Had my first experience of a Caterham today
Discussion
So, today I "cashed in" last years' birthday present from my wife- a days hire of a Caterham 7. Picked the car up from the showroom in Crawley this morning, a Supersport SV 140. Didn't really know what to expect, thought it would be pretty quick, but not that fast due to "only" being a 140, was worried I'd have issues with the pedals due to my size 11 feet. Turns out it was nothing like I thought.
OMG
They're mental. Like a go kart, only faster and more intense. Tiny steering wheel and quick rack make the steering heavy but ultra responsive, had to re-calibrate my brain very quickly after jumping out of my E39! Instant throttle response in any gear, clutch was a bit of a pain in traffic but once on the move the 6 speed close ratio box is a joy. The sound, acceleration and nimbleness is just addictive.
We headed down to the A272 towards Petworth for a quick coffee stop, then on to Midhurst, past Goodwood and headed towards Arundel for a bite to eat. Clear skies all day, apologies to residents of those towns for being somewhat enthusiastic with the loud pedal
Covered 117 miles all in, an absolutely brilliant day out. My wife was in the passenger seat all day and she loved it, turns out she's a bit of an adrenaline junkie and spent most of the day giggling- I don't think she realised how quick it was going to be either!
For £175, plus 20 quids worth of petrol, its easily one of the best value sports car experience days going, way better than the "do 3 laps of a track in a ropey old Ferrari at half throttle" type days.
Next year we're planning on heading up to Scotland to hire one from Highland Caterham
Wifey:
Me:
OMG
They're mental. Like a go kart, only faster and more intense. Tiny steering wheel and quick rack make the steering heavy but ultra responsive, had to re-calibrate my brain very quickly after jumping out of my E39! Instant throttle response in any gear, clutch was a bit of a pain in traffic but once on the move the 6 speed close ratio box is a joy. The sound, acceleration and nimbleness is just addictive.
We headed down to the A272 towards Petworth for a quick coffee stop, then on to Midhurst, past Goodwood and headed towards Arundel for a bite to eat. Clear skies all day, apologies to residents of those towns for being somewhat enthusiastic with the loud pedal
Covered 117 miles all in, an absolutely brilliant day out. My wife was in the passenger seat all day and she loved it, turns out she's a bit of an adrenaline junkie and spent most of the day giggling- I don't think she realised how quick it was going to be either!
For £175, plus 20 quids worth of petrol, its easily one of the best value sports car experience days going, way better than the "do 3 laps of a track in a ropey old Ferrari at half throttle" type days.
Next year we're planning on heading up to Scotland to hire one from Highland Caterham
Wifey:
Me:
Edited by lufbramatt on Tuesday 15th July 19:25
Chicane-UK said:
Awesome. It's on the list to rent one of these this or next year and experiences like this only help build that enthusiasm
Just do it. The whine from the gearbox and pops and burbles from the exhaust on the downshift make you feel like you're in a 50's racing car. I was amazed at all the waves and thumbs up we got from other drivers and pedestrians too 
lufbramatt said:
is that the total price (plus excess miles) or any add on insurances etcsounds good - but id want full cover incase it decides to go in a ditch
lufbramatt said:
So, today I "cashed in" last years' birthday present from my wife- a days hire of a Caterham 7. Picked the car up from the showroom in Crawley this morning, a Supersport SV 140. Didn't really know what to expect, thought it would be pretty quick, but not that fast due to "only" being a 140, was worried I'd have issues with the pedals due to my size 11 feet. Turns out it was nothing like I thought.
OMG
They're mental. Like a go kart, only faster and more intense. Tiny steering wheel and quick rack make the steering heavy but ultra responsive, had to re-calibrate my brain very quickly after jumping out of my E39! Instant throttle response in any gear, clutch was a bit of a pain in traffic but once on the move the 6 speed close ratio box is a joy. The sound, acceleration and nimbleness is just addictive.
...
For £175, plus 20 quids worth of petrol, its easily one of the best value sports car experience days going, way better than the "do 3 laps of a track in a ropey old Ferrari at half throttle" type days.
Next year we're planning on heading up to Scotland to hire one from Highland Caterham
Wifey:
Me:
So, has the man-maths started yet to buy one? OMG
They're mental. Like a go kart, only faster and more intense. Tiny steering wheel and quick rack make the steering heavy but ultra responsive, had to re-calibrate my brain very quickly after jumping out of my E39! Instant throttle response in any gear, clutch was a bit of a pain in traffic but once on the move the 6 speed close ratio box is a joy. The sound, acceleration and nimbleness is just addictive.
...
For £175, plus 20 quids worth of petrol, its easily one of the best value sports car experience days going, way better than the "do 3 laps of a track in a ropey old Ferrari at half throttle" type days.
Next year we're planning on heading up to Scotland to hire one from Highland Caterham
Wifey:
Me:
Having the OH on side really helps too! 
steveo3002 said:
lufbramatt said:
is that the total price (plus excess miles) or any add on insurances etcsounds good - but id want full cover incase it decides to go in a ditch
We stayed at The Chequers in Slaugham the night before so we wouldn't be late, great value only £59 for a double including a nice breakfast.
Man maths definitely started, maybe a chance of going halves on one with my brother in law who's wanted to build one for ages, have to wait and see
Edited by lufbramatt on Wednesday 16th July 08:49
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