New Caterham build - thoughts?
Discussion
After many years of procrastinating, I’ve finally decided to go ahead with a Caterham order. I’m not looking for a track car (already have one), but rather something with ‘character’ for high days/holidays and touring. I normally do at least a couple of European tours on the motorbike every year, and would like to swap one of them on to the Caterham for a similar feel, just in a car...
In my minds eye, probably the perfect car would be the 160 Sprint with the new 170 engine and gearbox. I like the retro theme - as I said, this car is going to be more about the whole experience, which includes the visual element to me. I like the thought of a vintage looking car driving around the Alps (can’t justify the crazy prices of new Morgans). So, I was thinking:
170S with a custom paint and interior. I like the idea of either a creamy sand colour or green/grey like some of the Morgan’s have. A bit 1930’ish colour scheme. And also the ocean green leather from the Caterham signature range - although I’ve got a feeling that might now have been discontinued. Which would be a pity as it’s the only signature colour I like. That, along with a body coloured dash and some painted steelies would be about it. Ideally I’d like the polished aluminium transmission tunnel of the Sprint / Supersprint as well, but I’m not sure that’s feasible. Also I was wondering if it would be possible to create the dash layout of the Sprint, but apparently Caterham don’t sell blank dashboard panels.
A couple of questions,
1. The Caterham signature range is quite extensive for bespoke colours and leathers (£2000 for the paint, £1000 for the custom leather seats and £400 for the painted dash). Am I absolutely crazy to have this done? Would I lose all of it come resale? I’d there a cheaper way of doing it?
2. Apparently the rear axle on the 170 is all new compared to the 160 so the steelies from the 160 won’t fit. Does anyone know which wheels fit?
I appreciate this is very largely to do with aesthetics, as none of it is going to affect the driving dynamics, so extremely subjective. Maybe I just like the romanticism of it all - but that’s what a lot of driving is about, surely? Maybe I’m just getting old. Please try and talk me out of it, or encourage me - all views entertained!
Any and all advice greatly appreciated.
In my minds eye, probably the perfect car would be the 160 Sprint with the new 170 engine and gearbox. I like the retro theme - as I said, this car is going to be more about the whole experience, which includes the visual element to me. I like the thought of a vintage looking car driving around the Alps (can’t justify the crazy prices of new Morgans). So, I was thinking:
170S with a custom paint and interior. I like the idea of either a creamy sand colour or green/grey like some of the Morgan’s have. A bit 1930’ish colour scheme. And also the ocean green leather from the Caterham signature range - although I’ve got a feeling that might now have been discontinued. Which would be a pity as it’s the only signature colour I like. That, along with a body coloured dash and some painted steelies would be about it. Ideally I’d like the polished aluminium transmission tunnel of the Sprint / Supersprint as well, but I’m not sure that’s feasible. Also I was wondering if it would be possible to create the dash layout of the Sprint, but apparently Caterham don’t sell blank dashboard panels.
A couple of questions,
1. The Caterham signature range is quite extensive for bespoke colours and leathers (£2000 for the paint, £1000 for the custom leather seats and £400 for the painted dash). Am I absolutely crazy to have this done? Would I lose all of it come resale? I’d there a cheaper way of doing it?
2. Apparently the rear axle on the 170 is all new compared to the 160 so the steelies from the 160 won’t fit. Does anyone know which wheels fit?
I appreciate this is very largely to do with aesthetics, as none of it is going to affect the driving dynamics, so extremely subjective. Maybe I just like the romanticism of it all - but that’s what a lot of driving is about, surely? Maybe I’m just getting old. Please try and talk me out of it, or encourage me - all views entertained!
Any and all advice greatly appreciated.
Oh, I agree entirely. But hopefully I’m not substituting paint for performance. I’ve got other cars/bikes for outright excitement - I just like the appeal of the narrow track of the 170, skinny tyres for low speed giggles, and the ability to just go flat out everywhere without doing silly speeds. Something playful. I might get left behind by a Dacia Duster, but I don’t think that really bothers me...
Good question. And the on that I originally asked myself. The couple of things that made me think otherwise: I’d like to do quite a bit of touring with the car and every Supersprint I’ve seen has the Brooklands screens. I think I’d need a full screen and the ability to put up a half top. I know the Supersprint could be specified with a full screen, but I’ve never seen one for sale.
Also, every review I’ve seen from someone who’s experienced both focuses on the point that the gearbox on the 160 is pretty rubbish, but the new one seems to have fixed the shortcomings of the old one. Dealbreaker? No, but something that’s in my thought process…
Also, every review I’ve seen from someone who’s experienced both focuses on the point that the gearbox on the 160 is pretty rubbish, but the new one seems to have fixed the shortcomings of the old one. Dealbreaker? No, but something that’s in my thought process…
I was at Caterham Crawley the other day and was told that the engine had a significant redesign and that the gearbox and axle were also brand new - hence the change of wheel PCD compared to the 160.
Also, they had a 160 and 170 there and you could def feel the difference in gearshift while stationary (not the best test, I know).
I wonder how much it would cost to add a full screen to a Supersprint?
Also, they had a 160 and 170 there and you could def feel the difference in gearshift while stationary (not the best test, I know).
I wonder how much it would cost to add a full screen to a Supersprint?
madaza said:
Am I absolutely crazy to have this done? Would I lose all of it come resale?
Can you afford it?Will it make you happy?
If so, JFDI…
I’ve spent on things on my 7 that mates don’t understand; they’ve thrown money at bits I don’t appreciate.
but if you’re concerned with Residual Value, you’re unlikely to retain your expenditure (but what price pleasure?)
Edited by BigCol on Friday 8th April 23:20
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