Lotus 7 vs Caterham
Discussion
Ok, before the rocks start flying in my direction, let me say that over the years I've had the privilege of owning several 7's which include a S2 , S3 an early Caterham S3, an R500 and an SV. Bottom line, they're all amazing.
All the above have a unique charm and I'm not sure that one is nessacarly better than the other, other than the fact that one may be better for YOU. Yes, we all know the modern Caterham traces its lineage back to the 1957 Lotus 7, but as was correctly said last week that's about where the similarity ends. I liked what someone said last week, "the Caterham can stand on its own"
A good friend of mine who sadly passed away last year had a 68 Lotus 7 S3 1600GT, it's probably the finest one in Canada, it looks spectacular. It was a frequent visitor at vintage car events and historic car runs, it's an extraordinary car. Would I like it "no way". If you'd have asked my friend if he'd swap it for a modern Caterham you'd get the same answer "no way"
Last year I had honor of driving it and although in many ways its looks very similar to the modern Caterham that's where the likeness ends for me. A friend asked me to describe what it was like in 1 word. "Charming" was my description. it felt OLD, cramped and historic which is exactly what it is. He drove my then R500 for a few hundred miles, his comments were, "that thing is horrid"
So I guess whether you like blondes or brunettes, they each have a special charm.
Long live both of them.
All the above have a unique charm and I'm not sure that one is nessacarly better than the other, other than the fact that one may be better for YOU. Yes, we all know the modern Caterham traces its lineage back to the 1957 Lotus 7, but as was correctly said last week that's about where the similarity ends. I liked what someone said last week, "the Caterham can stand on its own"
A good friend of mine who sadly passed away last year had a 68 Lotus 7 S3 1600GT, it's probably the finest one in Canada, it looks spectacular. It was a frequent visitor at vintage car events and historic car runs, it's an extraordinary car. Would I like it "no way". If you'd have asked my friend if he'd swap it for a modern Caterham you'd get the same answer "no way"
Last year I had honor of driving it and although in many ways its looks very similar to the modern Caterham that's where the likeness ends for me. A friend asked me to describe what it was like in 1 word. "Charming" was my description. it felt OLD, cramped and historic which is exactly what it is. He drove my then R500 for a few hundred miles, his comments were, "that thing is horrid"
So I guess whether you like blondes or brunettes, they each have a special charm.
Long live both of them.
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