1997 CATERHAM SUPER 7 SPRINT

This Caterham Super 7 Sprint is a sound example of perhaps the definitive 'fun car for the weekend', which is ready to enjoy as-is, or could be smartened up by its next owner. Its engine is a 1.6-litre Ford ‘Kent’ crossflow inline-four fed by two Weber sidedraught carburettors, producing around 100bhp, and coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox. The odometer indicates 24,237 miles, though this is not warranted.

First registered in 1997, it was delivered in the classic combination of yellow and dark green, and there are four previous registered keepers on the log book. It has been used and enjoyed as intended, and is now offered by the trade.

The paintwork is described by the seller as being in fair condition, and the detailed set of photos in the gallery highlight these. There is some blistering and chips in the paint near the filler cap, stone chips to the front end, and some cracking in the paint on the mudguards. In general, it has the small imperfections you would expect from this sort of road and track car.

Some slight tarnishing is present on the headlight pods, but all of the light lenses around the body appear to be in good condition. There are some stone chips around the rear wheel arches, but the metal protective covers have deflected the worst of them. Its side-exhaust exhaust is in great shape, with a heat shield applied to the body along the length of the silencer. The car rides on 13-inch Weller Motorsport wheels, with a full-size spare stored at the rear.

The interior trim is in fair condition, though the fabric upholstery has recently been refurbished. The seats are fitted with four-point safety harnesses, and there is a quick-release Momo steering wheel. Its black plastic rocker switches have faded in places, but there are no known faults with any of the switchgear. The car is also fitted with a mechanical fire extinguisher system.

Its previous owner largely self-serviced the car given the relative simplicity of the powertrain, though there is also a good history file of paperwork. In 2016, a more substantial service was carried out at 22,520 miles, which included renewal of the engine and gearbox oils, replacement of the anti-roll bar, connecting arms and gaiters, refurbishment of the wheels and seats, and installation of a quick-release steering wheel.

The most recent MOT test took place on 29 May 2019 at 23,853 miles, which resulted in a pass with only one advisory regarding a few missing undertray rivets. At the previous MOT test in 2018, the carburettors were fitted with new o-rings and plates and given a tune-up. The wheels are fitted with Avon tyres in size 185/70 R13 at the front and 205/60 R13 at the rear, which were fitted as a new set in 2016 and have around 4mm of tread remaining. The spare is shod in Pirelli rubber.

This Caterham Super 7 Sprint is a great value performance car, which is eager to thrill on the road or the track. It is presented in very good mechanical condition, and has only a few cosmetic blemishes, which the next owner can attend to if they wish. Ultimately, this iconic British classic is all about the purity of the driving experience, and it does not get much more involved or exciting than a no-frills Super 7.