For the new car, the Caterham Seven Sprint, developed to mark 60 years of the model, the automaker chose to look to the past for inspiration.
The concept behind the Sprint is that though it has modern-day foundations, at first look, it appears like a 1960s production automobile. So, for example, the wheels are painted cream and are finished with polished metal hubcaps. The front and rear lights have been created to appear like those seen on the original Lotus 7– the vehicle on which the Caterham is based. Likewise, the steering wheel and dashboard are completed in wood, and the seats are hand-stitched leather.
“We have always prided ourselves on continually making the Seven during the 44 years we have been the custodian of the design. However we never wished to dismiss our heritage either,” stated Caterham Cars CEO, Graham Macdonald. “It’s a vehicle that has been built today, with all the benefits that modern engineering brings with it, however the essence of the swinging ’60s and is the perfect precursor to our 60th-anniversary celebration in 2017.”
Available to purchase now with deliveries due to begin in 2017, the Caterham Seven Sprint will cost from ₤ 27,995 ($37,052) and only 60 units will be constructed for the European market. Numbers for Asia and the United States, where the company is developing a fan following are yet to be verified.
