Vehicle Details
- Year: 2010
- Make: Caterham
- Model: Seven Superlight R400
- VIN: NY71329
- Mileage Shown: 5,487
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Daytona Blue Metallic
- Seller: LolaT70
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Utica, MI 48315
- Lot #: V-0023861
The Caterham Seven is a super-lightweight sports car produced by Caterham Cars of England, based on the Lotus Seven produced from 1957-1972. This 2010 example was imported by LeBrun Motors of New York and subsequently assembled in 2011. Originally specified as a Lightweight R400 model on the original S3 chassis, the original owner spent over $20k upgrading this example to R500 specifications including an exposed carbon fiber nosecone, fenders, dashboard, mirrors and turn signal nacelles along with an R500 exhaust system, roller throttle bodies, a Piper Cross air filter, 13” Caterham wheels, an extra-height FIA roll bar, Kevlar Tillet carbon-backed racing seats, a factory De Deon rear suspension, and a carbon fiber windscreen. This Caterham won the "Design of Distinction" award at the 2022 "Eyes on Design" Concours, celebrated on the grounds of the Henry Ford Estate in Grosse Pointe Shores MI. Benefitting from the recent replacement of the clutch master and slave cylinders, this 2010 Caterham Seven Lightweight R400 S3 is now being offered at auction by its seller out of Michigan, showing just under 5,500 miles on the odometer.
The exterior is finished in Chrysler Daytona Blue Metallic (B6) with a gloss clear-coated exposed carbon fiber nosecone, fenders, mirrors, and turn signal nacelles. Equipment includes a vented hood, an extra-height FIA rollbar, white-lensed turn signals, LED headlights, LED third brake lights, an aero-fill fuel cap, an external kill switch, a full-size windscreen with windshield wipers, a mohair tonneau cover and passenger seat cover, and a polished passenger-side exhaust system. The seller reports some minor road-going wear to the bottom of the vehicle, detailed images are provided in the gallery. The original 15” wheels have been swapped for a set of 13” Caterham wheels, which are mounted with Avon ZZ tires. The original 15” wheels are said to accompany the sale, mounted with Avon CR500 tires showing date codes from 2008. A carbon fiber windscreen, the original nosecone, and the four original fenders are said to be included as well.
The interior features two Tillett carbon-kevlar racing seats, with exposed matching gloss clear coated weave, adjustable rails, and Schroth racing harnesses. Amenities include a carbon fiber dashboard, a heater, mohair weather gear, a dash-mounted rearview mirror, push-button ignition, a detachable MOMO suede-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped shifter and parking-brake boots, a silver-finished ball shifter, and rubber floor mats. The original black leather Caterham seats are reported to be included in the sale.
This Caterham Seven Superlight R400 S3 is powered by a 2.0-liter Ford Duratec inline-four, with improved head flow, a strengthened bottom end, high-lift camshafts, and a performance ECU. Modifications include a Piper Cross air filter, upgraded roller throttle bodies, and a cat-less polished stainless R500 exhaust system. As much as 230 HP is sent to the rear wheels through a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. Weighing just 1,125 lbs., this Caterham Seven is reported to reach 60 MPH from a standstill in around 3 seconds. Performance features include a limited-slip differential, Bilstein 2-way adjustable dampers, and a factory De Deon upgraded rear suspension setup. The seller reports that upon acquisition, a full fluid service was completed with Motul hi-temp brake fluid for the brakes and clutch along with a full inspection and re-torque.. The vehicle was also corner-balanced for a 200 lb. driver.
This sale will include a clean title, owner’s manuals, two steel lowering floor pans, two stock Caterham leather seats, a set of four original fiberglass fenders and stock nose, the original catalytic converter, full weather gear, the original red taillight lenses, and four Caterham 15" wheels wearing Avon CR500 tires.
Auction Results
- Highest Bid: $40,250
- Auction End: Dec 06, 2022 09:24:01PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 18
Comments (32)
Bid in the amount of $40,250
Bid in the amount of $39,000
Bid in the amount of $37,000
Bid in the amount of $35,000
Bid in the amount of $28,000
Bid in the amount of $27,500
Bid in the amount of $27,250
Bid in the amount of $27,000
Bid in the amount of $26,500
Bid in the amount of $26,000
Bid in the amount of $25,750
Bid in the amount of $25,500
Bid in the amount of $25,000
@LolaT70 sorry you had some issues. We just want to clarify, you cannot leave a comment without being logged on to the site, the system won't allow it. The only way your were able to type a comment and it not to show would be if you had the box open from an old page and you were since automatically logged out or if the comment was too long. We don't allow editing as our moderators can assist with edits. If a seller makes a comment and someone bids on the car based on that comment, going back to edit the comment after a bid comes in could pose some major issues which is why we do not allow it. Thank you for understanding. If you need assistance throughout the auction please feel free to reach out to your rep, that's what we are here for!
@naiusa - I apologize. I was out last night, and thought I could resolve this issue using my phone. However, I did not have my username or password with me, so I wasn't able to log in. However, I was admitted into the site, and it accepted my response without any warning. However, the site never posted my response because of my failure to log in. Not an appreciated weakness of the site. Another weakness is that comments cannot be edited, so if you have committed an erroneous post or employed poor grammar, you must ask a moderator to intervene.
In answer to your question. the engine in my Caterham is absolutely an aluminum block Duratech Ford. I believe Caterham had migrated fully to Duratech by the time of my car's construction. Besides trim differences in the cam cover, you can identify Zetecs by the
left-side exhaust. My Duratech exhausts out the right. Duratechs are superior motors to Zetec, in that they are lighter (aluminum block versus iron), more powerful and better engineered. Among other issues, Zetecs suffer from weak ABS thrmostat housings, which warp and leak. Duratechs are equipped with a timing chain (rarely ever breaks) versus the Zetec's timing belt (can break, or pop off, and if you have performance domed pistons, valve interference will destroy your engine)
Bid in the amount of $24,000
Bid in the amount of $22,500
Bid in the amount of $20,000
In the comments, you mentioned a duratech however, in the listing it lists a zetec... By the exhaust on the passenger side appears to be a duratech
@3-Pedals - Also, thanks for the bid!
@3-Pedals - Thanks for the compliment. It's odd - I looked at dozens of Cats over a period of years to find her, but as soon as I saw the images in the ad, I knew she was the one.
To answer your question: Michigan does not require emissions testing, as our air quality is good. The Duratech engine in this Cat is equipped with an OBD ii-compliant ECU with adjustable air quality parameters, as well as adjustable performance parameters. An O2 sensor is fitted to the exhaust and there was a catalyst inline, prior to the R500 exhaust upgrade. If you need to pass a test, and can revert the car for ordinary driving, you would need to McGiver the catalyst into the exhaust system a obtain a temporary tune. If you have to connect a catalyst permanently, you would have to perform permanent modifications.
Is the car registered in an emissions regulated area now? Is the engine OBDII compliant and will it pass emissions testing with the cat installed? Beautiful machine.! It must be a hoot to drive!
Bid in the amount of $15,000
@LolaT70 ADAM37130 - Thanks for the bid!
Bid in the amount of $5,555
@1Cerberus4u - an excellent collection - you didn't need advice from me, save on one point: Don't try to fit into a Caterham at 6' 4" and 250 pounds!
Best of luck with your cars.
8 race cars and warehoused full of everything from classic to exotic, I'm not at a loss for fun cars (I also own one of the rarest of Factory 66 Cooper S Minis, so I do like small cars some times..), Well I've been hankering for an M6-8 or a couple B19 and there are some out there right now, so onwards and upwards!
@1Cerberus4u - unfortunately for me, I agree with your assessment - stay away from Caterhams. You should consider a Backdraft or Superformance Cobra. Those marques really hold value, are a blast to drive, and will contain plus-sized enthusiasts like you. Not nearly the same level of feedback - with the Cat, I can briefly close my eyes, and the road surface will reveal itself to me through my fingertips on the wheel. Still, lots of torque thrills and good handling at speed. I owned a Backdraft with a Roush 402, big brake kit and race suspension. Lots of fun, but I still prefer Caterhams - same or superior performance envelope, more engaging to drive.
Well at 6"4" and nearly 250.... Even an SV will be tight.... GLWS!
@1Cerberus4u - Hello and thanks for your interest. My original text included the model designation "S3", but this was unfortunately deleted. This car is an S3 - the smaller of the two common models. The SV is substantially larger: 5 inches wider x 4.7 inches longer x 1 inch taller x 77 pounds heavier. When buying a Caterham, for ultimate driving enjoyment, you should purchase the smallest Cat that will fit you. This is because the car's extreme performance is derived from smallness and light weight. The SV is still a great drive, but you feel the extra weight and larger dimensions, and it is not the ultimate Cat experience. I am 6 feet tall and 200 pounds, with size 11 shoes, and all my Caterhams (including this one) have been smaller S3 versions. You want to be cossetted by your Caterham - held in place like fingers in a glove. The racing seat, Schroth 6-point belts and surrounding bodywork support you against the terrific g-forces generated by this car. Because your body doesn't move, you never have to focus on controlling your arms, legs and torso - you focus, instead, on car control. I owned an OMS D Sports Racer, and the cockpit was set up similarly. It was a ground effects and momentum car, so you had to roar through turns in order to obtain good lap times - big g-forces. From that car, I learned the benefit of a cockpit that grips you in place. Choose an SV only if your shoe size is larger than 12 USA, your height is 6' 3" or over, and/or you are substantially overweight. Remember - you will not be touring with this car. It is all about short jaunts on fast country roads, autocross, track days, and occasional sunny day cruising (I cruised a lot on historic M1, our country's first paved road). Since the goal is ultimate control and the satisfaction of utilizing featherweight inputs to obtain razor's edge performance, the smallest, lightest vehicle is the best tool - faster, better handling, more satisfying to drive. If you can fit, buy an S3.
Great Intro..... Is this chassis one of the wider, longer ones (I think SV?)
Hello, my name is Bruce and I am the fortunate owner of this gorgeous Caterham. God has blessed my life in many ways, especially with family, but also by giving me the opportunity to own and drive many terrific sports cars. One of the cars I have owned during most of the last four decades has been a Caterham, because there is no purer driving experience. With a warm wind in your face, the sun just over the brim of your cap, and your hands firm on the alcantara wrap of the steering wheel, there is a feeling like you could drive right up into the clouds. I've owned Cats with BD motors and Hewland straight-cut gearboxes, Cats with 1700 cc crossflow motors, and a Seven with remarkable S2000 drivetrain. But none of them compare to this car. I looked for years to find her. Not only is she stunningly beautiful (when is the last time you heard of a Caterham winning at Concours?), but she is also ferociously FAST. I am selling only because of the recent and outrageous purchase of a Lola T70 MkII Spyder which is plated for the street. Simply put, one apex open-top English roadster at a time is enough for me. I have been, and will always remain, a Caterham cognoscenti, and this car is the finest example I have ever seen. Someone will make a destination purchase, which will not need repeating in their lifetime. Hope it's you!