RE: Obituary: Graham Nearn
Monday 26th October 2009
Graham Nearn with Colin ChapmanPistonHeads has regretfully learned that Graham Nearn, founder of Caterham Cars, passed away on Saturday.
Obituary: Graham Nearn
The man who set up Caterham Cars and saved the Seven
Graham Nearn with Colin Chapman
Nearn launched Caterham Cars in 1959 as a Lotus 7 dealership, but transformed it into a full manufacturer in its own right after buying the rights to the design from Colin Chapman when Lotus discontinued the model in 1973.
52 years later that same perennial design remains essentially unchanged, and the Seven persists as one of the great British sports car icons.
PH sends its condolences to the family, friends and former-employees that Graham leaves behind.
Discussion
Very sad news.
Graham alone had the vision to see that the Seven was a very special car for which there was still a demand after Chapman and Lotus ditched it, and he single-handedly ensured that future generations could enjoy this motoring legend for at least another 4 decades.
His role in creating the thriving niche sportscar and kit-car industry we have in the UK today cannot be underestimated.
He also got to be involved and make a brief cameo in an iconic television series.....
Top man. RIP.
Graham alone had the vision to see that the Seven was a very special car for which there was still a demand after Chapman and Lotus ditched it, and he single-handedly ensured that future generations could enjoy this motoring legend for at least another 4 decades.
His role in creating the thriving niche sportscar and kit-car industry we have in the UK today cannot be underestimated.
He also got to be involved and make a brief cameo in an iconic television series.....
Top man. RIP.
I was fortunate enough to have met Graham Nearn over lunch at the inaugural Caterham festival at Brands Hatch a few years ago and i have to say it's a very fond memory of a first class entusiast welcoming anyone on the table regardless of what they drove (TVR for me and a variety of others).
RIP Graham.
RIP Graham.
Having grown up in Caterham I was often found as a young lad wandering around the factory and showroom. I remember Graham as having plenty of time for everyone, and a huge passion for the cars and the business.
My thoughts go out to his family and friends, and I'm thankful to be able to enjoy the ownership of one of his creations and my dream car. RIP and thankyou Graham.
Somehow it seems fitting that I was able to take this yesterday at Brooklands.
My thoughts go out to his family and friends, and I'm thankful to be able to enjoy the ownership of one of his creations and my dream car. RIP and thankyou Graham.
Somehow it seems fitting that I was able to take this yesterday at Brooklands.
jeremyc said:
My thoughts go out to his family and friends, and I'm thankful to be able to enjoy the ownership of one of his creations and my dream car. RIP and thankyou Graham.
+1Sad, sad news indeed and I can honestly say that my greatest motoring memories have always involved my Caterhams. A true legend in my eyes and my thoughts go to his friends and family.
RIP Graham
Edited by L100NYY on Monday 26th October 13:22
I never met the man, but it's not difficult to see the legacy that Graham Nearn has left behind. He has made an indelible mark on the British car industry and beyond. The fantastic creations from Caterham - known throughout the World - are testament to just how right he got it. RIP Graham, a fine effort, sir.
I'm lucky enough to have known Graham and other members of the Nearn family. When you hear the tributes that Graham was a great guy, they are absolutely true. He was a very friendly and humourous man, always a pleasure to see each time. His vision of keeping the Seven going was so astute. I owned one, as I'm sure other PHers have - they are astonishing little cars. RIP Graham.
The saddest part of it is that there's no more Graham Nearns left in this world who have the requisite 2-finger salute to gub'mnt B.S.. Everyone's trying to be too PC, too hard, too everything and that wasn't his style, tone or way 
Graham was a man who knew and continue Chapman's dream that minimalist was best, that power couldn't be delivered w/o weight savings, and at the end of the day the "little guy" (of the market) was his customer and he and the company made it personally pleasing.
As a Caterham owner of 7+ years I'm saddened for the Nearn family loss, I'm sure his survivors will read many tributes and realize just how great an effect he had on us all.
RIP Graham!
Graham was a man who knew and continue Chapman's dream that minimalist was best, that power couldn't be delivered w/o weight savings, and at the end of the day the "little guy" (of the market) was his customer and he and the company made it personally pleasing.
As a Caterham owner of 7+ years I'm saddened for the Nearn family loss, I'm sure his survivors will read many tributes and realize just how great an effect he had on us all.
RIP Graham!
Edited by Steve-B on Monday 26th October 17:14
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