2008 Caterham Seven R400 SUPERLIGHT

Highlights 

• Very usable example of one of Caterham's best

• Low mileage, low owner car

• Rebuilt 210bhp engine

• 0-60mph in 3.8s

• Wet weather gear

• Recent full service

• Reportedly driving very well

Overview

If you're looking for an out-and-out thrill ride then a Caterham Seven is definitely the car for you and the R400 Superlight is one of the more performance-oriented models the Dartford-based sports car specialist produced. Featuring a 2.0-litre Ford Duratec engine tuned by the engineers at Caterham to produce 210bhp and mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the R400's 0-60mph time comes in at under four seconds before topping out at 127mph. 

And the clue to such internal organ-rearranging performance? It's all in the name. Tipping the scales at a shade over 500kg the car truly is super light and the 400 part denotes its power-to-weight ratio of 400bhp per tonne. That's proper supercar performance.

Combine all of that with the Seven's customarily analogue and engaging handling and pin-point steering and what you get is arguably one of the greatest models Caterham ever offered, making it a natural choice for the adrenaline junkies looking to push things to the limit at the track or to embarrass far more exotic fare on B-roads. 

This particular 2007 example comes to market in very good used condition having spent time at the track as well as on the road and although there are some blemishes here and there it presents as an inherently usable example, which is exactly the point of these cars, after all. The fact that it has remained in the same ownership for 15 years speaks as to its fundamental appeal. Complete with a host of spares, including wet weather gear, it can be enjoyed year round and comes with numerous servicing, repair and upgrade invoices, including for a professional engine rebuild in 2013.

History and documentation

• 2008 model year

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• R400 registration

• First registered 13 Aug 2008

• In current ownership since 15 Oct 2010

• One registered former keeper

• Two keys

• Original book pack

• Various invoices for servicing, parts and maintenance

• Professional engine rebuild, including Raceline dry sump kit dated 31 Jan 2013

• Last full service 25 Mar 2025

• Sterling Excel immobiliser fitted

• Advisory-free MOT until 07 Oct 2026

• HPI clear

• London ULEZ compliant

• 15,546 indicated miles

Interior

• The interior presents in used but good condition overall

• No signs of any major damage

• Some general wear and tear commensurate with the car's age

• Carpets and rubber mats look to be in decent shape

• Leather seats present well

• Carbon dash

• Momo steering wheel

• Caterham shift indicator

• Four-point harnesses for both seats

• Push button start

• No reports of any electrical issues or problems with any of the switchgear

• Engine bay appears clean and tidy 

Exterior

• All panels look to be straight with good alignment

• Some light damage to the nearside rear wheel arch and rear offside corner of the bonnet

• Various minor blemishes here and there appropriate for an 18 year old car regularly used on the road and as a track day car

• No evidence of any major corrosion but there is some light surface rust to the exposed suspension components

• Polished chrome headlights present well

• Side exit exhaust looks to be in good condition

• Wet weather gear, including roof and doors, half roof, aero screen and two windscreens all looks to be in fine fettle but one of the windscreens does carry two small cracks, one in each lower corner

• 13” eight-spoke alloy wheels are in decent shape overall but there are some marks and here and there to note

• Toyo Proxes R888 tyres will need replacing fairly soon as reported by the vendor

• The underside looks to be in very good condition 

• 15” spare wheels (five) in excellent condition with Avon CR500 tyres, plus exhaust and rear wheel carrier included in the sale

Mechanical

• 210bhp, 2.0-litre Ford Duratec inline four-cylinder engine

• Six speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 3.8s

• 127mph top speed

• Rebuilt engine

• Raceline dry sump kit

• No mechanical issues to report

• The vendor informs us that the car drives very well and starts every time but the front brake pads may need replacing

Summary

A truly formidable weapon, the R400 Superlight continues to excite and remains razor-sharp in all aspects. This particular example may carry some battle scars but they're worn with pride and show that the car has been used as intended, which is exactly the point, so continue the trend and enjoy this supercar-slayer to the max. Just remember to keep your eye on the speedo though because things can escalate incredibly quickly, but then that's half the fun right?

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 Lutterworth, Leicestershire.