Vovchandr

Very cool and exciting

Do you have any information or history of the car I might not have from that owner? I find it curious that he never registered it and just tracked it occasionally over the ~10 years.

Sounds fun. Unfortunately I'm too far away and it's too cold for NE crowd to partake

These should be regular 10 spoke series 3/SV wheels. They came in square setup with 6in wheels and 6/8 setup. I believe this is the 6/8 CSR had identical wheels with a different offset. They could be CSR wheels depending on what they did with the wide track up front. It's an extra wide setup with in-board suspension retrofit.

This Caterham Seven is a unique lightweight sports car, which was the subject of a complete custom rebuild by Michael Quaife, and features a number of bespoke performance parts which set it apart from standard models. Under the bonnet is a four-cylinder Cosworth ‘BDA’ engine, which has been enlarged to a 1.8-litre displacement and is fed by twin Weber carburettors. This drives the rear wheels via a Quaife six-speed sequential gearbox and a Quaife differential, for a truly thrilling drive. The odometer indicates 550 miles, which is the correct mileage on the later chassis. While this car’s chassis number corresponds to a Caterham manufactured in 1996 and first registered in February 1997, this Seven was rebuilt by Michael Quaife in 2008 using a brand-new chassis that was supplied by Caterham. The engine was then replaced with the BDA motor, with the upgraded transmission. Despite this Caterham’s motorsport-focused design and modifications, its diminutive body remains undamaged, and the resprayed white paintwork – changed from the original maroon - has a smooth and glossy appearance. It is described by the seller as being in excellent condition, with three small stone dents on the lower passenger-side panel, a few others around the exhaust, and some minor marks on the body panel where the driver enters and exits the car. The car’s carbon-fibre wheel arches and nose cone are in great shape, and provide a smart contrast to the paintwork, while also helping to give this classic sports car design a more contemporary appearance. This Seven rides on a set of lightweight 15-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels, which are in great shape. Inside, the functional and spartan interior is largely unmarked, and makes extensive use of lightweight materials. The seats are hewn from carbon Kevlar and feature Luke four-point harnesses, while the dashboard and Reverie quick-release steering wheel are full carbon-fibre items. The leather-wrapped centre console gives the interior a dash of refinement, while the roll bar is finished in gloss black. All of the interior trim presents very well, and the car’s buttons and switches work without fault. There are no warning lights displayed on the dashboard. Extensively modified, this former 1996 Caterham Seven now features a 2008 chassis, and as well as the 1800cc Ford BDA engine and Quaife sequential gearbox and differential as described above. It also has in-board suspension fitted with Nitron adjustable dampers, and four-piston front brake callipers from AP Racing. Its most recent routine service was completed by H Engineering in August 2020 at an indicated 469 miles, when the engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter and spark plugs were changed, along with the car’s cam belt. Furthermore, a four-wheel alignment was also performed and the carburettors and fuel lines were cleaned. This Caterham’s latest MOT test was conducted on 4 September 2020 at an indicated 541 miles, resulting in a first-time pass with no advisories. The vendor states that all four of the Avon CR500 tyres were fitted as part of the 2008 rebuild, so they have ample tread after covering only 550 miles. The car will be accompanied by documentation of its service history, and paperwork from the DVLA acknowledging its original VIN number after the new chassis was replaced. There is also a vinyl wet weather hood that has never been used. Famed for its engaging lightweight thrills, the Caterham Seven is one of the few cars that can boast a truly raw and unfiltered driving experience. This example is unquestionably even more exciting than most, having been extensively modified by the renowned Michael Quaife of Quaife Engineering. With numerous sophisticated carbon-fibre components and a genuine sequential gearbox, this is a real motorsport-inspired build that packs an impressive punch, making it an outstanding road-legal track toy. Very peculiar build. https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/1996-caterham-seven

Full disclosure upfront: I'm not a particularly electric supporter. I'll embrace it as the time comes, but I will play devils advocate for now. Not sure what NYT article you had in mind but I just came across this when looking for it https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/29/climate/gm-electric-cars-power-grid.html Not reading the entire article now, but that doesn't seem like an overbearing task especially considering the shift will be very gradual rather than dramatic. Here is a state by state map projection for potential electric load increase for those curious. https://theconversation.com/switching-to-electric-vehicles-could-save-the-us-billions-but-timing-is-everything-106227

While there is A LOT of good factual information in this thread, it feels we are having a 2005 conversation. Whether the system can support it or not, the shift is happening. California is a perfect example of somebody who can't support electrification but is spearheading the movement regardless. England has a policy that on it's face either forces Caterham to go full electric or find an exception to survive. Most major manufacturers will have a heavy electric lineup or all electric by 2030. Sales for plug in Electrics is up across the board. Plug in Electric hybrids is currently the very easy shift for most people to get 30 mile electric range and keep gas when needed otherwise. When US was going to the Moon the government was talking about all the reasons why it can't happen. It spearheaded the mission to impossible and figured things out along the way.

Huh. Small world. I've traced down the ownership lineage of the car in order to battle the title issue. The WA owner left CA with it and then sold it to another CA guy who knew of the car. The WA owner is really the only one who used it and tracked it. I have some track/garage pictures from his ownership and correspondence. I think he is the one who titled as "R500" during his sale and that title stuck to next owner. The car has not legally been re-registered or seen the road since original owner in 2002 until I bought it in 2018. I had the original title in hand and it still had original 2001 tires. Had a pretty interesting life from all I gathered. 17 years of ownership from 3 owners and never really driven.

Quaife was installed on the car back in 2001 with the Caterham dealership in VA and is still the primary unit of the car. The spare 5 speed remains a spare.

All I'm going to say is that the car was white (see avatar) and I enjoyed my trip to California...:blueangel:

Was not a true R500, but rather a worked a SLR, also needed a bit of work...

Thats a good link I came across this as well https://www.hagerty.co.uk/articles/how-will-britains-boutique-car-makers-survive-the-ev-revolution/ Caterahm CEO is quoted as the follows (Late 2020) So Caterham is hoping for an exception but isn't sure whether Electric is feasible or affordable for customers. Atom is moving along on a partnership program to develop some 1100hp beast. Personally? If an electric Caterham 7 came to be and I was in a position to buy it, it wouldn't be my first choice but I'd support it. Unlike a full size car an electric 7 would really be quite go kart like with the open concept and instant on acceleration. (for a track that is) For the street I'd be hard pressed to have strong feeling towards an electric 7. An electric regular vehicle just makes more sense as a muted commuter/daily.

With the UK planning to ban sales of gas/diesel vehicles by 2030 https://www.cnbc.com/2020/11/18/the-uk-plans-to-ban-sales-of-diesel-and-petrol-cars-from-2030.html And Jaguar saying they are going full electric as soon as 2025 (*having an electric option for each model*) https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/15/22284000/jaguar-land-rover-electric-cars-i-pace-2025 Where does that leave Caterham and other niche British manufacturers Is there an exemption for small volume productions? Sort of like US has for safety/airbags exceptions for small volume productions? Maybe they can go back to selling kits only as a throw back to the original Lotus/Chapman skirting government rules and regulations. Will there be an all electric 7??? :lurk: Thoughts?

Certain generation of the keys are Land Rover key blanks. I presume the lock cylinder follows suit as well.

Those are very cool pictures. Thanks for sharing! I thought Arch was responsible for just the frame but didn't realize that they make most body panels as well. That JPE and the history behind it are cool as well.

For me, in theory, towing is towing. Once it's all setup further tow is not an issue and I have friends in NC I can see along the way. In practice I haven't tested the new tow rig which is still not ready and I'm not sure how well it will do in reality. It's more of a "just enough to do it slowly" towing setup, than a competent "forget you even have a trailer back there" type. So if my tow rig struggles with towing I'd have to arrange a different tow car for this and it would be only barrier to entry. That nice Denali 3500 was unfortunately a loaner from a friend and not mine to use on the regular. Otherwise, I'm all for having a second event to look forward to.

The coolant reservoir cap on the square style reservoir is from a Mini/Land Rover (Defender too I think) Source for the reservoir I'm not sure on. Globe/Ball reservoir is from VW I believe. Switches are from a lorry/bus of sorts. Heater valve switch appears to be a universal generic part https://www.ebay.com/itm/Heater-Valve-5-8-Hose-Manual-Cable-Control-FOR-universal-85698014/153177204100

So I've heard this somewhere over the years of reading up on Caterhams and it stuck with me. Caterham doesn't make any of its parts, but it's more of a bucket of sourcing parts from different manufacturers* (*I'm sure they make a few small things don't read into this too much) So for fun lets see if you can name some of the parts borrowed from other manufacturers that are on our cars. I'll start with turn signals. In UK the turn signals are sourced from a Land Rover Defender. In US they used a slightly smaller turn signal with a chrome ring (for whatever the reason. DOT?) Source unknown. Also motors are obviously sourced from different cars throughout the years. Zetec is from 1 of 5 US models as I recall. (feel free to name them)

Do you coral clowders of feral cats for a living?

John, thanks for the update. I don't miss those transfer/issues/stressful days. It's very stressful and hectic.

Thanks for that. I'm looking forward to seeing how reliability will be for these in ~5 years from now and how much depreciation will hit and debating on buying/finding a CPO one with likely some kind of warranty. On paper it hits all the right notes with me. Just enough tech to keep it a pleasant DD (auto cruise control etc), just utilitarian enough to keep me happy (I can't have "nice" interiors long term), just different enough for me to like it and it will be able to tow the trailer without an issue. The price right now is indeed crazy. I'd be hoping to see them in at ~$30k or so in the future, which I have no doubt they will hit justified or not.

Has anybody gotten these? Any opinions on them? Seem quite expensive for what they are and quite involved install (drilling/new rivets) https://caterhamparts.co.uk/protectors/7107-carbon-bow-tube-protector-kit.html https://www.caterham7diaries.com/post/caterham-cars-carbon-bow-protectors Its a little late protect mine as from previous ownership they already got dinged up from the regular culprit of buckles but its still something that I'm considering.

I'd be impressed if any 2021 car weighed that. Trucks have a semi decent excuse of weight helping with towing.

You're not far off https://blog.consumerguide.com/pickups-steroids-1990-silverado-versus-2015-colorado/

Relevant articles https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a32034437/computer-chips-in-cars/ https://www.autoblog.com/2020/05/11/car-electronics-cost-semiconductor-chips/ Also a recent semiconductor shortage is causing manufacturers to limit the amount of cars they can make. A40% of a new car's cost is electronic systems