British sports car manufacturer, Caterham, celebrated 60 years of its revered Seven by bringing together some of the most esteemed examples in its history.
Powering around the twists and turns of the Longcross test track was the original Lotus Seven Series 1. Reaching a top speed of 125km/h and featuring a Ford 100E engine and aluminium bodywork, the Series 1 was the ideal, lightweight sports car when it was launched by Colin Chapman in 1957.
Also present was one of only 13 Lotus Seven Twin Cams in existence, with its Twin Cam engine and lightning-sharp steering, and the CSR 260, renowned for being tuned by Formula One engine supplier Cosworth. At the time, it was the only Seven model to feature inboard front suspension and independent rear suspension, resulting in a 25 percent increase in torsional stiffness and a sublime ride quality.
Possibly the most iconic car at this gathering was a replica of the Seven ‘Prisoner Edition’ VVC, owned by former Caterham boss Simon Nearn. The real VVC starred in the opening sequence of the cult 1960’s TV show The Prisoner.
It wasn’t the only Seven in attendance with fine TV credentials, as the Superlight R500 set pulses racing, too. The absurdly fast Seven shot to fame after embarrassing a plethora of supercars with far heftier price tags.
Completing the lineup was the retro, swinging sixties-inspired Sprint and the tarmac-chewing 620S – both from the current Seven range.
Caterham Cars CEO, Graham Macdonald, said: “What an apt number of Sevens, all of which have made their mark in Caterham’s history. It’s great to see how the Series 1 has been developed over the years. Over the 60 years of the Seven, we’ve never lost Colin Chapman’s engineering essence – a lightweight, high-powered machine that is fit-for-purpose. Every Seven provides a raw, pure, fun driving experience like no other vehicle. Long may it continue for the next 60 years.” 
Why this Singaporean wouldn’t drive a Caterham on a daily basis in Singapore.
