2016 Caterham 360R

Highlights

• Just 2,708 miles from new, verified

• Factory fitted optional ‘R’ package

• 180bhp 2-litre Duratec

• Stunning Ballistic Orange paintwork with PPF

• Adjustable Tillett composite race seats

Overview

There’s a reassuring stability about Caterhams. While the rest of the world goes mad chasing crazy horsepower in ever more complex, weighty and – let’s not beat about the bush – massive vehicles, Caterham quietly continue to adhere to Chapman’s “simplify and add lightness” mantra.

We’re so glad they do, because the results are some of the finest driver’s cars to ever grace our roads. Carrying less weight than an undersized ballerina, but with enough grunt to worry pretty much anything this side of a GT3 car, this 360R is a perfect example of what makes Caterham the default choice for enthusiasts who want a car that’s about the simple, joyful act of driving and nothing more. With such a low centre of gravity as well as the dainty kerbweight, handling is ridiculously good, with whip-crack responses. 

This particular example is blessed with the optional factory ‘R’ package too, which means an LSD, Bilstein sports suspension, uprated braking and a lightweight flywheel, among other things. These tweaks and upgrades make what was already a great sports car into something quite extraordinary.

Add to that an impeccable service history, a smidge over 2,700 miles on the clock and bodywork liberally wrapped in PPF, and you have the perfect way to enjoy a weekend blat through the countryside. Or embarrassing supercars at your nearest trackday. Either way, you’ll be having an absolute whale of a time.

You’ll also look fabulous while doing it. We’ve long maintained that orange is one of the best colours for sports cars, and this handsome beast certainly adds weight to the argument. That Ballistic Orange paintwork shows in superb condition and contrasts brilliantly with the black pack trim. Is it the best spec for a Caterham Super Seven? Well, taste’s a subjective thing, obviously. But we reckon you’d have to look long and hard to find a more attractive example.

So it’s stupidly fast, handles like a dream, looks superb, has been meticulously cared for and is barely run-in. The only reason we haven’t clicked the bid button yet is that we’re not allowed to (booo). What’s your excuse?

History and documentation

• First registered 1 November 2016

• 1 former keeper, current owner since 6 June 2018

• Just 2,708 miles on the clock, verified by the service and MOT records

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 29 May 2026 – MOT record is perfect, with no advisories at all in the car’s history

• Optional R pack (handling and performance) and black pack (styling)

• Stamped service book with services as follows: May 2018 @ 64 miles (post build check); August 2018 @ 726 miles; May 2019 @ 1,154 miles; August 2020 @ 1,468 miles; October 2023 @ 2,429 miles

• Full document pack

• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates

• Two keys

• V5 present in owner’s name

• HPI clear

• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Tillett composite adjustable race seats, with black fabric trim

• The upholstery on the seats appears to be in excellent condition, with no wear or damage we could see

• 4-point race harnesses

• Lowered floors

• Momo quick release steering wheel

• Immobiliser

• 12v socket

• Heated windscreen

• Heater

• Push button starter

• Carbon style vinyl to the transmission tunnel

• Full weather gear in black vinyl

• Bank of gauges: fuel, water temperature and oil pressure

• All of the switchgear and instruments present in excellent condition, with barely any wear or signs of use

• The internal trim, including the dash fascia, transmission tunnel, steering wheel material and gear shifter are all in fine condition, with no notable wear or blemishes

• We’re assured that everything in the cabin functions just as it should, with no faults reported

Exterior

• Ballistic Orange paintwork, which shows in fabulous condition, with no noteworthy marks, scuffs or scratches we could see

• The car has had PPF applied to the side skins, rear wings and nose cone – this work was completed by Caterham Cars in 2018

• The GFRP bodywork all looks to be in great order, with no warping, cracking or gel coat spidering apparent

• Optional black pack trim

• Black track rollover bar

• Black aero style fuel filler

• Black carbon spats on the rear wings

• All of the external trim and badging shows well, with no damage we could discern, and no significant marks or chips

• The light clusters all appear to be free from cracks, chips and misting

• The front windscreen and detachable weather gear all presents in fine fettle, with no chips, cracks, UV damage, fraying or fading on show

• Underneath, the car appears to be in superb condition, with no damage or major grazes to the floor pans, and no evidence of corrosion we could see

• Handsome 13-inch ‘Apollo’ alloy wheels, with polished lips/barrels and black painted centres – all look to be in good order, with no kerbing, lacquer peel or damage

• The wheels are shod with a matched set of Avon CR500 tyres (185/55 front and 215/55 rear), which were fitted in October 2023

Mechanical

• 1,998cc Duratec 4-cylinder, driving the rear wheels

• 5-speed manual transmission

• Factory performance figures: 180bhp, 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of c.130mph

• Limited slip differential

• Lightweight flywheel

• Bilstein sport suspension

• Factory option uprated brake master cylinder

• 4-into-1 performance exhaust system

• The engine bay is exceptionally clean and tidy, with no evidence of leaks or any other issues

• We are assured that the car drives just as it should, with no mechanical faults or issues to declare

Summary

This shimmering citrus delight is as near as damn it a brand new 360R. The condition is superb, the mileage is scraping-the-floor low and the specification is, in our opinion, absolutely spot-on. 

We’d assume if you’re reading this that you’re quite keen on cars, and therefore probably enjoy driving. Well, if you want to experience “peak driving”, you don’t need a million pound hypercar, or some 2,000bhp modified monster. No, you need a nicely sorted Caterham, a great country road (or track) and some decent weather. In short, you need this car.

Just be warned, this is the kind of vehicle that gets under your skin in a way not much else does. You may well find yourself taking the long way home at every opportunity. Still, that’s not a bad problem to have, is it?

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Basingstoke, Hampshire.