40 YOC Special Edition

[DickyC]

A widowed friend of my mother has her husband's Caterham in the garage. She contemplates selling it. This was as much as I knew until yesterday when I found out it is a 40th Anniversary car. Reading on line just now I see the special treatment was given to 40 cars for the anniversary irrespective of type. So, okay, I don't know the engine, but is there a rule of thumb to say it's worth any more than a similar age and condition standard car?

Her children aren't interested so I offered to try and find more information. I should have guessed that, being to do with Caterham, it wasn't a straightforward question.

[Eric Mc]

You need to find out the spec and the colours. Some had radios fitted, for instance - one of the very few 7s to ever be fitted as such.

[DickyC]

Thanks, Eric. I'll call her later. She lives in Kent but I met her at my mum's in Devon yesterday where we were struggling for info. She knew of the car's claim to fame but didn't know of its rarity, that I later discovered, or even the engine size. She called it a Ruby; a nice name for both a 40th Anniversary and Austin 7 reference.

[Eric Mc]

I seem to remember that some of them were in a red and white scheme which was inspired by the old Lotus Gold Leaf Formula 1 colours - and which Lotus had used on some Elans.

[nigelpugh7]

It was just a paint and trim option pack, offered on 40 cars for a limited period of time if you bought from new during that period.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I’m pretty sure it was free, so a nice column scheme, but I doubt it would add any large value to the car.

[DickyC]

The owner has been in touch and the only info missing is the mileage. She thinks it's about 15,000.

It's Ruby Anniversary red with a silver stripe, 1600 K Super Sport.

Car No.36 of 40.

R reg, registered October 97.

Includes tonneau and hood bag. Plus 40th Anniversary decals the husband didn't put on.

Where should she pitch it for sale?

Thanks.

[Eric Mc]

Lotus 7 Club forum for a start. Was her husband a member?

[DickyC]

Dont know, Eric. I suspect not. His widow told me earlier that he took it to Caterham at Brands Hatch when he became ill to discuss selling it to them but was soon too ill to follow it up. My guess is, if he'd been a member he'd have known to advertise it through the club. He was an engineer by trade and built the car himself. A fastidious bloke.

The family - the widow and her acutely disinterested offspring - just wondered how much they should ask for it and where to advertise it.

They're not eBay sort of people.

[adbett]

I'd suggest taking it to a Caterham specialist to sell on their behalf - they will know what price to go for as well as handle all the customer enquiries, viewings and test drives etc

It sounds like Sevens and Classics at brands hatch were already an option or even back to Caterham themselves

[DickyC]

A commission sale? I like that. And I think they'd see the sense in it too. Thanks.

[adbett]

No problem, I hope it works out well for the family

[Tazio77]

Andy Noble at Sevens and Classics is your man.

[DickyC]

Better and better, thanks.

[Eric Mc]

Andy Noble is a bit of a legend in Seven circles as he was a key figure at Caterham Cars
the 70s and 80s.

[DickyC]

Music to my ears, thanks.

Bizarrely, there's an identical car on carandclassics today. I've been looking on and off for a few weeks and then there it is.

I have plenty to report back tomorrow.

[mike150]

GP sevens where faultless when I used them for a commission sale. Car was treated with utmost care, perfectly presented, sold quickly and money in my account the next day.

That said a private sale is impossible for me as I live in N.Ireland so commission sale or trade is my choice. A private sale will get a little more money for her but may entail hassle.

[DickyC]

I really wish I was able to buy it myself, I just can't at present. Plus, buying it may have made things awkward, I don't know, like i was pulling a fast one, but just passing on this advice will be very gratefully received I know. Her kids' attitude is odd to my mind. Two sons and a daughter in their fifties. Their mum was widowed, she asked for help buying a new smaller car for herself and they did nothing. My mum, who still alive then, offered my services and we chatted. She wouldn't let me help much for fear of offending her kids. They still did nothing and she went out on her own and bought a Polo. With the Caterham, one of them suggested she keep it as a run around. That was when she asked for my help. That was when I realised my idealised view of Caterhams wasn't going to help much. When i started reading car magazines Caterham Cars specialised in Lotus 7s and Frogeyes. I've always hoped to have a 7 before I'm too old. Collectively these didn't amount to much help so I've asked you and you've come up with a sound solution. Thanks again.