Caterham Roadsport 135: my dream car one year on
Discussion
While many (most?) on here dream of owning a Ferrari, Lamborghini or other supercar of choice, my automotive aspirations have always been a little more humble. Ever since following my uncle round the country to watch him race Caterhams as a kid, I've been set on getting one of my own.
In my case, however, I wanted a Caterham as a road car. It didn't have to be particularly powerful or fancy - anything from the K-series generation cars onward would do me.
After finishing uni I landed a job. A secure income and sensible company car meant I was finally able to make my dream of owning a Caterham a reality.
Today I took it in for its MOT, which reminded me that it's been almost a year since I collected it. About time for a thread then! Let's start with some pictures:
So, what have I been up to in it?
The MOT was a realisation that I've covered 4500 miles in my year of ownership. That's more than the last owner(s) did in the last six year cumulatively, and over a third of car's now total mileage!
That mileage has mostly consisted of weekend blats. It only tends to come out once every couple of weekends but, when it does, I tend not to do fewer than a couple of hundred miles in it.
It's also been on track a few times; a day at Pembrey, a few laps at Donington and Bruntingthorpe and, most recently, a rather enjoyable day a Spa Francorchamps in Belgium.
In Wales with a Caterham my friend had for the weekend
On track at Pembrey
Wales again - this time a Christmas morning hoon
Spa day (yes, I managed Eau Rouge flat)
Am I apexing right?
British sports cars with their Japanese counterparts
Has owning a Caterham been a dream come, though? Well, yes and no. Yes, in that it's delivered that purity of purpose as a driving instrument that I craved. After putting a bit of work into the setup I'm starting to feel happy with how it behaves on road and track - at Spa it was truly rewarding. Knowing what I know now about Caterhams I might've sacrificed the low mileage and some of the cosmetic allure of my example for some upgraded oily bits (namely an LSD and anti-cav tank or dry sump). But I don't regret buying the car I bought, how could I after the year of driving enjoyment I've just had?
In my case, however, I wanted a Caterham as a road car. It didn't have to be particularly powerful or fancy - anything from the K-series generation cars onward would do me.
After finishing uni I landed a job. A secure income and sensible company car meant I was finally able to make my dream of owning a Caterham a reality.
Today I took it in for its MOT, which reminded me that it's been almost a year since I collected it. About time for a thread then! Let's start with some pictures:
So, what have I been up to in it?
The MOT was a realisation that I've covered 4500 miles in my year of ownership. That's more than the last owner(s) did in the last six year cumulatively, and over a third of car's now total mileage!
That mileage has mostly consisted of weekend blats. It only tends to come out once every couple of weekends but, when it does, I tend not to do fewer than a couple of hundred miles in it.
It's also been on track a few times; a day at Pembrey, a few laps at Donington and Bruntingthorpe and, most recently, a rather enjoyable day a Spa Francorchamps in Belgium.
In Wales with a Caterham my friend had for the weekend
On track at Pembrey
Wales again - this time a Christmas morning hoon
Spa day (yes, I managed Eau Rouge flat)
Am I apexing right?
British sports cars with their Japanese counterparts
Has owning a Caterham been a dream come, though? Well, yes and no. Yes, in that it's delivered that purity of purpose as a driving instrument that I craved. After putting a bit of work into the setup I'm starting to feel happy with how it behaves on road and track - at Spa it was truly rewarding. Knowing what I know now about Caterhams I might've sacrificed the low mileage and some of the cosmetic allure of my example for some upgraded oily bits (namely an LSD and anti-cav tank or dry sump). But I don't regret buying the car I bought, how could I after the year of driving enjoyment I've just had?
Edited by Synchromesh on Friday 5th May 23:24
Synchromesh said:
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British sports cars with their Japanese counterparts
Seriously, i would have those 4 in my 100k garage. these would still leave half the £ for a GT with more cylinders.British sports cars with their Japanese counterparts
They're similar yet different and i would relish the contrast hopping from one to another. In fact i already do having 2 of the above with an old english sports car and a gt86. bigger cars are mostly just transport to me.
Great thread keep up reporting on your journey. lovely car.
steve-5snwi said:
That looks a nice car, i'd love to buy and build my own but at my height i'm never going to fit into one.
How tall are you? I'm 6'5" and bought mine last year. I've just had lowered floors fitted to sit me lower in the car but it was still comfortable and driveable before that anyway.Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff