Old Caterham models

[NDT]

Apologies in advance if this is a really stupid question...

Which Caterham models were live axle and which were De Dion?
Can you tell from the name?
I'm thinking of the older models, mid 80s onwards.

[snapper seven]

Accordingly to Chris Rees' bok ' The Magnificent Seven'...

"The de Dion was introduced as an option in 1985.
1985-1991 cars had spax suspension and then from '91 onwards they were fitted with Bilstein."

At some point that I can't identify, all but the bottom of the range Classic were fitted with de Dion as standard but not sure if this occurred in the 80's.

I doubt you could just tell from the name though I would say that all HPC (BDR cars in the 80's) would be de Dion and from what I can tell all 4 speed cars of the period would be live axle. I think the 'new in 86' sierra XR4i 5 speed gearbox was only available with de Dion. Not sure why or if there is any significance in that??

Maybe Caterham or the club historian could help?

Cheers

SS

[Matt W]

As a general rule all K-Series and 2 litre Vauxhalls are de dion, 1.6 litre 8 valve Vauxhalls are live axle and Ford X-flow can be either.

There are exceptions to the above though.

[NDT]

thanks guys.
I always used to think it was someting simple like a Super Seven had a live axle and a Super Seven Sprint had de Dion, but it's apparent fro looking at loads of adverts that this isn't the case. I think....

[rubystone]

NDT said:

thanks guys.
I always used to think it was someting simple like a Super Seven had a live axle and a Super Seven Sprint had de Dion, but it's apparent fro looking at loads of adverts that this isn't the case. I think....

Sprint refers to the engine spec doesn't it?

[snapper seven]

rubystone said:

NDT said:

thanks guys.
I always used to think it was someting simple like a Super Seven had a live axle and a Super Seven Sprint had de Dion, but it's apparent fro looking at loads of adverts that this isn't the case. I think....

Sprint refers to the engine spec doesn't it?

Yes, as a rough guide the Sprint was the 1600cc x-flow, the Supersprint was the 1700c.
I reckon most if not all Sprints were live axle (mainly because at the time it was the entry model and prob had the 4 speed) and there are probably a few more Supersprints that had a de Dion set up.

Cheers

SS