Future Proof Caterham Seven Simplicity is the key of course and when properly built a Caterham Seven or clone there’s only engine, brakes, steering and suspension to keep in check rather than any complicated electricals. Or possibly wipers, or doors. Depends on the spec but a 1700 Supersprint in ‘91 starts at £------ (The prices are always changing ask the Future Proof Cars team for up to date prices and links to examples for sale). 

Seventh heaven, how to buy a Seven

Pretty much everything is on show when it comes to looking at a Seven, which is great. Remove the bonnet and stick it on a ramp and it is all exposed, but if this is your first Seven always take a Club member with you.

The mileages can be very low because the average annual mileage is just 2500. However that does not mean that the parts are not worn out as an old engine could have been installed before sale. The Caterham factory can tell you whether the engine and chassis numbers match.

Certainly the Rover and Vauxhall engines are trouble free in standard tune. Ford's crossflow unit though can have worn valve guides, so blip the throttle and look out for blue smoke from the exhaust. A service history or records if the owner does DIY is essential and most enthusiast owners will have one because regular oil changes are vital if the engine is to survive.

Exhausts are probably the single most expensive part to worry about and can cost upwards of £500 to replace. On most models the rest of the parts are easy to source consumables from starters to water pumps at affordable prices.

No real corrosion problems because of fibreglass wings, powder-coated chassis and aluminium body, but look for powdery deposits on the bodywork. The chassis tubes should be dead straight; otherwise the 7 could have had a knock. The handling should be pin sharp, if wayward; perhaps the suspension is badly set up after an accident.

Watch out for circuit use. Many are used on track days and for races, which will wear components. Scrubbed tyres, race specification tyres, five-point safety harness, fire extinguisher and external battery cut-off switch and no carpets all suggest a racing past.

Lucky Seven….which one

Medium Mad Seven

Caterham Roadsport 160. Factory fresh flyweight that punches way above its weight. 165bhp Rover engine delivers 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds which shames many supercars. With your arse inches from the tarmac this is the most involving sports car you can buy. It’s F1 on the cheap.

Budget Seven

If you want the easy worry free Seven option then a Metro engined 1.4 Classic which someone has built in their spare time is the answer. Performance is not too shoddy either, Colin would love it. He probably wouldn’t be happy about the clone option in the shape of a Robin Hood/Locust etc