Retro
Standard Caterham Seven far too modern and flashy for you? Odd. Anyway, here’s the new Super Seven 600 and 2000
Ahead of its 50th anniversary next year, Caterham is reintroducing a heritage range with the launch of the Super Seven 600 and the Super Seven 2000 – both of which apparently “re-imagine the brand’s popular Super Seven models from the 1970s and 80s”.
They do both look delightfully retro, don’t they? But then, is there really a modern-looking Caterham? Hardly modern-day identikit family crossovers, are they?
Still, let’s get to the details. The Super Seven 2000 is similar mechanically to the Seven 360, meaning it gets a 2.0-litre Duratec engine making 180bhp. That may not sound like much, but with the literal weight of a feather to move, it allows for 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds. It’s based on Caterham’s de-Dion chassis meaning you can have it in the standard or larger variants too, and there are options like a limited-slip diff and a sports suspension package. The latter adds a rear anti-roll bar, adjustable dampers and front ventilated discs with quad piston calipers.
READ MORE
Caterham Seven 420 Cup review: the track-ready ‘sweet spot’ of British lightweights
Both the 2000 and the 600 get Caterham’s flared front wings as seen throughout the 70s and 80s, and more recently on a number of throwback special editions. There’s 14-inch wheels for both, plus a chrome fuel filler cap, a leather Moto-Lita steering wheel and LED rear lights.
Caterham says that the 600 provides “an accessible, pure, simple, driving experience but at a lower speed” than the 2000, with its basis being the (extra) lightweight 170. That means a 660cc turbocharged three-cylinder that comes courtesy of Suzuki with 84bhp. As a result, 0-62mph will take 6.9 seconds. It uses a live axle design, but there is also the option of a limited-slip diff. Oh, and both can be bought as kits and built in the comfort of your own garage. Just a word of warning – you won’t find your garage that comfortable to be in during the build…
Anyway, Caterham is offering four exclusive paint colours for this retro range, including Bourbon, Ashdown Green, Windsor Blue and Fawn. Jump on the configurator if you want to know what they look like. There’s more retro shades for the interior too.
Prices? Well, if you want to self-assemble your Super Seven, the 600 will start at £29,990 and the 2000 £39,990.
Thoughts on an even more retro Caterham, folks?
Keyword: Caterham has launched two new ‘retro-inspired’ Sevens