Factory tour and got to visit my car.

[Exarkun1178]

I had the pleasure of visiting my car today at about 80 hours into the 110 hour build. 
 

Rob B offered an in depth tour and interview with a few of the various departments. Also spent nearly an hour with my car’s builder. 
 

I was blessed to have my son with me as well making the trip more memorable. 
 

Headed up to visit Ian at Celtic Caterham to slip into one of his rentals l, then on to knockhill for a weekend of Caterham racing.  

 

[Exarkun1178]

Landed Heathrow at 6am and made our way over to Dartford. Had a bit of a bite at Lakeview 360. And when it was time, walked our way about 20 mins to the factory. 

[Exarkun1178]

My son had the opportunity to sit in the Caterham F1 car. 
 

im a big admirer of the leather wrapped rollbar. 
 

Looking at the rolled aluminum panels wrapped around the frame caught us for a few moments 

[Exarkun1178]

Continuing around counterclockwise, passed through engineering, and saw a few customer cars, and the intake area / finishing & testing bay. 

[Exarkun1178]

Not sure how I didn’t take a single photo while at the paint department but we spent a good bit of time at paint. 
 

I arrived about the same time they had a good bit going on all at different stages. 
 

learned a ton about the in house prep, paint and polish process. 

[Exarkun1178]

Soon enough we made our way around to my car. 
 

meet the builder and spent an easy hour talking about the build and process. 

[Exarkun1178]

There was enough built to keep us plenty occupied. 

[Exarkun1178]

[Exarkun1178]

[Exarkun1178]

[Taber10]

Wow!  Thanks for posting this!

I would nearly love to replace my 19 year old Caterham just to get to tour the "new" facility.  I was last in Caterham in 1979 for a test drive but didn't get the car until 2007.  Boy, everything--car, facility, etc.--has changed since those two dates!

[11Budlite]

Your car looks beautiful with a lot of nice options. What a memorable trip for you and your son, so cool!!

[wdb]

Thanks for sharing the photos. That has to be a fantastic experience for both of you.

 

And -- hey, that's my dry sump tank!

 

[CBuff]

Did you sneak a peak to see if your belts were dated ?  That’s just where my mind goes.  
 

gorgeous car. 

Edited 17 hours ago by CBuff

[theDreamer]

Ditto to all comments posted by the others, great colour combination, great spec and a FUNtastic adventure for you and your son to remember for decades to come.

I also agree with the look and advantages of the padded, leather covered roll bar. It’s a rare option indeed and one I really appreciate on our car.

A couple of notes, I did not realize that Caterham was now building dual use chassis with provisions for RHD and LHD instead of two specific chassis, one for each. Makes too much sense… hehehe

Also, are you are having the car completely built by the factory? It was my understanding that under Caterham’s new US sales policies that the chassis and parts are shipped from England but that the engine is sourced in the US. I understand that the 620 is a different beast so I’m sure there are things I do not know.

[Exarkun1178]

did not realize that Caterham was now building dual use chassis with provisions for RHD and LHD instead of two specific chassis, one for each.

 

I was just under the impression that the chassis had always been duel configured. 

 

Also, are you are having the car completely built by the factory?

 

We spent a few minutes on this today. 
 

for most factory  US assembly cars, the build includes the fitment of the engine and includes first startup  before removing the drive train for shipping 

 

for the 620, the engine is fitted, but not fired up. 
 

following quality inspection l, the drivetrain is removed and then shipped separately to the assemblies. 

[Exarkun1178]

4 hours ago, CBuff said:

Did you sneak a peak to see if your belts were dated ?  That’s just where my mind goes.  
 

gorgeous car. 

I didn’t think to look at that at all

Edited 13 hours ago by Exarkun1178

[CBuff]

2 hours ago, Exarkun1178 said:

7 hours ago, CBuff said:

 

I didn’t think to look at that at all

 

[IamScotticus]

Lovely to see new frame colours as an option.  

I hope the builder can sign the car somewhere. 

[williamwashere]

Wow!!! Amazing looking, can’t wait until you can drive it!