1996 CATERHAM 7 ROADSPORT LIMITED EDITION (#9 OF 30)

This 1996 Caterham Seven Roadsport Limited Edition is a thrilling lightweight sports car, which is particularly well-equipped and is provided with excellent service history. It is powered by a 1.4-litre K-series four-cylinder ‘Supersport’ engine, which produces 128bhp and drives the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The odometer displays 31,201 miles from new.

First registered in August 1996, this Seven is one of only 30 Roadsport editions produced, and is equipped with an upgraded engine and modified ECU, with a 56mm throttle body mated to a forward-facing aluminium plenum. After this point, ‘Roadsport’ became a more common Caterham term – but these were the very first. The car was specified with green paintwork and black leather seats, and features carbon-fibre cycle wings, shift indicator lights, a push-button starter and a removable Momo steering wheel.

The seller is a serial Seven owner and driver, who has even built an almost identical car in the past, so understands it well. They acquired the car approximately two years ago from specialist dealer GP Sevens, and are only now offering it for sale to make way for their next weekend toy.

Today, this featherweight flyer’s bodywork is in great shape with straight panels and no evidence of any prior accident damage. Accented by a yellow racing stripe and a matching nosecone band, the deep green paintwork presents very well. While there are some stone chips to the rear wings, this is in keeping with the car’s road use. At the front, the matt carbon-fibre cycle guards and chromed headlamp housings are also in excellent condition, and there are no chips or cracks to the light lenses. This Seven rides on the correct set of 14-inch Minilite alloy wheels, which feature anthracite faces and polished rims, and are in very good order.

Moving to the cabin, the seats are trimmed in black leather, which has been regularly conditioned to keep it in good condition. Both feature some creases to their surfaces, but are free of any rips, tears or scuffs. Caterham-branded four-point harnesses with quick-release buckles are also fitted. Ahead, control is provided via a removable Momo steering wheel, which shows some signs of wear to its black suede covering, but is in good overall order. The seller notes that a number of the dashboard switches have been replaced during their ownership as the original items had faded, and the car has also been fitted with a more robust FIA-compliant roll bar.

Fitted equipment includes a heated windscreen, push-button start, and a heater; allowing the driver to enjoy this Caterham more comfortably all year round. All of the car’s buttons, switches, and electrical items work without fault, and there are no warning lights displayed on the dashboard.

This Seven’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out in November 2020 at 31,100 miles by Plans Motorsport. This included replacement of the coolant and heater hoses, repair of the stepper motor, and the fitment of a new speedometer angle drive. Prior to this, the car was serviced in May 2019 by specialist GP Sevens, who changed the engine oil, serviced the gearbox and replaced the timing belt.

During the seller’s ownership, the speedometer has also been rebuilt and recalibrated by SpeedyCables; Osram high-intensity headlight bulbs have been fitted, and the battery has been replaced.

Its last MOT test was conducted on 30 October 2020 at 31,116 miles, which it passed first time without a single advisory note. All four alloy wheels are shod in Nankang NS-2T tyres, which were fitted in 2018 and remain in good condition, with approximately 4mm of usable tread remaining.

The car will be accompanied by its original order sheet and a large binder of documents including its service records and past MOT test certificates. The seller is also including documentation for the car’s Shurelock immobiliser system, along with its master key, tonneau cover and hood bag. It also comes with full weather gear, to make it an even more usable sports car.

This Caterham Seven Roadsport Limited Edition is a rare and involving lightweight sports car, which offers free-revving thrills and a purist driving experience. Offered for sale in very good order and equipped with an FIA-compliant roll bar, this example would make a superb track toy, but will perhaps be most at home on a winding country road, with its next enthusiastic owner behind the wheel.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.