The end of an Era today
Discussion
So today, the best Caterham I have ever owned, my 620R - Scarlet went to her new owner.
I have built and owned seven caterham seven models in the last 25 years, abs of all of them Scarlet was the absolute best.
She was singly the most used and fun Caterham I ever owned.
So we hope the new owner gets as much fun out of Scarlet as we did.
Cheers everyone.
I have built and owned seven caterham seven models in the last 25 years, abs of all of them Scarlet was the absolute best.
She was singly the most used and fun Caterham I ever owned.
So we hope the new owner gets as much fun out of Scarlet as we did.
Cheers everyone.
nigelpugh7 said:
No plan sadly, I suspect that Scarlet will be the last performance car I will own in my lifetime.
A sad day, but a quarter of a century of memories to look back on... I hope you find some happiness knowing that Scarlet's wheels will keep turning with the new owner, enjoying many happy miles and making their own memories now...CeramicMX5ND2 said:
A sad day, but a quarter of a century of memories to look back on... I hope you find some happiness knowing that Scarlet's wheels will keep turning with the new owner, enjoying many happy miles and making their own memories now...
Yep a bitter sweet day, sad to say goodbye , but happy to know the new owner will enjoy her as much as we did.Kenty in Weardale said:
I feel for you. I have had my 7 for 5 years after lusting after one for 30. Trouble is, after having it the only way is down
Yep I know that felling all to well.We have lived in this house for 17 years, and I have watched a succession of my previous Caterham’s make that long drive down our driveway to the gate.
They are listed in the following order, most Recent first.
620 UBA - Caterham 620R
V20 UFO - Caterham Superlight Twenty #007
R500 TL - Caterham R500, 6 Speed Manual
R500 CP - Caterham R500, Quaife Sequential
R400 SLR - Caterham R400 , K Series
A long and distinguished list!
Edited by nigelpugh7 on Saturday 3rd April 10:23
nigelpugh7 said:
Yep I know that felling all to well.
We have lived in this house for 17 years, and I have watched a succession of my previous Caterham’s make that long drive down our driveway to the gate.
They are listed in the following order, most Recent first.
620 UBA - Caterham 620R
V20 UFO - Caterham Superlight Twenty #007
R500 TL - Caterham R500, 6 Speed Manual
R500 CP - Caterham R500, Quaife Sequential
R400 SLR - Caterham R400 , K Series
A long and distinguished list!
Thread revival... you really need to rate your 7's in order of best and why! Probably one of the most distinguished Caterham ownership lists I have seen!We have lived in this house for 17 years, and I have watched a succession of my previous Caterham’s make that long drive down our driveway to the gate.
They are listed in the following order, most Recent first.
620 UBA - Caterham 620R
V20 UFO - Caterham Superlight Twenty #007
R500 TL - Caterham R500, 6 Speed Manual
R500 CP - Caterham R500, Quaife Sequential
R400 SLR - Caterham R400 , K Series
A long and distinguished list!
Edited by nigelpugh7 on Saturday 3rd April 10:23
Familymad said:
Thread revival... you really need to rate your 7's in order of best and why! Probably one of the most distinguished Caterham ownership lists I have seen!
It’s an interesting subject to rate them, I did contribute to a magazine article once about my R500, can’t remember which one though!I found the text I submitted for the magazine article, still can’t recall which. One it was though!
9. At pace, on winding roads, how does the R500 perform?
Despite being one of the most highly tuned Caterham's ever produced, the R500 is easy to drive as the torque and six speed gearbox allows smooth effortless pace on winding roads.
10. How does the feedback and communication from the R500 change at various speeds, is it intimidating to drive or confidence inspiring?
Once again surprisingly easy to drive and very confidence inspiring. The light weight and balance allows high speed with out worry as the braking performance is just as good allowing you to scrub speed for corners very quickly.
11. In your opinion, what are the best features of the exterior and interior?
As a driving experience, to be able to see the front wheels at the outside corners of the front of the car gives you an experience like being in a Formula 1 car, and the same simple but classic looks is what everyone you meet is attracted too also. The interior is basic, and simple and quite old fashioned, but all the better for it. The rev counter dominates the display as it should do for such a race inspired car, whilst the sequential shift lights add to the excitement of changing every gear.
12. How did owning the R500 make you feel?
A great fun car to,own and drive too. Every trip becomes a memorable experience, that makes you want to go out more and more. It's a car that makes you happy whether you are driving it or not.
13. What is the R500 like to own over the long term? Did it remain exciting?
I owned my R500 for over three years and each one was an enjoyable year of ownership. A good early morning spirited drive on B Roads can always make you smile,,and every drive is as exciting as the first.
14. Where did you go in your R500 during your ownership, are there any exciting road trips you can elaborate on?
My R500 went on many long road trips and lots of track outings too. One very special trip was to the Jerez Race circuit in Spain where it was used for press photos with the Caterham F1 team, with the F1 drivers all driving my car around the circuit. We also attended many road trips to France for classic rally events to various parts of France including the Alps and Monte Carlo. As well as track days at Silverstone, Donington, Caldwell Park, Mallory Park, Oulton Park, in aditon to sprints and hillclimbs at Curborough, Shelsley Walsh and Prescott. We also did many events for charities of children with life threatening health conditions, where we took them out for passenger experience rides, everyone of them had the time of their life and screamed with excitement!
15. How did other drivers and pedestrians react to the R500 generally?
It's always met with enjoyment and admiration from other drivers, plus most people think your a little, bit mad to be out in such a small open topped car with no roof and being out in all weather conditions. Most pedestrians stop and smile and wave. And at petrol stations people come over to ask you more about the car and to get to know. More about it and it's background and story.
16. What is the R500 like to own in terms of maintenance and care?
Surprisingly low cost to own and run, the only real maintenance needed is oil and filters sheikh can be done easily at home. The tyres of course get used up on track days, but as they are only. Small 185 profile tyres on 13 inch rims they only cost less than £100 per corner.
17. What work did you carry out on your R500 over the years and how did it affect the way it performed and your feelings towards it?
As stated simple maintenance , swapping wheels and tyres , and changing the exhaust when needed for track days. Again the exhaust is only held in with two springs and two bolts so it's easily swapped in about twenty minutes. Changing tyres and the tyre pressures can dramatically effect the handling as well as adjusting the suspension spring platforms for different track conditions.
18. What specialists and parts suppliers would you recommend?
Sticking with Caterham supplied parts for servicing makes the parts guaranteed to work. Same with the tyres, sticking with the Avon ZZRS means they are always good for track days etc.
19. Where do you see R500 values and general market perception of the R500 going over the next 3-5 years? r500 models always hold their value well, and as most do small milages per year the values stay high. Caterham's as a manufacturer are quite a rare sight and R500's are an even rarer sight on the roads, which all adds to the value.
20. What did you replace your R500 with? Or alternatively what else do you have in your garage to complement a R500?
Initially I replaced my R500 with another Caterham, a limited edition Superlight Twenty, which I owned for a year, but it was a lower power car, and I always craved the greater power, so in February this year I sold that Superlight, and I have just taken delivery of the top of the range Caterham model, the new 620R with a 310bhp Supercharged engine, and a Sadev race sequntilal gearbox. It promises to be an absolute riot of the roads and the track!
9. At pace, on winding roads, how does the R500 perform?
Despite being one of the most highly tuned Caterham's ever produced, the R500 is easy to drive as the torque and six speed gearbox allows smooth effortless pace on winding roads.
10. How does the feedback and communication from the R500 change at various speeds, is it intimidating to drive or confidence inspiring?
Once again surprisingly easy to drive and very confidence inspiring. The light weight and balance allows high speed with out worry as the braking performance is just as good allowing you to scrub speed for corners very quickly.
11. In your opinion, what are the best features of the exterior and interior?
As a driving experience, to be able to see the front wheels at the outside corners of the front of the car gives you an experience like being in a Formula 1 car, and the same simple but classic looks is what everyone you meet is attracted too also. The interior is basic, and simple and quite old fashioned, but all the better for it. The rev counter dominates the display as it should do for such a race inspired car, whilst the sequential shift lights add to the excitement of changing every gear.
12. How did owning the R500 make you feel?
A great fun car to,own and drive too. Every trip becomes a memorable experience, that makes you want to go out more and more. It's a car that makes you happy whether you are driving it or not.
13. What is the R500 like to own over the long term? Did it remain exciting?
I owned my R500 for over three years and each one was an enjoyable year of ownership. A good early morning spirited drive on B Roads can always make you smile,,and every drive is as exciting as the first.
14. Where did you go in your R500 during your ownership, are there any exciting road trips you can elaborate on?
My R500 went on many long road trips and lots of track outings too. One very special trip was to the Jerez Race circuit in Spain where it was used for press photos with the Caterham F1 team, with the F1 drivers all driving my car around the circuit. We also attended many road trips to France for classic rally events to various parts of France including the Alps and Monte Carlo. As well as track days at Silverstone, Donington, Caldwell Park, Mallory Park, Oulton Park, in aditon to sprints and hillclimbs at Curborough, Shelsley Walsh and Prescott. We also did many events for charities of children with life threatening health conditions, where we took them out for passenger experience rides, everyone of them had the time of their life and screamed with excitement!
15. How did other drivers and pedestrians react to the R500 generally?
It's always met with enjoyment and admiration from other drivers, plus most people think your a little, bit mad to be out in such a small open topped car with no roof and being out in all weather conditions. Most pedestrians stop and smile and wave. And at petrol stations people come over to ask you more about the car and to get to know. More about it and it's background and story.
16. What is the R500 like to own in terms of maintenance and care?
Surprisingly low cost to own and run, the only real maintenance needed is oil and filters sheikh can be done easily at home. The tyres of course get used up on track days, but as they are only. Small 185 profile tyres on 13 inch rims they only cost less than £100 per corner.
17. What work did you carry out on your R500 over the years and how did it affect the way it performed and your feelings towards it?
As stated simple maintenance , swapping wheels and tyres , and changing the exhaust when needed for track days. Again the exhaust is only held in with two springs and two bolts so it's easily swapped in about twenty minutes. Changing tyres and the tyre pressures can dramatically effect the handling as well as adjusting the suspension spring platforms for different track conditions.
18. What specialists and parts suppliers would you recommend?
Sticking with Caterham supplied parts for servicing makes the parts guaranteed to work. Same with the tyres, sticking with the Avon ZZRS means they are always good for track days etc.
19. Where do you see R500 values and general market perception of the R500 going over the next 3-5 years? r500 models always hold their value well, and as most do small milages per year the values stay high. Caterham's as a manufacturer are quite a rare sight and R500's are an even rarer sight on the roads, which all adds to the value.
20. What did you replace your R500 with? Or alternatively what else do you have in your garage to complement a R500?
Initially I replaced my R500 with another Caterham, a limited edition Superlight Twenty, which I owned for a year, but it was a lower power car, and I always craved the greater power, so in February this year I sold that Superlight, and I have just taken delivery of the top of the range Caterham model, the new 620R with a 310bhp Supercharged engine, and a Sadev race sequntilal gearbox. It promises to be an absolute riot of the roads and the track!
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