Caterham S4

[Trackdayguy]

Just read an interesting article on the Caterham S4 and was surprised to see that only 40 were made before GN reverted back to the S3. Im guessing the early days were probably pretty tough for Caterham, they sure have come along way.

http://www.motorbase.com/vehicle/profile/caterham-...

[downsman]

I believe they bought the rights to continue the Seven and as Lotus had moved onto the S4, that's what they built to start with. However, the S4 had specialized weather gear made by a big company and the minimum order was way too high for Caterham at the time.

Arch were still able to supply the S3 chassis and the weather gear was basic (as it is today), so they annouced a limited run of S3 cars and they never stopped. Graham Nearne had to cope with the early Seventies fuel crisis and a 3 day week. If you are interested there's a documentary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIrtwZ-DV58 that you might find interesting.

Edited by downsman on Sunday 18th November 19:30

[Trackdayguy]

downsman said:

I believe they bought the rights to continue the Seven and as Lotus had moved onto the S4, that's what they built to start with. However, the S4 had specialized weather gear made by a big company and the minimum order was way too high for Caterham at the time.

Arch were still able to supply the S3 chassis and the weather gear was basic (as it is today), so they annouced a limited run of S3 cars and they never stopped. Graham Nearne had to cope with the early Seventies fuel crisis and a 3 day week. If you are interested there's a documentary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIrtwZ-DV58 that you might find interesting.

Edited by downsman on Sunday 18th November 19:30

Yes, it's a great video. It was clear that the body shop kept them going, banging dents out of Hillman Minx