Caterham from him - a CSR - brilliant car!!
Rough budget first, then go look at as many as you can, then revise budget :-). Options are endless.
I'd start with budget and what usage (ie road only or some track day ?). That will give you a ball park figure and what's in range....then the fun starts. Your previous history in cars may also be a factor as to what will feel special or not.
Caterham in Crawley, PT Sportscars in Windsor and others as above + get to some club meets (although attendance in the 7's drop's over winter).
I'd start with budget and what usage (ie road only or some track day ?). That will give you a ball park figure and what's in range....then the fun starts. Your previous history in cars may also be a factor as to what will feel special or not.
Caterham in Crawley, PT Sportscars in Windsor and others as above + get to some club meets (although attendance in the 7's drop's over winter).
As Nike would say - just do it! You won't regret it and in the highly unlikely event that you do, are unlikely to lose much/any money on your purchase.
I'm based in West Berks and you are welcome to come and view mine, but like many other owners mine is going to be SORN'd next month until Spring as the roads are about to be gritted which plays havoc with an alloy bodied car!
I've had a finance example come through today from Williams Automobiles near Bristol, have to say it was much better than expected.
They gave 2 examples for a 360 and a 420. I'm unlikely to go with something quite so epic, but they are "examples"
Quick question, why don't they have a spare wheel carrier any more on the rear?
They gave 2 examples for a 360 and a 420. I'm unlikely to go with something quite so epic, but they are "examples"
Quick question, why don't they have a spare wheel carrier any more on the rear?
MrsFallon said:
I've had a finance example come through today from Williams Automobiles near Bristol, have to say it was much better than expected.
They gave 2 examples for a 360 and a 420. I'm unlikely to go with something quite so epic, but they are "examples"
Quick question, why don't they have a spare wheel carrier any more on the rear?
Its a £500 option now.They gave 2 examples for a 360 and a 420. I'm unlikely to go with something quite so epic, but they are "examples"
Quick question, why don't they have a spare wheel carrier any more on the rear?
MrsFallon said:
Anyway I'm pondering again as the love for them has never really gone away, but wouldn't really know where to start. The last Caterham I've driven was a 1.4 K Series, which I "think" might have been about 125 BHP (would that sound right?)
HustleRussell said:
MrsFallon said:
Anyway I'm pondering again as the love for them has never really gone away, but wouldn't really know where to start. The last Caterham I've driven was a 1.4 K Series, which I "think" might have been about 125 BHP (would that sound right?)
My advice would be:
1) Establish use - road, track or both
2) Decide ballpark budget
3) Look at engine options
I'd advise testing a range of cars with 135-210bhp for the road.
I've had a 175bhp VX HPC on Carbs before and if/when I get another it'll probably be a Supersport R/360R with 180bhp or 420R with 210bhp.
That's more than enough for the road (in my experience).
1) Establish use - road, track or both
2) Decide ballpark budget
3) Look at engine options
I'd advise testing a range of cars with 135-210bhp for the road.
I've had a 175bhp VX HPC on Carbs before and if/when I get another it'll probably be a Supersport R/360R with 180bhp or 420R with 210bhp.
That's more than enough for the road (in my experience).
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