1998 Caterham Seven K-Series (VVC)

As the Seven’s popularity as a model at Lotus ebbed and flowed during the late 1960s, whenever it looked as though the company’s drive upmarket would leave it behind and it would be axed from the range, Caterham Cars’ founder, Graham Nearn, would bang on the factory door (often with a quantity of ‘cash’) and buy a handful of cars to try and persuade the powers that be to keep it in production. As sole distributors and obviously staunch supporters of the model, when the time came for Lotus to finally pull the plug in 1973, it was Caterham who took over the reins with Nearn buying the operation lock, stock and barrel (plus a number of redundant Formula Ford 51s to sweeten the deal for the now ‘luxury’ car brand) and the Caterham Seven was born.

The superb example we have on offer here was first registered in 1998 having been factory-built and consequently being allocated an ‘R’ registration as opposed to the less desirable ‘Q Plate’ with its kit-car connotations. Finished in Caterham Red, it was supplied new to its one and only keeper back in 1998, and is only now coming up for sale as he is no longer able to enjoy it as he once did. Always garaged and used in summer only, it is immaculately presented and could conceivably be 25 weeks old as opposed to rolling off the assembly line some 25 years ago.

It’s fitted with the superior ‘de Dion’ rear suspension layout and was factory-fitted with AP ‘big’ front brakes and a 6-speed gearbox. Over the years, Caterham have employed a staggering range of engines from mainstream manufacturers such as Ford and Vauxhall through to Rover, but it’s the lighter weight units that seem to suit the car best and the 150bhp Rover 1.8-litre K-Series in VVC (Variable Valve Control) configuration, as fitted here, was the choice of most buyers between 1997 and 2006.

Optioned equipment includes leather seats, full-harness seat belts, Momo steering wheel, anti-cavitation oil tank, battery cut-off switch, a heater and full weather equipment. The only modifications from standard are LED headlights which can easily be replaced with standard lights.

The current indicated mileage is 25,500 and we understand that the car has been serviced annually by a Caterham specialist to an extremely high standard. The engine was refreshed recently although there were no issues, it was simply preventative maintenance. It’s supplied with a full service history supported by numerous invoices, the V5C and both keys.

As can be seen from our images, this lovely Seven is in the sort of condition that can only be achieved by dedicated care and attention to detail over the years and we invite your inspection at our Race Retro sale to fully appreciate the quality on offer.