Info from the Caterham archivist

[twobone]

Out of curiosity I wrote to Caterham to find out the original build info for my car. Here is the response:

 

 

Sold by Caterham Cars Ltd in 1989 as a starter kit, this was supplied as a black De Dion Caterham Super Seven 1700 crossflow, with 5-speed gearbox, flared wings and Supersprint bonnet.

Spec included weather equipment, flared wings, 11" Motolita steering wheel, 14" KN Ford wheels, heater and roll-over bar.

 

 

 

 

Since that time the car has turned green, dopped a gear (now has a 4 speed???),been converted to dry sump and made its way around the globe from the UK to Japan and now Canada while travelling 30,000 road miles.

[Kitcat]

I wonder what the "Supersprint bonnet" is? More vents? 5 sp to 4 sp seems unlikely, but who knows?

[twobone]

I think the supersprint bonnet refers to the cut out for the weber.

 

I agree the records must be wrong. I'm going to try to find that 5th gear next time out.

[Ian7]

Out of curiosity I wrote to Caterham to find out the original build info for my car. Here is the response:QUOTE]

 

Out of FRUSTRATION during the build, I wrote to Caterham....

here is their response:

 

"the build file for your car has been lost, and assumed gone; we can confirm you received the wrong chassis for your engine choice"

[xflow7]

As for the 5spd/4spd discrepancy, keep in mind that when Caterham supply kits, they essentially just include *ancillaries* to support a particular engine and tranny choice. The builder still has to source engine and tranny themselves and can put in whatever they please if they can make it work. So, while the kit may have been supplied with bits for a 5spd, there's nothing to have stopped the original builder from purchasing and installing a 4spd if that's what they wanted.

[BrunnyS1]

As for the 5spd/4spd discrepancy, keep in mind that when Caterham supply kits, they essentially just include *ancillaries* to support a particular engine and tranny choice. The builder still has to source engine and tranny themselves and can put in whatever they please if they can make it work. So, while the kit may have been supplied with bits for a 5spd, there's nothing to have stopped the original builder from purchasing and installing a 4spd if that's what they wanted.

 

The car could be bought in many levels of build/completion, from basic to ready to drive then and still can from the UK, I think you are applying US rules, look at this cars history, it is very plausible.

Edited September 30, 2010 by BrunnyS1

[xflow7]

Perhaps, but here's the definition of "Starter Kit" from Caterham's website:

 

The Starter Kit route is designed for the enthusiast who either already owns components they wish to include in the vehicle (typically an engine or gearbox), wishes to purchase a Seven kit over an extended period of time or requires a non-standard specification.

 

But of course it's still possible that Caterham also sold a 5-spd gearbox to the original builder and someone changed the g-box at some point.