Caterham superlight maybe? ....or

[3Dee]

Hi Guys..... Advice please...

Let me introduce myself.. been away from Pistonheads for around 4 years after selling my home-built Ultima GTR (Avalanche) over 7 years, mainly because we were moving and downsizing.... very very painful to see it go...

I loved that car...trips to Le Mans and Silverstone track days.. Brilliant!

With no petrol-head project for the last 4 years I am sure you would all agree, it is depressing.....so I am yearning to find something (now I have got a pass from the wife!) that is not quite so expensive as the Ultima was (after all, I am a Pensioner now!), but can give me close to the raw excitement I had back then... both on the road , track, and maybe hill-climb?

When I did my last refresher MSA course about 6 years ago, I tried out a 7 style car (not sure what it was) and I was pleasantly surprised how much fun it was...

So, here I am seriously contemplating buying a second-hand Caterham with about 15-20k to spend. Ideally I would like dry-sump with as much power as I can muster (or potential to). That's because I have been spoilt in that department with 650 V8 horses in the Ultima which wqs rediculous, but soooooo mind-blowing.

I know I am not going to get that V8 sound nor as much ooomph as I used to, but given the budget, the Caterham seems to be a very good choice for all-round fun? What do you think?

If it is not Superlight, what else would float my boat?

So.. do I go to a dealer, do I see if I can build one, or do I try to buy private?
I am in the Fairford Area

[Turn7]

Go and drive a few....

You may find it helps decide which direcxtion to take with a Caterham.

My 150SV Roadsport isnt far off the perfect b road blatter for me, but YMMV.....

i 100% Recommend Millwood MC if they have stock that tickles your fancy tho....

[Steveh7]

There are so many different 7s and power levels and almost everyone would give you a different answer but here is my take on it. Big power costs big £££ so you will be sacrificing other things to get it such as age and condition. Big power can also mean bigger trouble for an older car. For me the 7 is about how it feels and handles rather than 0-60 or top speed. I only have 120hp and I accept I won’t be the fastest down the straights on track but it’s as much fun through the bends. I have no preference on private vs dealer - just go on the car and price.

[Dave J]

you have mail from me .
:-))

[3Dee]

Thanks to those guys sending me their offerings..
Was talking to someone at the pub who is into these things and he said he prefers original factory-built rather than modified, but I would have thought that this kind of car just invites those who want to upgrade/ modify etc...? Nothing wrong with that is there? What do you think? Anything to steer clear of?

[Turn7]

3Dee said:

Thanks to those guys sending me their offerings..
Was talking to someone at the pub who is into these things and he said he prefers original factory-built rather than modified, but I would have thought that this kind of car just invites those who want to upgrade/ modify etc...? Nothing wrong with that is there? What do you think? Anything to steer clear of?

Personally, I would and did avoid "non" standard Caterham mods....by this, I mean things like engines that were never Caterham fitment (excluding Becs) as I think they may affect future resale values. If you plan to keep the car forever, then its not an issue, and there are some very good modified cars out there.

I think the main issue for me, is that the "average" Cat is such a good car, that it doesnt need to be modded in an "off piste" way as so many have come before that its almost a cookie cutter upgrade path if that makes sense.

[downsman]

Standard Caterham models do hold their value better as they are a known quantity. However, there is nothing wrong with modifying a Caterham to suit personal use! Of course some upgrades add value and some lose value.

I have a 125 Roadsport with the 1.6 sigma engine. If I went for the Caterham 140 bhp upgrade, I'm pretty sure that would add value if I sold. If I dropped the 1.7 Puma engine i bought off a friend in and did a one off installation, the car would be faster, but possible less valuable. If I spent £7500 on the premier Power 175bhp upgrade, those in the know would be keen to buy it, and it would be more valuable, but I'd be unlikely to make back the money spent.

In other words, if I wanted £175 bhp, it would be more sensible to sell the 125 and buy a duratec engined Seven rather than upgrade, but where's the fun in that ?

By the way, I am actually very happy with my car, 125bhp and uniroyal tyres make for an entertaining but not espcially quick Seven

[Turn7]

The 175 route makes your wallet wince for sure, but I absolutely ADORE my 150 Sigma. It just sounds and feel like an old Pinto on twin 45s but has way more driveability.

I was quite close to buying a 200hp K DVA car, but it just didnt click with me like the one I bought......

[carphotographer]

I have a very original Superlight for sale #007 .