Thursday 9th February 2006

Caterham auctions famous Sevens

Feted racecars to go under the hammer

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R500 grabs air at the 'Ring

Caterham is to auction a selection of its most celebrated used Sevens. From 20-27 February, the company is taking the somewhat unusual step of putting some of its more exotic pre-owned models under the hammer, with the aim of making room for a flurry of part exchanges arriving in March.

Twelve unique examples will be sold off during the week-long auction. Highlights include the Superlight R500 that famously smashed the 0-100mph-0 world record in a time of 11.44 seconds (2002) and a special edition Autosport 50th Anniversary 133bhp Roadsport – one of only nine built.

However, pride of place for motorsport enthusiasts will surely go to the all-conquering Nürburgring Superlight R400 racecar from 2002.

The ultra-reliable lightweight sportscar left a litany of Italian, Japanese and German supercar muscle in its wake to not only win its class around the fearsome Nordschleife, but finish 11th overall from a list of 200 starters. So demonstrably quicker than its rivals, Caterham was subsequently banned from defending the title, being deemed ‘too fast to race’ by organisers.

Lining up alongside these performance legends is a wide selection of road and track Caterhams, plus one very special vehicle powered by gravity alone -- the soapbox derby car the firm entered into the famous 2003 Red Bull Soap Box Challenge.

In traditional auctioneering fashion, the company will host a preview day on Saturday 18 February at its Caterham showroom for interested parties to take a closer look at the assembled ‘lots’. Bidding, either by phone or email, starts in earnest on Monday 20 February, running for seven days.

For more information about the auction or to register to bid see:

• www.caterham.co.uk/auction

[tiga84]

Too fast to race. What a nice position to be in.

to the boys at Caterham.

[r988]

tiga84 said:

Too fast to race. What a nice position to be in. to the boys at Caterham.

I agree, best reason to be banned from racing

[jellison]

Like the SEAC's in the 80's

[Eric Mc]

They've been trying to flog the Nurburgring 24 Hour car for a few years. It was certainly in the used car shed when I visted the showroom last March.

[Snapper7]

Quote:

However, pride of place for motorsport enthusiasts will surely go to the all-conquering Nürburgring Superlight R400 racecar from 2002.

Or in other words, Can't sell it after it has been sat on the forecourt ever since.

[Black Racing]

I'm racing in Caterham 7's this season in the Formula Woman Championship. FAB little cars - love them. Just wish I could afford to bid at the auction!!

Amanda Black
www.amandablack.co.nr

[Eric Mc]

OT - Is their TV coverage of Formula Woman this year?

[jellison]

What ever happened to Ralphs sister - was entertaining in RX7's

[Matt W]

Just noticed - among these so-called "famous Sevens" is the Superlight that my dad sold early last year. It's the blue SL at the bottom. Beautiful car.

[clubsport]

Matt W said:

Just noticed - among these so-called "famous Sevens" is the Superlight that my dad sold early last year. It's the blue SL at the bottom. Beautiful car.

Do you recall the mileage? I looked at the site and it said 0 miles.

Has it been at caterham since you sold it? I intend to put a few bids in to see if anything happens....yyou never know.

[Matt W]

Hi,

The car appeared on Caterham's website about a week after dad sold it privately last spring.

I'm not exactly sure about mileage but definately under 10k. Possibly 7 or 8k but can't quite recall. It really is a fabulous car and is as tidy as they come. In fact, dad couldn't bring himself to do more than 1 track day in it for fear of spoiling it

[clubsport]

Matt...many thanks

[Matt W]

In fact, dad misses it so much he's viewing another 7 today. The one he's looking at isn't quite so pristine so he won't worry about taking it on track as much. Good luck with the auction.

[v-spec]

Guys

There is a 160bhp SV in the auction (Lot #7) still at 8.5k which is seriously tempting. Anyone know this car? Low mileage, but looks like a track-day car with all the mods, maybe this accounts for the price?

Opinions? I can't get there to see it before bidding, I don't suppose anyone has already viewed it?

Cheers

[jasonl]

Looks like a very well spec'd car - the options that are fitted tend to add rather than detract from it's value.

The colour's not to everyone's choice although personally I like it.

[v-spec]

jasonl said:

Looks like a very well spec'd car - the options that are fitted tend to add rather than detract from it's value. The colour's not to everyone's choice although personally I like it.

Colour looks ok in the photo - almost British Racing Green, although called "Labrador" for some reason. Is the photo a fair representation?

If the mods add to the value then I don't understand why the bids are low, especially with the low mileage. The orange one - lot #6 - looks the same with higher mileage and is at £12,250, any idea why?

I am so tempted to bid... Is it stupid to buy a 7 unseen?

[dino ferrana]

It is a Mercedes colour, very dark green and I think very classy and suits a Seven. Not that many around in that colour, but that is no bad thing.

[v-spec]

I got in touch with Caterham and they're expecting that car to go for much more - well over £20k. PM me if you want to know more. There's a reserve on all cars as well.