Many automotive pundits claim you have to own certain cars at least once. I’ve heard this said often of vintage Alfa Romeos, that they represent a gateway to an automotive experience that few others can provide; specifically, the iconic models like the GTV and Giulia. Some folks say you should also experience the raw performance of the C4-era Corvette ZR-1 for its striking performance, especially for an American-made performance car at the time. Me? I believe the Lotus/Caterham Seven is one of those cars we should all experience once, and this 1998 Caterham Super Seven VX 1600 listed here on eBay is all the more intriguing for its connection to the company’s racing program.
First, I have never driven one of these rolling riots. I have always wanted one since watching this ridiculous gymkhana video and reading one of Sam Smith’s accounts of building and owning several of these classic roadsters. The combination of the styling that has barely changed from the original Lotus design and the potentially habit-forming performance where you live every mile like you’re on a qualifying lap makes the Seven somewhat unrepeatable in the modern sports car marketplace. It’s almost one of those cars you have to speak of in hushed tones because you don’t want some government agency to realize it’s still being made.
The car shown here is all the more intriguing for its connection to the Caterham Academy, an in-house racing school that the company still offers to young drivers today. In reading up on it, I’m struggling to think of a better experience than being a 16-year-old hot shoe and having mom and dad tell you that you’re going to polish your racing skills with members of the Caterham team and partner racing centers. Each year, when the Academy gathers, there is a model that is built for that cohort of students, and this is one of those cars (at least, that’s how I understand it.) The Caterham is equipped with heated seats and windshield, a roll bar, all-weather gear, a removable steering wheel, and most importantly, a 120 horsepower Vauxhall engine.
The seller notes it is also an incredibly well-maintained example, with factory service books showing regular stampings from British service centers. The selling dealer notes the tires are fairly fresh and it has new brake pads and shoes. Combining the strong service history with the heated features and all-weather gear makes this an enthusiast’s Seven, one that can go racing in all sorts of weather. On my personal automotive bingo card, an early morning romp in a Seven when the weather is still chilly but the sun is rising seems like an idyllic start to any day, and at $29,500 or best offer, I’m not sure there’s a better sports car for the money.
The Academy, Graduates etc. are different race classes, as I remember; the cars are to different specs for each one. I have a pal who used to race in the Academy; she never progressed through the classes because she was having so much fun in the one that she was in.
I had another friend who used to race a Lotus 7 – until he bought a Porsche 356 from a certain Jim Clark…