Simplicate and add Lighteness

The Caterham Super 7 is a lightweight sports car built by Caterham Cars from the United Kingdom. It has gained a large following since its launch under the Lotus brand in kit car form in 1957. Under colin chapman's leadership, the car embodies the legendary engineer's "Simplicate and add lightness" credo like no other. The Seven, first presented at the Earl's Court Motor Show, made no concessions to passenger comfort, but instead focused on performance and affordability. In fact, the first Seven cost less than £1100 when it was new, making it a truly attainable icon of British automotive history.

After Lotus ended production of its Seven, Caterham bought the manufacturing rights and continued to sell the car to its growing fan base. Light, agile and fast, the Seven has been produced in different versions, but the basic concept has always remained the same. Today, buyers of a Seven still have the option to choose between already assembled cars and kit cars.

The Caterham CSR GT, showing its beetle-wing doors opened.

The latest version of the Seven is the CSR model. It's the most heavily modified version compared to the original concept but has retained its signature Seven design features. The cars have a 4-cylinder in-line 2.3-liter Cosworth engine that produces 200 horsepower in its standard trim and 260 horsepower when a more powerful engine is installed.

The Caterham CSR GT, featured here, is a special, one-off version of the Caterham CSR 200. It's based on a standard production chassis from 2009, with the optional 200 bhp Cosworth engine. It was designed and developed in 2013 by a former Sauber F1 Team designer in Switzerland. Its assembly was entrusted to HMC, Helvetic Motor Company. The modifications to the original package are limited to the body and interior, the mechanics such as engine, transmission, gearbox, brakes, steering, exhaust and pushrod suspension parts are standard.

The Caterham CSR GT in profile

The sporty and aerodynamic lines of the bodywork emphasize the dynamics of this vehicle. Harmonious proportions of low and light volumes visually underline the equally balanced masses, as well as the low weight and center of gravity. Pronounced wheel arches accentuate the four wheels and tires that literally stick to the asphalt. The striking details are taken from motorsport, as well as the materials used for the panels; a combination of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) and carbon fiber.

The interior is built around the driver to create a seamless connection between them, the car and the road. Like the bodywork, the interior is completely custom-made and unique.

The door panels and dashboard are finished in the same blue color as the exterior and contrast well with the black bucket seats and carpeting.

The Caterham CSR GT interior

The futuristic angular shapes of the exterior can be found on the dashboard where the most essential instruments can be found right in front of the driver: speed and tachometer. The fuel and water temperature gauges are located on the center console. A red start button, metal gear lever and a series of toggle switches complete the sporty look of the interior.

The Caterham CSR GT was offered up for auction in 2022, successfully sold, and its whereabouts are not currently known. However, it is an interesting one-off that deserves inclusion here on Rare Component Cars.

Sources:

Bonhams 

Silodrome

The Caterham CSR GT, showing its beetle-wing doors opened.

The Caterham CSR GT, showing its seating accommodations.

The Caterham CSR GT engine bay

The Caterham CSR GT head on

The Caterham CSR GT's 200bhp Cosworth engine

The Caterham CSR GT, ready for a fun ride