CUSTOM BUILD CATERHAM SEVEN - BDA ENGINE

This Caterham Seven is a unique lightweight sports car, which was the subject of a complete custom rebuild in 2008, and features a number of bespoke performance parts which set it apart from standard models. Under the bonnet is a four-cylinder aluminium-block Cosworth ‘BDA’ engine, which has been enlarged to a 1.8-litre displacement and is fed by twin Weber carburettors. While there is no dyno sheet to prove the output, the vendor states that it is 200bhp+ and built by Dave Abrahams, using the best internals available at the time.

The rear wheels are driven through a 2015 Quaife six-speed sequential gearbox with helical gears and dog ring engagement, as well as a Quaife differential for a truly thrilling drive. Sixth gear has a 1:1 ratio, and the final drive ratio is 3.75:1 – though the vendor is happy to swap the final drive to 3.38:1 if preferred by the buyer. The odometer indicates 550 miles, which is the correct mileage since the custom build.

While this car’s chassis number corresponds to a Caterham manufactured in 1996 and first registered in February 1997, this Seven was rebuilt in 2008 using a brand-new standard-width chassis that was supplied by Caterham, in lieu of going through the IVA process. Neither the previous chassis nor the current chassis are recorded as having any damage on the VCAR system, and the car is HPI clear.

There are four keepers in total, and the vendor is the only owner since the build. They replaced the engine with the BDA motor, plus the upgraded transmission. It has only been driven on the road since the build, with no track use.

Despite this Caterham’s motorsport-focused design and modifications, its diminutive body remains undamaged, and the resprayed white paintwork – changed from the original maroon - has a smooth and glossy appearance. It is described by the seller as being in excellent condition, with three small stone dents on the lower passenger-side panel, a few others around the exhaust, and some minor marks on the body panel where the driver enters and exits the car.

The car’s carbon-fibre wheel arches and nose cone are in great shape, and provide a smart contrast to the paintwork, while also helping to give this classic sports car design a more contemporary appearance. This Seven rides on a set of lightweight 15-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels, which are in great shape.

Inside, the functional and spartan interior is largely unmarked, and makes extensive use of lightweight materials. The seats are hewn from carbon Kevlar and feature Luke four-point harnesses (which expired for FIA use in 2013, but are fine for road use or track days), while the dashboard and Reverie quick-release steering wheel are full carbon-fibre items.

The leather-wrapped centre console gives the interior a dash of refinement, while the roll bar is finished in gloss black. All of the interior trim presents very well, and the car’s buttons and switches work without fault. There are no warning lights displayed on the dashboard.

Extensively modified, this former 1996 Caterham Seven now features a 2008 chassis, and as well as the 1800cc Ford BDA engine and Quaife sequential gearbox and differential as described above. It also has Freestyle Motorsport in-board suspension fitted with Nitron adjustable dampers – which makes the car look wider than it actually is – as well as a De Dion rear tube and four-piston front brake callipers from AP Racing.

Its most recent routine service was completed by H Engineering in August 2020 at an indicated 469 miles, when the engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter and spark plugs were changed, along with the car’s cam belt. Furthermore, a four-wheel alignment was also performed and the carburettors and fuel lines were cleaned.

This Caterham’s latest MOT test was conducted on 4 September 2020 at an indicated 541 miles, resulting in a first-time pass with no advisories. The vendor states that all four of the Avon CR500 tyres were fitted as part of the 2008 rebuild, so they have ample tread after covering only 550 miles.

The car will be accompanied by documentation of its service history, and paperwork from the DVLA acknowledging its original VIN number after the new chassis was replaced. There is also a vinyl wet weather hood that has never been used.

Famed for its engaging lightweight thrills, the Caterham Seven is one of the few cars that can boast a truly raw and unfiltered driving experience. This example is unquestionably even more exciting than most, having been extensively modified by the renowned Michael Quaife of Quaife Engineering.

With numerous sophisticated carbon-fibre components and a genuine sequential gearbox, this is a real motorsport-inspired build that packs an impressive punch, making it an outstanding road car or track toy.

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.