1996 Caterham Seven

Highlights

Advisory-free MOT until 30th August 2025
Features the classic Ford Kent ‘Crossflow’ engine
Recently imported to the UK, road-registered and ready to go

The Appeal

Picking things up where Colin Chapman left off, Caterham bought the Seven’s design from Lotus in 1972. The ultimate embodiment of Chapman’s “Simplify and add lightness” mantra, the Seven is about as paired-back as a car could be, offering a driving experience that’s arguably unmatched in its purity.

This 1996 example was supplied by the factory in kit form - as many Severns are. This is a hangover from Lotus’ purchase tax bypassing tactic back in the ‘50s - nearly halving the price in its day. By the time this one was made, you could opt for several modern twin-cam engines, but the owner/builder of this car opted for the classic Ford Kent unit - an engine still available at the time and favoured by those who loved older Lotus/Caterham Sevens.

Freshly imported to the UK and complete with an advisory-free MOT, this Seven looks a very smart example. In left-hand drive, it would be perfect for a European excursion, and in such a small open car with excellent visibility, it really doesn’t hamper its usab ility in the UK either.

Whatever you choose to do with it, this Caterham looks like a lot of fun.

The History and Paperwork

Left-hand drive
Kilometre speedometer fitted: 14,173km indicated
V5C present
MOT until 30th August 2025
Number plate: N985 VFO
Caterham chassis plate present and legible

The Condition

Retro-inspired finish in one solid colour (orange) with a bare aluminium bonnet as seen on some of the earliest Lotus Sevens
‘LADA’ alloy wheels plus rear-mounted steel spare
Straight and solid-looking bodywork with no notable defects apparent in the photographs
The paint looks very smart, with minimal blemishes
Smart chrome finishes to the headlamps, rool hoop stone chip guards and exhaust heat shrowd
Tonneau for the rear compartment present and in good order although this example does not have a roof or side screens
We note that the Lucas reversing lamp lens is cracked
The underside presents well with no obvious issues
No notable wear apparent to the seat upholstery
Smart minimalist dashboard
The switchgear and instruments appear in good order

The Mechanics

1.6-litre Ford Kent carburetted four-cylinder engine
Four-speed manual gearbox
Smart engine compartment
No MOT advisories recorded during the recent test
We understand that the Caterham runs and drives
Yet to be extensively road-tested since arriving in the UK
We’re not informed of any known mechanical issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]

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