Caterham is one of the few British carmakers who have not lost their soul with this whole globalization thing. Sure, they get their engines from an established mainstream manufacturer, as opposed to making their own, however, that along with other clever management touches is what keeps the brand alive and thriving.

Their experience in the field of creating sports cars with pin-sharp handling is appreciated, and well known in the business. This is why Renault asked them to co-develop their very important Alpine sports car, acknowledging their expertise.

Meanwhile, Caterham still has to sell the Seven, which looks as it did many years ago, but benefits from several technological advancements made over the years, as well as a limited edition model celebrating the model’s 40th anniversary.

The small series British manufacturer announced that the first 40 cars to be bought from May 9 onward would get a special pack which gave the cars “a unique, limited edition plaque, the celebratory pack included ruby red ‘40YOC’ paint with bespoke bonnet stripes, hand-tailored leather seats, dashboard and interior, a custom made key machined from aluminium and new 15” silver alloy wheels,” at no extra cost to the new owner.

It sounds like a good deal, and it really is. However, if you still want this unique celebratory pack, you can’t have it, because it has been sold out. Nevertheless, if you were thinking of getting a Caterham, for the thrill of driving, you can still do so, with prices starting at £19,995 for a basic model, going all the way up to more than double that for a SuperlightR500, or an even more extreme R600.

By Andrei Nedelea

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