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Discussion
Guys, I have come across a Catherham 7 which has HPC badges and the Opel VX engine. Its available to purchase but I am unsure what its really worth and if its an HPC. Its supposed to be circa 250 bhp. If anyone can help it would be much appreciated. It was used for some track days.
Chassis is SDKRDKRVXPO251100
Engine VX 0020
I have searched and cannot shed any light.
Regards
Chassis is SDKRDKRVXPO251100
Engine VX 0020
I have searched and cannot shed any light.
Regards
I've owned a factory built 'rubystone red' Caterham 7 HPC on Carbs (so 175bhp).
The HPC models are as follows as outlined in the Magnificent 7:
HPC 1700 (1986-1995)
-Cosworth BDR 1700 with 170bhp (though I'm surprised the last was 1995).
HPC VX/VXI
The Vauxhall 2000 twin can 16v engine which came in two formats:
- VX which was Carbs with 175bhp (Red Spark Cover, built 1990-1999)
- VXI which was Injected with 165bhp (Red Spark Cover built 1991-1998)
The book states not all VX-powered cars were in fact to HPC specification, which explains why some VX cars aren't badged HPC.
HPC Evolution
These were Vauxhall engines built by Swindon Racing Engines (SRE) available in the 3 states of tune:
- Stage 1 - 218bhp (Blue Spark Cover)
- Stage 2 - 225bhp (Green Spark Cover)
- Stage 3 - 235bhp (Black Spark Cover)
JPE was claimed to have 250bhp.
Vauxhall Race Cars, JPEs , R300, R400, R500 weren't badged HPC.
I'm sure there will be an exception to the rule, the easy way to find out if a car is an HPC is call the factory who should be able to tell you from the Chassis Number. That's what I did.
The 7th digit in chassis number has to be "H" for HPC. Also, the chassis number is stamped on the side of the pedal box - you have to remover the cover first of course...at least one HPC that has unmatched numbers in these locations....and it was sold through a dealer too!
Any HPC without that H is perhaps at best an ex race car...but it ain't a real HPC and ought to be valued accordingly...
Values for HPC's tend to go from £12-16k depending on spec and condition.
The HPC models are as follows as outlined in the Magnificent 7:
HPC 1700 (1986-1995)
-Cosworth BDR 1700 with 170bhp (though I'm surprised the last was 1995).
HPC VX/VXI
The Vauxhall 2000 twin can 16v engine which came in two formats:
- VX which was Carbs with 175bhp (Red Spark Cover, built 1990-1999)
- VXI which was Injected with 165bhp (Red Spark Cover built 1991-1998)
The book states not all VX-powered cars were in fact to HPC specification, which explains why some VX cars aren't badged HPC.
HPC Evolution
These were Vauxhall engines built by Swindon Racing Engines (SRE) available in the 3 states of tune:
- Stage 1 - 218bhp (Blue Spark Cover)
- Stage 2 - 225bhp (Green Spark Cover)
- Stage 3 - 235bhp (Black Spark Cover)
JPE was claimed to have 250bhp.
Vauxhall Race Cars, JPEs , R300, R400, R500 weren't badged HPC.
I'm sure there will be an exception to the rule, the easy way to find out if a car is an HPC is call the factory who should be able to tell you from the Chassis Number. That's what I did.
The 7th digit in chassis number has to be "H" for HPC. Also, the chassis number is stamped on the side of the pedal box - you have to remover the cover first of course...at least one HPC that has unmatched numbers in these locations....and it was sold through a dealer too!
Any HPC without that H is perhaps at best an ex race car...but it ain't a real HPC and ought to be valued accordingly...
Values for HPC's tend to go from £12-16k depending on spec and condition.
Edited by g7jhp on Wednesday 7th October 19:30
I would interpret that code as:
SDK - It's a Caterham!
R - right hand drive.
D - De Dion.
K - Kit built.
R - Race (although this is sometimes suggested as being 'road', as opposed to 'T' for 'track'). As above this should be 'H' for a HPC.
VX - VX engine with carbs.
P - 1993.
0251100 - Chassis number.
SDK - It's a Caterham!
R - right hand drive.
D - De Dion.
K - Kit built.
R - Race (although this is sometimes suggested as being 'road', as opposed to 'T' for 'track'). As above this should be 'H' for a HPC.
VX - VX engine with carbs.
P - 1993.
0251100 - Chassis number.
Thanks, its running circa 250bhp, 4 speed quaife box in it and he mentioned the Swindon engine.
Its showing as an Opel red top, owner said its built with larger throttle bodies. I seen the HPC badge on the bonnet and he said it was an HPC. From the info here its not. Mmmmm. It needs a tidy as its sitting a few years in the trailer.
As an HPC he was thinking circa £12k with the trailer and spare wheels. I am awaiting the full spec and shall up date once i get it. I would need a good service, discs, pads, possible brake rebuild plus a good bit more before I would want to run it. Perhaps not a good deal. Thanks for the info guys, much appreciated.
Its showing as an Opel red top, owner said its built with larger throttle bodies. I seen the HPC badge on the bonnet and he said it was an HPC. From the info here its not. Mmmmm. It needs a tidy as its sitting a few years in the trailer.
As an HPC he was thinking circa £12k with the trailer and spare wheels. I am awaiting the full spec and shall up date once i get it. I would need a good service, discs, pads, possible brake rebuild plus a good bit more before I would want to run it. Perhaps not a good deal. Thanks for the info guys, much appreciated.
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