I picked up a Caterham - does anybody know its history?

[masanski]

Hello everyone! I’ve wanted a caterham since I was 12 and finally found one close by and for the right price.

 

It’s a beauty! First registered in 1998 in Connecticut, and a Massachusetts car for the last several years. Finding a MA titled, registered and inspected car was a huge plus, avoiding the necessity of jumping through the fiery bureaucratic hoops that are a favourite of this state.

 

It’s has a grand total of 6k miles since it was built and is super clean all over. It’s even sporting original 1997 date-code tyres with full tread.

 

Engine choice is a little unusual for a Caterham of this era. A talented builder has managed to squeeze a 1.8 Mazda Miata engine and gearbox in there, using a number of custom and modified parts here and there. I don’t know anything of the engine’s provenance, but it runs well and pulls hard.

 

I’m just starting to put some miles on it now the NE weather has started to cooperate, and it always brings a smile.

 

If you know this car, please chime in.

 

Cheers,

G

 

 

[masanski]

[masanski]

[theDreamer]

WOW! That is a find for sure. Looks great with the clam shell fenders and the 16” wheels but then I biased. I see you’ve changed the wheels and tires already, good call. They look the part and most say the smaller diameter rim is a better choice. You just need to get a matching one for the spare.

As one who is searching the history of my own seven I wish you good luck in learning more about yours.

[CBuff]

Congrats.  I think there is a fish and chips run coming up

 

 

 

If you are feeling extra adventurous. 
 

 

[IamScotticus]

What a squeeze! Good buy.

These cars tend to sit for years so change out the coolant with the same type, flush brakes, engine oil, etc.

Wheel bearing grease, upright turnion oil (if Spitfire parts).

Throttle cable check.  A frame bushes.   Clean all earths. Steering rack grease if you're feeling adventurous.  30 yo car...do it.

Edited May 2 by IamScotticus

[11Budlite]

The car looks great, love the color combination. The 14" Minilites look nice on there!

[NSXguy]

i almost bought that car. it was on Facebook i believe. very solid buy and great price! enjoy it.

[Vovchandr]

Rare find indeed. Congrats!

[masanski]

On 5/2/2025 at 5:25 PM, IamScotticus said:

What a squeeze! Good buy.

These cars tend to sit for years so change out the coolant with the same type, flush brakes, engine oil, etc.

Wheel bearing grease, upright turnion oil (if Spitfire parts).

Throttle cable check.  A frame bushes.   Clean all earths. Steering rack grease if you're feeling adventurous.  30 yo car...do it.

thanks for the advice. I've been going through the fluids slowly. I still have to do a diff fluid change, but I haven't had time to take apart the boot floor to get to it. I'll get out the grease gun too. 

[masanski]

On 5/4/2025 at 9:12 AM, 11Budlite said:

The car looks great, love the color combination. The 14" Minilites look nice on there!

 

thanks for the wheels. If nothing else they're so much lighter than the 16s. If you hear of another floating around for a spare, let me know.

 

G

[11Budlite]

18 minutes ago, masanski said:

 

thanks for the wheels. If nothing else they're so much lighter than the 16s. If you hear of another floating around for a spare, let me know.

 

G

 

I'll keep my eyes open, maybe put a WTB ad in the "Parts For Sale/Wanted" forum.

[Mudder]

Congratulations!

Nice find.

The "Twin Cam" looks awesome.

I own a 1999 S3 " Life Axle", 1700 Super Sprint.

The original owner's son, sadly his Dad had passed, couldn't provide much info.

However, Martin Phipps (Martin.Phipps@caterham.com) , the Caterham Archivist, was able to provide all the detail I could have ever asked for.

He might not be able to shine any light on your engine installation, but he would know pretty much everything else.

Original order, spec sheet, where the car was delivered to, etc. etc.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Cheers

Wolfgang

[Jesse D]

Just a guess, but reach out to Chris  Tchorznicki, at Sevens and Elans.  http://www.sevenselans.com/about.htm

 

Chris was located in Massachusetts (Ayer) for many years and either built or knew of most Sevens in New England

[IamScotticus]

37 minutes ago, Jesse D said:

Just a guess, but reach out to Chris  Tchorznicki, at Sevens and Elans.  http://www.sevenselans.com/about.htm

 

Chris was located in Massachusetts (Ayer) for many years and either built or knew of most Sevens in New England

Chris is here as @fotsyr

[fotsyr]

Was sold to a car dealer. I advised against the Miata engine install, but the engine was free to him.

[masanski]

47 minutes ago, fotsyr said:

Was sold to a car dealer. I advised against the Miata engine install, but the engine was free to him.

 

Hello Chris,

thanks for chipping in. Do you know anything more?

 

The engine is very tight in a standard chassis, to the point that one of the intake runners has been modified to miss the main chassis rail, and there's only one triangulation tube from the front suspension to the firewall. The right one has nowhere to go. I think I'll start a new thread showing all the quirks. The only other miata installation I've seen online is in an SV, and that looks much more sensible.

 

With all that said, it runs very well, and flies above 4000rpm.

 

Cheers,

G

[11Budlite]

1 hour ago, fotsyr said:

Was sold to a car dealer. I advised against the Miata engine install, but the engine was free to him.

I seem to remember a car dealer in the Bristol, CT area whose owner or an employee had a Caterham. I can't remember which dealer (Stephens maybe?) but it could be the same car.

Edited May 6 by 11Budlite