2013 CATERHAM SEVEN 620R

This Caterham 620R is a track-focused but road-legal lightweight with staggering performance, which boasts superb provenance and an extensive specification. It is powered by a 2.0-litre supercharged inline-four Duratec engine, remapped to 325bhp, coupled to a six-speed Sadev sequential transmission with flat-shift function. The odometer shows 3,546 miles from new.

Its registration plate of ‘GN13 GYZ’ may look familiar, because this was the original launch car for the 620R, making its debut on the Caterham stand at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2013. There are two previous registered keepers on the log book, and it has been with the current owner since January 2017, who has enjoyed some 500 miles behind the wheel. The headline figure of around 570bhp per tonne is no less impressive even today, and at the time, Caterham claimed the 620R could sprint from 0-60mph in 2.79 seconds - although some road testers said that seemed conservative.

One of the very first factory-build 620Rs, it was finished in the smart Competition Red pearlescent paint, with the Black Pack body trims. It features lowered floors, 13-inch magnesium ‘Apollo’ wheels with a diamond-cut finish, a limited-slip differential, and the FIA/MSA approved Roadsport ‘double D’ roll cage. The Decal Pack was applied, and it also has a painted ‘7’ grille, carbon front wings, carbon rear arch protectors, and carbon sill guards.

All Caterham factory upgrades and recalls have been performed, including the upgraded thermostat and intercooler, and the recall for the throttle body. The car has also been fitted with rear toe shims and has had a full alignment of the Watts linkage. Its remap was carried out by Track’n’Road Performance in Rainham. There are uprated rear brake calipers, and the owner has had a quicker steering rack installed.

The exterior presents in very good order, with only the minor stone chips you would expect from road use with a lightweight and relatively exposed sports car. The seller notes some very small, barely noticeable dents in the rear panel, as well as some minor scratches where the bonnet catch is secured. The roll cage also has a few scratches in the black paint finish. Its windscreen has been replaced with clear flexi Perspex aero screen, while the steering wheel has been changed to a slightly larger diameter Momo item trimmed in Alcantara.

It has lightweight carbon-fibre bucket seats with safety harnesses, as well as carbon trim for the interior side panels, rear firewall, handbrake grip, and dashboard. There is a Longacre Racing wide-angle rear-view mirror, a high-visibility LED brake light, and a sequential shift light indicator on top of the dashboard. A Spa Design dual oil and water temperature gauge is installed, as is a remote oil pressure sender kit with LED warning light. Dual 12-volt power sockets are also fitted.

The last scheduled maintenance was in July 2019 at 3,482 miles, which consisted of an engine oil and filter change. The brake discs and pads on all four corners were also replaced. In August 2019, a new battery was fitted, and it has been kept on a trickle charger. A full summary of the maintenance history is included below.

Its most recent MOT test was carried out on 15 May 2020 at 3,546 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories. The wheels are shod in Avon ZZR tyres in size 185/55 R13 at the front and 215/55 R13 at the rear. They are date-coded to 2016 and 2017 respectively, and have 4-5mm of tread remaining.

In 2013, Evo magazine named the 620R its ‘Track Car of the Year’, stating: “More power just gives more opportunity to feel the chassis’ spectacular balance and adds even more excitement to the experience,” and concluding that “All the Seven’s qualities are not only retained, but magnified until it becomes an irresistible package”.

This Caterham Seven 620R is a thrilling road car and track toy, delivering sensational performance without losing the chassis’ sublime handling qualities. It has been driven and enjoyed as intended, but has wanted for nothing, receiving regular servicing and replacement items as-and-when needed. If you have always wanted to experience the pared-back delights of a Caterham, then now is your chance to acquire one of the most remarkable models to leave the factory.

Summary of maintenance history:

• Apr 2015 - 280 miles (Spark plugs, coil packs, injector loom, new intercooler, new ECU, clutch, exhaust silencer)
• May 2015 - 351 miles (Gearbox oil change)
• Aug 2015 - 1,048 miles (General service, oil and filter change)
• Jan 2016 - 1,529 miles (Gearbox oil change)
• May 2016 - 1,812 miles (Differential oil change)
• Jun 2016 - 1,833 miles (Oil pressure sender replaced)
• Jul 2016 - 1,953 miles (Upgraded steering rack, oil and filter change, brake fluid)
• Aug 2016 - 2,234 miles (Upgraded rear brake calipers, handbrake adjustment)
• Sep 2016 - 2,234 miles (Throttle body replacement - Caterham recall)
• Mar 2017 - 2,609 miles (General service, oil and filter change, spark plugs, brake fluid)
• Apr 2017 - 2,870 miles (Gearbox oil change, wheel speed sensor replaced, coolant change)
• May 2017 - 2,870 miles (Rear brake discs and pads)
• Aug 2017 - 3,293 miles (Oil and filter change, gearbox oil change)
• Jul 2018 - 3,416 miles (Oil and filter change)
• Jul 2019 - 3,482 miles (Oil and filter change, front and rear brake discs and pads)