Words: Rory FH Smith
These days, it’s tough if you’re in the market for a stripped out, back to basics track companion – there’s just too much choice. Within a couple of hour’s drive from London, you’ll come across Lotus, Radical, Ariel and Caterham. Head a little further towards the Birmingham and Liverpool and you’ll find Westfield and the Briggs Automotive Company (BAC).
All of them produce, hand-made, British track cars capable of altering the shape of your face at high speeds and making you giggle like a schoolboy on a B-road blast. And – with the exception of the BAC Mono – all are positioned at a similar price point. But, there is one track day warrior with a little more experience that the others – a car that has barely changed, at least in looks, in the past 57 years. That familiar face, gentlemen, is the Caterham Seven.
Originally designed by Lotus’ founding father, Colin Chapman as the Lotus Seven, Caterham bought the rights to produce the car in 1972. Chapman’s Seven often came with a peppy 1.5-litre engine, which produced 105bhp, propelling the car to 60mph in under 7 seconds, largely owing to its featherweight 500kg weight.
But time has moved on since 1957 and, thankfully, so has the Caterham. Today, the 360R sits in the middle of the range as a blend between track-readiness and everyday drivability on the road. Despite Caterham’s attempts to tame the 360R, it’s no long distance cruiser. On motorways or long stretches, the hum from the side-mounted exhaust is tedious while the lack of a usable roof leaves you exposed to the elements.
With that said, the Caterham was never meant to be associated with the words refinement, comfort and luxury, so if you’re in the market for that, they buy a Range Rover. For what it lacks in creature comforts, the Caterham makes up for in sheer driving experience. This is car that every generation must – at least once in their lifetime – get behind the wheel of. It’s the purest form of back to basics driving a petrolhead will experience, with the sound of each gear change, throttle response and exhaust burble ringing in your ears.
As with all the best creations, the recipe for lightweight, agile cars remains the same – the 360R weighs just 560kg. Combine that with 180bhp and the 360R will reach 60mph in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 130mph. Sure, it won’t win any Nurburgring lap records but my goodness it feels fast when there’s practically nothing between you, the bare mechanicals of the car and the asphalt beneath you.
The Caterham 360R starts from £25,000 but, if that’s a little too much of a stretch, opt for the nifty Lego creation of the Caterham Seven 620R for £69. Click here for more information.
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