Where do I start - with this, perhaps?

[Scaleybrat]

After retiring nearly 3 years ago at the start of the pandemic, I’m now looking forward to owning a fun car to enjoy the Perthshire roads and beyond this summer. I was looking for a classic but decided it might spend more time in the garage rather than having something I want to just go out and drive. I’ve no experience with Caterham cars, previous ownership does include Golf GTi/R/R32 and BMW M3s, but their appeal is drawing me in and I think it’s ticking all the necessary boxes. I want something fairly simple to maintain, not going to depreciate greatly, put a smile on my face and match my skill level. After reading numerous threads on here, I decided my main priorities are 150bhp(ish), full screen, heater, lowered floor (I’m 6’ tall), leather seats and no more than £25k. This car seems to fit the bill and appears to have been previously owned by a PH enthusiast!

https://www.gpsevens.co.uk/portfolio-item/caterham...

Here in Perth, there is no local dealer so I’m resigned to the fact I will probably have to travel to find the right car. Based on my criteria and being a Caterham virgin, does the linked car fit the bill or is it missing something fundamental to my needs? Incidentally, I am thinking to hire a Caterham from a local hire company to experience the Caterham bug but I am tempted by the vehicle at gpsevens.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Scaleybrat]

Thanks for the replies. I weigh 80kg so I’m thinking an S3 will be fine. I take on board the comments about being seen and seeing around objects which did surprise me. My wife has already declared it’s not for her so the passenger seat wouldn’t get much wear during my ownership.
I think I will be patient and go for a day experience just to get a taster. At least it will tell me if it’s definitely not for me. Any comments on the car I linked? Just to get an idea of specs, engine etc.

[Scaleybrat]

Tupwood said:

Hire one for the weekend first!

There are at least three specialist Caterham hire companies in Scotland, and its a great excuse to 'try before you buy'. I had a weekend in the Highlands in my first hired Caterham, then a longer trip to do the NC500 the following year.

Now I have my own, but the Scottish roads are a long, long, way to go for a Blat.

Based on earlier advice in this thread, my plan is to hire from 7 Ecosse for a day and see how it goes.

[Scaleybrat]

911sse said:

Do Revolutions in Perth not sell and service Caterhams? Might not be a franchised dealer (anymore?) but plenty seem to pass through the website and the last time I was there (few years now) they had a few hanging around.

Edited by 911sse on Friday 13th January 20:43

Looks like they mainly deal with Morgan but they do have one Caterham currently in stock. I’ll keep one eye on them but think it’s along shot.

[Scaleybrat]

Thanks for all the advice and comments. Decided now to wait until I can go on an experience session (hopefully in April) and then go from there. Nothing has put me off and most of the comments have increased my curiosity to drive an S3.

[Scaleybrat]

7Ecosse are located close to me and they have a S3 and an SV, so I should get the opportunity to compare. Thanks again for the additional comments and advice. Reading various forums, one concern I have is there doesn’t seem to be a recognised Caterham service centre in Scotland. It’s something I’m going to have to consider if I decide to purchase a car.

[Scaleybrat]

Love the typo - diving/driving

[Scaleybrat]

Thread update: Hired these two cars yesterday with a neighbour to give us a back to back comparison between an S3 and SV. Absolutely loved them both, driving around some glorious roads in and around Aberfeldy, Pitlochry and Glenisla. Both cars are K series 1.6 engines with 5 speed but the SV had +25bhp. After initially thinking S3 when I previously posted, I’m now focussing on finding an SV. The extra room in the footwell and the car feeling more planted won me over.
There are a couple of cars I have my eyes on but both are 140 Sigma engined with 6 speed so that brings a couple of unknowns to me so I’ll have to see if I can get a drive to compare with yesterday’s experience. Everywhere we stopped, somebody came over to chat and discuss the cars asking about engine specs and where we got them from. I don’t think I’ve ever waved to so many people on a drive, they just put a smile on everybody’s face.

[Scaleybrat]

Thread update!! Picked this up 3 weeks ago, private sale. Car is an ex-Caterham academy car, 11 years old with 21k on the clock. It’s an SV with a 140 Sigma engine and a 6 speed box. Car was serviced and MOT carried out before picking it up. I had a great 2 hour drive through Tyndrum and Crieff getting to know the car and enjoying its driving characteristics. I’ve already decided to swap out the wing mirrors with Spa Formula items ordered.
Some other minor work on the bodywork and surface corrosion on the front suspension can wait until the winter. The car is an absolute blast and I’m constantly asked by family and friends if I’ll take them out in it. Up to now I’ve had four passengers and they’ve all loved it and couldn’t believe the cornering speeds.
The next challenge is to get my wife into the passenger seat and try to be a little more gentle than my previous drives.

[Scaleybrat]

number2 said:

Academy cars aren't/weren't SVs either.

My bad, just checked the history provided by the Caterham archivist and it was used by them as a demonstrator/hire car.