Comprehensive 7 FAQ by Hagerty

[Vovchandr]

https://www.hagerty.com/media/opinion/smithology/smithology-im-building-another-caterham-would-you-like-to-know-more/

 

Quote

Okay, I’ll bite. What’s a Caterham Seven?

Tiny thing. Like a coffin with fenders. Born in 1957 as the Lotus Seven. So named because it was the seventh Lotus designed by company founder Colin Chapman. The Seven was Chapman’s first truly successful road car, a groundbreaking marriage of period formula-car technology and practical compromise.

The average Seven weighs 1200 pounds and offers four wheels, two seats, a modest little four-cylinder, and not much else. The car lacks anti-lock braking, traction control, electronic stability control, and power steering. Even the heater and top are optional. It exists for the purpose of offering speed and feedback to two people and possibly a small dose of luggage.

 

[Taber10]

I love that article!  That guy really understands the se7en mentality, mystique, whatever, and put it on paper.  The overall article nearly brought me to tears, especially as I haven't been in my Cat for THREE WEEKS!  I take some exception to the explanation of why we don't drive our se7ens more:  I did NOT choose the wrong model/version.  But I am also not sure that it would be possible to drive a Cat often enough, and certainly not too much!  I have had mine 14 years and 4 months, and it has a short blat short of 19,000 miles on it.  My excuses--poor as they may seem--include other sports cars (I really "feel" for Croc in this regard!) including another Lotus, a series of Corvettes including the current C8, a '91 Miata in BRG, etc. Other excuses involve real world real life scenarios.  Like, weather, cargo, family members, etc. that argue against taking the Cat on some drives.  While I am fortunate that I can drive the Cat year round, it is difficult in the middle of the day in June, July and August to justify taking the Cat very far.

ANYWAY, great article, thanks for posting.

[Vovchandr]

17 minutes ago, Taber10 said:

I love that article!  That guy really understands the se7en mentality, mystique, whatever, and put it on paper.  The overall article nearly brought me to tears, especially as I haven't been in my Cat for THREE WEEKS!  I take some exception to the explanation of why we don't drive our se7ens more:  I did NOT choose the wrong model/version.  But I am also not sure that it would be possible to drive a Cat often enough, and certainly not too much!  I have had mine 14 years and 4 months, and it has a short blat short of 19,000 miles on it.  My excuses--poor as they may seem--include other sports cars (I really "feel" for Croc in this regard!) including another Lotus, a series of Corvettes including the current C8, a '91 Miata in BRG, etc. Other excuses involve real world real life scenarios.  Like, weather, cargo, family members, etc. that argue against taking the Cat on some drives.  While I am fortunate that I can drive the Cat year round, it is difficult in the middle of the day in June, July and August to justify taking the Cat very far.

ANYWAY, great article, thanks for posting.

 

3 weeks got ya down?

 

I think I put mine away in October. 7s event was the last time I drove it. Probably not taking it back out until April 🥺

[DavidL]

Thanks for posting the link to the article, very vivid writing, and true insight into the Seven mystique. 

 

-David (135 HP and pretty happy with it)

[CarlB]

What a great article.

[JeffersonRaley]

Excellent article - thanks for sharing.  I thought his commentary on power was probably right on.  But for me the thing is that there are loads of cars that are a lot of fun on a beautiful day.  A Seven with 5 lbs/bhp (or better) is a unique experience.  After 20+ years of racing and driving instruction I've never driven anything like it for sheer adrenalized terror and joy.