1997 Caterham 21 VHPD

Developed as a completely new model by Caterham Cars Ltd in the early 1990s to celebrate 21 years of the company, the Caterham 21 was mechanically similar to its predecessor, the Caterham 7, and incorporated a space-frame chassis with a newly designed GRP body, making it much more of a useable and comfortable roadster, whilst offering a 1.6 and a 1.8 litre engine, the latter producing 190bhp, and the superb Caterham designed, 6-speed gearbox.

Offered here is a 21 used by Caterham Cars Ltd. as their original brochure, press and road test car. When tested by renowned Autocar journalist, Steve Sutcliffe in October 1997 he managed 0-60 in 4.5 secs with the car running in its original 190 bhp form. Being the press car, this example had a superb specification and is believed to be the fastest 21 produced. Included in the history file are the brochures and a copy of the Autocar magazine featuring this car. Presented in Honda Passion Metallic Orange with Black Leather trim, this 21 rides on its original 16-inch Caterham HPC wheels, which have been recently refurbished in gunmetal grey. Fitted with a Mohair hood and cover, the cabin is completed by a Momo steering wheel, fire extinguisher, roll hoops and a driver's 4-point harness.

The car had an engine and gearbox rebuild at 30,000 miles, with engine upgrades increasing the power output to 204bhp. Work at this time included a gas flowed head, Jenvey throttle bodies, Vernier pulleys, Emerald ECU, Alloy Rad, Air/Oil separator and a bespoke twin stainless steel exhaust costing £1,000. The car was corner weighted at 691kg, equating to a power/weight figure of over 300bhp/per tonne! Thankfully, AP Racing 4-pot brake callipers ensure the car stops equally as well as it goes.

This car has been meticulously maintained and has a full service book stamped from new to 58,470 miles (Aug 2013) with two folders of receipts for all the work carried out. Sutcliffe summarises by saying "blindingly quick and hyper responsive in a car which also has a full sized boot unlike the Elise and Renault Sport Spider of the time."

This Caterham 21 is a rapid and nimble little roadster and, with its distinctive looks and relative rarity, is sure to turn heads.