RIP Graham Nearn

[NuisanceFactor]

Graham Nearn, the man who saved the Seven, has passed away.

Thank you Graham, for changing my life.

My heartfelt sympathy to Graham's family and friends.

[Eric Mc]

Just saw the notice over on the Lotus 7 Club forums. Really sad to hear this.

The last link back to the roots of the Seven.

[rubystone]

I met him a number of times. The first on the Caterham stand at the Motor show in what must have been around 1982. I sat myself in the yellow 7 on the stand, made myself comfortable and up he came in blazer and slacks, bent down and chatted to me about the car. I have to confess, I thought he was Jack Brabham at first!

Fast forward 15 years to around 1997 and there he was, kneeling down next to me whilst I sat in a Superlight R....I don't think he ever missed a motorshow.

What struck me was how his passion for the car didn't ever diminish - those of us who own 7s have a lot to thank him for - under his management Caterham Cars produced such iconic models as the HPC, JPE, Superlight and R500 band contuned to develop and improve the car.

I hope I get the chance to pay my respects at his funeral

Edited by rubystone on Sunday 25th October 20:19

[woof]

Just heard as well

The family are personal friends and knew them long before i knew anything about cars or caterhams

RIP

[CatherineJ]

How very sad. The caterham 7 has to go down as my favourite car of all time, sadly i've never owned one yet, despite having the opportunity too in the past.

I have the Caterham 7 book charting the history of the car and of course it goes into depth about Graham.

[Noger]

So sad, a genuine guy and had a lot of time for idiots like me on the Motorshow stand. .

[jeremyc]

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 Graham.

Somehow it seems fitting that I was able to take this yesterday at Brooklands.