Value of Caterham 7 twin cam ?

[graham m]

What price would I have to pay to get an original factory built caterham series 3 with lotus twin cam ? If I could find one!

[casbar]

8 - 10k. About the same as a BDR which would be probably worth a little more than a good xflow. They are an aquired taste but not worth loads IMHO before owners shoot me down...

[rubystone]

I agree with Casbar. The twinks that attract the money are Lotus 7s, not Caterhams. If you are looking at one for investment, I'd buy the Lotus. I havbe been surprised that Caterham HPCs (BD version) haven't appreciated that much, what do you think Casbar?

[casbar]

My first Caterham was a xflow and I loved it, but always wanted a HPC BDR. Went to look at one, it was lovely, knew another chap who had an all steel BDA built by Wilcox, that was sooo cool. But he did an oil change and screwed the engine thus having to have it re-built, cost massive bucks.

I then got caught by the track bug and bought K with an R300 engine in it. Now I see the car more as a track day tool, rather than one I would polish everyday and poodle around the country side.

But if I wanted a 7 for polishing and poodling around, it would def be a HPC BDR

I think all Caterham values are down, there are some great cars for silly money.

[rubystone]

casbar said:

My first Caterham was a xflow and I loved it, but always wanted a HPC BDR. Went to look at one, it was lovely, knew another chap who had an all steel BDA built by Wilcox, that was sooo cool. But he did an oil change and screwed the engine thus having to have it re-built, cost massive bucks.

I then got caught by the track bug and bought K with an R300 engine in it. Now I see the car more as a track day tool, rather than one I would polish everyday and poodle around the country side.

But if I wanted a 7 for polishing and poodling around, it would def be a HPC BDR

I think all Caterham values are down, there are some great cars for silly money.

Yes. I bought a genuine VX HPC and loved it, but if I were to buy a car for polishing it'd be a Lotus 7 S2 or as you say, a BD engined Caterham - love the cam cover - you can pretend you have half a DFV . The rebuild costs of the BD engined cars worried me though.

As regards values, that £16k SLR is super value for money at the moment. One owner car IIRC.

[Tango7]

Hi Rubystone,

The £16k SLR is the one I recommended a couple of months ago via a PH thread and I cannot believe its still not gone. The only thing I can think of is the lack of weathergear (screen, doors and hood) which maybe putting some people off but shouldn't. I have even dropped a few hints to Trish about me buying it but she's not taken the bait... How's the R500 going?

T

[casbar]

Out of the two SLR's for sale, I think the one with the R400 Roller Barrels and the MBE ECU would be the one I would go for, and its cheaper

[graham m]

What values do the Lotus 7 twin cams fetch? Where do any of these cars twin cams or bd's get advertised for sale ? They appear to have all gone to ground!

[Tango7]

Put a wanted ad on www.Blatchat.com

I think F355 GTS/Mark Collins has got one and has responded to a request or two when someone has asked.

T

[rubystone]

Tango7 said:

Hi Rubystone,

The £16k SLR is the one I recommended a couple of months ago via a PH thread and I cannot believe its still not gone. The only thing I can think of is the lack of weathergear (screen, doors and hood) which maybe putting some people off but shouldn't. I have even dropped a few hints to Trish about me buying it but she's not taken the bait... How's the R500 going?

T

Hi Tango. R500 is hibernating - has been since July TBH - other things took priority. I cannot believe your wife...who else has a wife that postiviley encourages her husband to fill their garages, drive and numerous lock-ups with cars...

In the good old days, I'd have bought that SLR, bolted some weather gear on and taken a turn on it...but as Casbar says, prices have droped and cars aren't selling - ask that good friend and supporter of the L7 Club, Mr Ansar Ali about that if you don't believe me

[casbar]

Rubystone Don't start that on here, leave the old wives for the other site

[rubystone]

casbar said:

Rubystone Don't start that on here, leave the old wives for the other site

If you know the inside story, you'll know it isn't an old wives issue. I know the inside story

[Grand Fromage]

I would say 8-10k is bottom end no?

[casbar]

Grand Fromage said:

I would say 8-10k is bottom end no?

No, I would say 8k bottom end, 10k about right. Its like all things, its worth what someone is willing to pay for it. If that someone wants a twin cam they may pay more, but if someone wants a Caterham to chuck around a track, they will probably go for a newer engined car, for not a lot more money.

[Fat Arnie]

Casbar, did you buy your car from Gary May or len Unwin around a year or so ago?? A '97 car I think, which started life as a 1.4? If so I have news for you.....