Wednesday 17th February 2016

Caterham 270R: PH Fleet

Ben's Caterham faces its first real test - the IVA!

---

Driving a car built with your own hands for the very first time is quite a daunting prospect. We were strapped for time getting the Caterham ready for its IVA*, and it had only turned over for the first time the day before the test. With the sun shining and my stomach full of butterflies, the little Seven spluttered into life for its day of reckoning. It seemed to be running lumpy, but I didn't hesitate and set off on a back-road route to Gillingham in an attempt to enjoy the journey.

I made it with time to spare, plus a bag full of tools and spare trim and parts in case any remedial work was required. The tester started by examining the quality of the build which, thanks largely to the helping hands I had, went swimmingly. The emissions test came next, but disaster struck - it failed. I instantly knew there was nothing I could do, and the car was facing a retest. Like a dog with its tail between its legs, I followed the car down the test line as the inspection continued. Annoyingly besides a few minor snags, the Seven would have been ready to go and should have been a swift retest away from being a road legal Caterham. Just that emissions failure to sort...

After lots of head scratching, my car was trailered off to Caterham South for the technicians to find out what was wrong. It transpired that the throttle set-up was out, which had clogged up the spark plugs and prevented the car from running smoothly. With a quick turnaround and a new set of plugs, I was on my way to Gillingham again with no roof, no doors and in the rain. It could only get better, right?

After being assaulted by the wind and rain, I arrived once again at the test centre with baited breath. Much to my happiness it flew through the emissions test, and the other little niggles had been rectified so they were quickly ticked off. I'd done it! I had built a car in the space of five weeks (although the time between articles would have you thinking otherwise), and proved to the VOSA test man that it was roadworthy. Despite the sharp rain battering my face and my numb hands, I was driving back to Caterham smiling, knowing that in a couple of weeks I'd have my registration through and be on the road. In fact, I had the call from Caterham that my registration had arrived on the morning of my birthday; how's that for a gift?

Finally I had to get the paint protected, as Sevens are prone to stone chips and paint damage due to the low ride height and exposed front wheels. Premier Paint Guard fitted the latest 3M Scotchgard Protection to the nose, wings and side panels to protect the stunning Valencia Orange finish. I have to say I've never considered it before but, given how discreet and cost-effective it is, I'll be having it again in a flash on future new car purchases. Given that it cost probably the same as a respray on the rear arches, it was a no-brainer.

All that's left remaining now is to put 500 miles on the clock with some careful consideration for the engine so that it's properly run in. Then I'll be blatting my way to Wales to drive it on some of my favourite roads. But until then, welcome to the world GN15 LZT!

---

FACT SHEET
Car: 2015 Caterham Seven 270 R
Run by: Ben Lowden
On fleet since: April 2015
Mileage: 253

*IVA Test (Involuntary Vehicle Approval). A fancy extended MoT test, where some bloke in a hi-vis jacket pokes your car with a sharp pencil to see if it's roadworthy. See also; tyre kicking, blagging it, be nice to the man in the high-vis.

Previous reports:
To the factory for spec selection
The build begins

[Images: Ben Lowden/Michael Topham]

[QuattroDave]

All along there was me thinking IVA stood for individual vehicle approval, although involuntary does work well too

Ever since the selling of my URq which I rebuilt the engine on I've been toying with the idea of building a car like this.

I'll wait a little longer and see how you get on with it in the long term first.

[Evilex]

Well done on getting it through the IVA.
At least they seem to let you actually be there whilst it's done.

If you think an IVA is bad, try a VIC (vehicle identity check) after repairing a written-off vehicle.

Now that's a NIGHTMARE. You can't go in with your vehicle and observe, and they treat you like a criminal, because every write-off repair is trying to his some malfeasance, right?

At least if I ever occasion to build my own... whatever... The VOSA boys mightn't be quite so harsh.

[Dafuq]

Looks fantastic, treble thumbs up. It wouldn't have been my first choice of colour but looks really striking, top marks.

Always had a hankering to follow suit, even though I am no toolster. I was ok with technical Lego so this should be a goer, right?

Anyone know if it's possible to order a kit form to export to Aus? I know they are a bit funny over here regarding imports and what they classify as modified cars.

[BenLowden]

QuattroDave said:

Ever since the selling of my URq which I rebuilt the engine on I've been toying with the idea of building a car like this.

I'll wait a little longer and see how you get on with it in the long term first.

Just do it, you won't regret it! I've never touched an engine internally, so building a Seven will be a doddle for you. With such fantastic residuals you'll never lose much either, so it's a win win!

Dafuq said:

Looks fantastic, treble thumbs up. It wouldn't have been my first choice of colour but looks really striking, top marks.

Always had a hankering to follow suit, even though I am no toolster. I was ok with technical Lego so this should be a goer, right?

Anyone know if it's possible to order a kit form to export to Aus? I know they are a bit funny over here regarding imports and what they classify as modified cars.

Thanks! They really aren't that difficult to build, if you've built Lego and are patient then you'll be fine. Just takes some common sense and the factory are very good at support if you have any issues.

Looks like there's a dealer in Melbourne so might be worth giving them a shout to see if they can help: http://int.caterhamcars.com/dealership/australia

[QuattroDave]

BenLowden said:

Thanks! They really aren't that difficult to build, if you've built Lego and are patient then you'll be fine. Just takes some common sense and the factory are very good at support if you have any issues.

Looks like there's a dealer in Melbourne so might be worth giving them a shout to see if they can help: http://int.caterhamcars.com/dealership/australia

It's not so much the build which I know I'd enjoy, it's using the car once done! Unfortunately I live around Southampton where we're heavy on traffic but light on really nice driveable roads!

[CrutyRammers]

QuattroDave said:

All along there was me thinking IVA stood for individual vehicle approval, although involuntary does work well too

Yes, it seems pretty apt

[Dafuq]

BenLowden said:

Thanks! They really aren't that difficult to build, if you've built Lego and are patient then you'll be fine. Just takes some common sense and the factory are very good at support if you have any issues.

Looks like there's a dealer in Melbourne so might be worth giving them a shout to see if they can help: http://int.caterhamcars.com/dealership/australia

Guess who is making a call to Melbourne today then, ??

Winner.

[gareth29]

Surely its harder than Technical Lego?!

[Kuta]

Dafuq said:

Looks fantastic, treble thumbs up. It wouldn't have been my first choice of colour but looks really striking, top marks.

Always had a hankering to follow suit, even though I am no toolster. I was ok with technical Lego so this should be a goer, right?

Anyone know if it's possible to order a kit form to export to Aus? I know they are a bit funny over here regarding imports and what they classify as modified cars.

I've been tempted in the past, but Caterham Australia take you for a ride. Check out the prices! The only reason the 275 doesn't incur the "luxery car tax" is because of its fuel economy. Unless things have changed, they do not offer the car in kit form as the equivalent (in NSW at least) of the IVR is quite difficult. Again, my memory is a bit fuzzy but I think it requires the rental of a track to pass, as the process requires a brake test from 130km/h, which of course is not a legal speed in most states bar NT.

On a positive, there are law changes coming through for the importation of vehicles that state brand new cars, or ones less that 12 months old with 500km or fewer k's on the clock can be brought it.

[Dafuq]

Kuta said:

Dafuq said:

Looks fantastic, treble thumbs up. It wouldn't have been my first choice of colour but looks really striking, top marks.

Always had a hankering to follow suit, even though I am no toolster. I was ok with technical Lego so this should be a goer, right?

Anyone know if it's possible to order a kit form to export to Aus? I know they are a bit funny over here regarding imports and what they classify as modified cars.

I've been tempted in the past, but Caterham Australia take you for a ride. Check out the prices! The only reason the 275 doesn't incur the "luxery car tax" is because of its fuel economy. Unless things have changed, they do not offer the car in kit form as the equivalent (in NSW at least) of the IVR is quite difficult. Again, my memory is a bit fuzzy but I think it requires the rental of a track to pass, as the process requires a brake test from 130km/h, which of course is not a legal speed in most states bar NT.

On a positive, there are law changes coming through for the importation of vehicles that state brand new cars, or ones less that 12 months old with 500km or fewer k's on the clock can be brought it.

Cool, thanks for the heads up, I was worried I could hear the sound of my bubble bursting with your first paragraph, but the second re-inflated it. Perhaps more hope and a better option of looking into importing my own new or ' nused' then. Plus that would save me the worry of forking up the build on it with my lowly Lego skills Happy days.

Trots off to do home work

Edited by Dafuq on Thursday 18th February 07:51

[BenLowden]

Dafuq said:

Guess who is making a call to Melbourne today then, ??

Winner.

Excellent, let us know how you get on!

gareth29 said:

Surely its harder than Technical Lego?!

Obviously that was a bit tongue in cheek, but following the build manual for a Caterham isn't hugely dissimilar to following Technical Lego instructions. Sadly the Caterham manual isn't quite as good/clear, but it's definitely doable. I built my first kit car with no instructions and no prior knowledge, so if I can do it then anyone can!

[lawtoma]

Great news, Ben! Looks great!

I also thought I'd say thanks for my Caterham - you took me and then my partner out for a couple of test drives while your sales colleagues were busy, then convinced me (although it didn't take much) to put a deposit down on a green college built Roadsport 125. And I have to say it's awesome, so thank you! (I've still got the 968 too, although it does feel like a bit of a comfortable old slipper these days...)

Hope you get past the "first 500" nice and quickly so you can start to really enjoy it!

[BenLowden]

lawtoma said:

I also thought I'd say thanks for my Caterham - you took me and then my partner out for a couple of test drives while your sales colleagues were busy, then convinced me (although it didn't take much) to put a deposit down on a green college built Roadsport 125. And I have to say it's awesome, so thank you! (I've still got the 968 too, although it does feel like a bit of a comfortable old slipper these days...)

Thanks Tom, and good to hear from you! Despite being in the marketing team at Caterham, selling cars there to people like you was one of the most enjoyable parts of the job. Glad to hear you're still enjoying it, and thanks again for the drive in your 968. Not the fastest out there, but definitely memorable!

[ndixon]

Is this the same car ?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/c...

did it not live up to expectations ?

N.

[BenLowden]

ndixon said:

Is this the same car ?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/c...

did it not live up to expectations ?

N.

Busted! Definitely not the case with not living up to expectations, but all will be revealed soon in my next fleet update.

[Ayahuasca]

Bated breath. It's BATED breath FFS.