I am having evil thoughts!!!!!
Discussion
I drive past the Caterham showroom most weekends as I am preparing our building plot for our own grand design about a mile up the road just past Caterham School. As I drive past the showroom I give it a cursory glance but no more as I figured I was too tall at 6ft 2in and 16.5 stone too even fit or consider one. This followed a failed attempt a number of years ago just to get into an old mates very early example.
Anyway this past weekend as I was returning home I for some odd reason was drawn, no doubt by the host or pretty colours on the cars parked outside to park up and have a quick butchers. This was my first mistake. The showroom was packed to the rafters with all manner of Caterham Goodness, but again I was a little unmoved as I thought I would not fit. This impressions was added too by a guy and his good lady who were trying out a lurid green model, on exiting the car I realised he was about a foot shorter than me.
Anyway at that point a nice young dealer man introduced himself and I explained my curiosity and the fact that I would not fit, his eyes then lit up and he said “Follow me”. That was my second mistake. I was shown to the main showroom and introduced to Anthony, again a very nice guy who asked me to step into the bright orange car on the showroom floor. After slipping of the wheel I climbed in expecting be wedged before my bum even hit the seat. So you can imagine my surprise when not only did my fat arse rest comfortably on the seat but my legs were at full stretch even in the Timberlands I was wearing that day. In fact I could tickle the peddles and heel and toe without fouling anything. With the wheel now attached again I could not remember the last time I felt so comfortable in a sports car, and I have driven a lot of them.
So as I sat there making vroom vroom noises, playing with the tiny wheel and the shortest gear knob ever Anthony reeled off the spec of this particular SV car, and the others he had available. And the worst part was it all started to make sense
Eventually I got out and Anthony explained the buyback scheme, the way the cars held their value etc etc, it was at that point my eyes meet with another guy there with his son who was obviously having very similar thoughts, we smiled at each other knowing exactly what the other was thinking.
So after about an hour I said goodbye to Anthony with an invite ringing in my ear to pop back in anytime for a test drive. You could see in his eyes that he knew he would be seeing me again soon.
It’s at this point that I invite you all to point out the many pitfalls in pursuing this dangerous course. Miss Streetrod could do nothing but roll her eyes and walk away when I recounted my experience.
Anyway this past weekend as I was returning home I for some odd reason was drawn, no doubt by the host or pretty colours on the cars parked outside to park up and have a quick butchers. This was my first mistake. The showroom was packed to the rafters with all manner of Caterham Goodness, but again I was a little unmoved as I thought I would not fit. This impressions was added too by a guy and his good lady who were trying out a lurid green model, on exiting the car I realised he was about a foot shorter than me.
Anyway at that point a nice young dealer man introduced himself and I explained my curiosity and the fact that I would not fit, his eyes then lit up and he said “Follow me”. That was my second mistake. I was shown to the main showroom and introduced to Anthony, again a very nice guy who asked me to step into the bright orange car on the showroom floor. After slipping of the wheel I climbed in expecting be wedged before my bum even hit the seat. So you can imagine my surprise when not only did my fat arse rest comfortably on the seat but my legs were at full stretch even in the Timberlands I was wearing that day. In fact I could tickle the peddles and heel and toe without fouling anything. With the wheel now attached again I could not remember the last time I felt so comfortable in a sports car, and I have driven a lot of them.
So as I sat there making vroom vroom noises, playing with the tiny wheel and the shortest gear knob ever Anthony reeled off the spec of this particular SV car, and the others he had available. And the worst part was it all started to make sense
Eventually I got out and Anthony explained the buyback scheme, the way the cars held their value etc etc, it was at that point my eyes meet with another guy there with his son who was obviously having very similar thoughts, we smiled at each other knowing exactly what the other was thinking.
So after about an hour I said goodbye to Anthony with an invite ringing in my ear to pop back in anytime for a test drive. You could see in his eyes that he knew he would be seeing me again soon.
It’s at this point that I invite you all to point out the many pitfalls in pursuing this dangerous course. Miss Streetrod could do nothing but roll her eyes and walk away when I recounted my experience.
Edited by Streetrod on Monday 2nd April 14:05
Over-rated cars. Don't bother. I mean, really, who wants to feel completely at one with a car anyway??? Why would you want telepathic steering, other-worldly acceleration and a chassis so playful and communicative that you're completely absorbed for hours at a time? I wouldn't waste your time in going back.
A proper bloke sized car. 
Don't rule out the narrow bodied version.
I'm 6'4", and 15 stone, and fit into my R400 K series like a glove. I've had the floor lowered, seat runner re positioned so I can get the seat back as far as poss and pushed the pedals forwards (easy), and it's just right. I was at the Caterham showroom myself only a week ago, and sat in a few narrow bodies cars and couldn't believe how small they felt - totally un-driveable. The above mentioned mods make all the difference. I've even heard of people bending pedals, and tilting the seat upwards to get more room.
Only problem is my mate who shares the car on track days is a short arse! He's having a special foam insert made up tomorrow to hopefully counter act my efforts.
The narrow body is lighter and more nimble, and will hold its money better.
I'm 6'4", and 15 stone, and fit into my R400 K series like a glove. I've had the floor lowered, seat runner re positioned so I can get the seat back as far as poss and pushed the pedals forwards (easy), and it's just right. I was at the Caterham showroom myself only a week ago, and sat in a few narrow bodies cars and couldn't believe how small they felt - totally un-driveable. The above mentioned mods make all the difference. I've even heard of people bending pedals, and tilting the seat upwards to get more room.
Only problem is my mate who shares the car on track days is a short arse! He's having a special foam insert made up tomorrow to hopefully counter act my efforts.
The narrow body is lighter and more nimble, and will hold its money better.
A Caterham seven is the ideal mistress. Not too expensive, does not nag about being the "other woman", is socially acceptable and no threat to your partner. The Cat' does not feel slighted by only having you at weekends and days away with her guilt free. My wife's only complaint about my Cat' is that she can smell when I have been with her (exhaust fumes and oil). No soul some women.
Go for the SV if you plan on mainly road use and have the money. I'm 6'0 and only 12 stone but very glad I went for an SV. Looking at used prices, it seems to me that SVs hold their value better.
For me, the the big brakes are the other essential option.
Everyone will tell you something different though!
For me, the the big brakes are the other essential option.
Everyone will tell you something different though!
RedCat7 said:
Go for the SV if you plan on mainly road use and have the money. I'm 6'0 and only 12 stone but very glad I went for an SV. Looking at used prices, it seems to me that SVs hold their value better.
For me, the the big brakes are the other essential option.
Everyone will tell you something different though!
6'4". Have been up to 18st. Fit perfectly well in an S3.For me, the the big brakes are the other essential option.
Everyone will tell you something different though!
A Seven's meant to feel different IMO.
5'11" and 84kg. I prefer the SV. I had an S3 and there's no shoulder room with two in the car.
For the extra space, I can live with the extra 25kg an SV weighs (Which I've probably saved in the build) which is still 25kg lighter than a XE engined S3.
More boot space, bigger fuel tank, more footroom, wider track. What's not to like?
For the extra space, I can live with the extra 25kg an SV weighs (Which I've probably saved in the build) which is still 25kg lighter than a XE engined S3.
More boot space, bigger fuel tank, more footroom, wider track. What's not to like?
Streetrod said:
So after about an hour I said goodbye to Anthony with an invite ringing in my ear to pop back in anytime for a test drive. You could see in his eyes that he knew he would be seeing me again soon.
You will be back and you will buy one is my prediction. I have an SV with lowered floors and the FIA rollbar which does give a bit more space and head height protection. I'm 6'1" and almost 18stone and I'm a happy comfy bunny in the car.I think an SV would be just right for you. I'm 6'2" & in my sigma s3 the lack of footwell space sometimes causes me problems. On a longer journey I get cramp in my feet because of the restricted space. If your a gentleman of a certain age you will find you will need regular stops to empty your sump & it's then I can ease the discomfort in my feet also.
Don't know what your budget is but there is a nice, as new sigma SV for sale on PH classifieds at the moment, orange with black stripe & noseband.(fifth one down) Some nice options & colour & the 125 sigma really is a lovely flexible & reliable engine.
Buy one, join the lotus 7 club & look forward to seeing you on a Kent blat!
Don't know what your budget is but there is a nice, as new sigma SV for sale on PH classifieds at the moment, orange with black stripe & noseband.(fifth one down) Some nice options & colour & the 125 sigma really is a lovely flexible & reliable engine.
Buy one, join the lotus 7 club & look forward to seeing you on a Kent blat!
TVR? 
Have you driven a Caterham?
I'm a biker, and there's nothing I've driven/ridden thet comes close to a Caterham. My Boss tossed me the keys to his Gallardo in Monaco, afetr telling me he'd put me on the insurance for the day, I was flattered at such a nice gesture, but I can tell you I was un-inmpressed. Please take a test drive in an "R" before you make the biggest mistake of your life.
Have you driven a Caterham?I'm a biker, and there's nothing I've driven/ridden thet comes close to a Caterham. My Boss tossed me the keys to his Gallardo in Monaco, afetr telling me he'd put me on the insurance for the day, I was flattered at such a nice gesture, but I can tell you I was un-inmpressed. Please take a test drive in an "R" before you make the biggest mistake of your life.
Edited by mickrick on Thursday 5th April 17:20
Taking a test drive essentially means you will buy one. Just accept the fact with open arms!
I bought mine from Anthony at South and he was very good; bit of a chat on the sofas, sat in a few in the 'warehouse' then took the one we came to see out for a spin and bought it four days later. I'd really decided I was going to buy one the previous August when I hired one from Midlands, but you've got to go through the motions...
I've got a SV with lowered floors and it's pretty much bang on for me (6ft+, 16st+). I can drive a S3 relatively comfortably, but wouldn't really want anyone with me as you'd be banging shoulders a lot. With the SV you can be two up with ease. I get the odd scrape on the road especially when fully laden (2up, luggage, full tank) especially at reasonable speed at the bottom of dips as the suspension loads/unloads or on roads that have series of subsidence ridges. You have to be careful going over steep speed bumps/tables when laden too. The lowest bit at the back of the car is steel which will always win versus tarmac, so it makes you jump/bruises your arse more than it hurts the car!
I bought mine from Anthony at South and he was very good; bit of a chat on the sofas, sat in a few in the 'warehouse' then took the one we came to see out for a spin and bought it four days later. I'd really decided I was going to buy one the previous August when I hired one from Midlands, but you've got to go through the motions...
I've got a SV with lowered floors and it's pretty much bang on for me (6ft+, 16st+). I can drive a S3 relatively comfortably, but wouldn't really want anyone with me as you'd be banging shoulders a lot. With the SV you can be two up with ease. I get the odd scrape on the road especially when fully laden (2up, luggage, full tank) especially at reasonable speed at the bottom of dips as the suspension loads/unloads or on roads that have series of subsidence ridges. You have to be careful going over steep speed bumps/tables when laden too. The lowest bit at the back of the car is steel which will always win versus tarmac, so it makes you jump/bruises your arse more than it hurts the car!
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