Awesome Gary. Think the video doesn’t even come close to the actual experience you get. When you took me out in it yesterday I was blown away and amazed at the whole package. I shat myself at the feel of being on the edge. More fun than my Cosworth but I think just as big a grin factor but in a different way. Definitely a third car fun mental package and well done to Caterham. Keep those videos coming 👍👍.
@@CarFocused MK3 M380. There is nothing else like it. 3 sevens weigh the same as a mk3 FRS! And no not a 420. Mine is a Premier Power F160. So the 1.6 Ford sigma with ultra light flywheel, clutch, high lift cams updated injectors and more. It’s 165bhp and torque is just a touch below the 420, but with a much lighter engine. To be honest though, a humble caterham 270 is more fun than a modern hot hatch more of the time for me…
@@KrisFLton that’s great mate. The Caterham cannot be beaten for pure fun and engagement. Yours sounds similar to a 310R then? I reviewed one a couple of years back - that was great too!
I have a fairly old Caterham X-flow with 160hp and have been lucky enough to drive it around the UK, across Europe and even across the U.S. from Houston, Texas to San Francisco and including Las Vegas and a lot of places in between. It's now over thirty years old and even now I can go out to get some petrol and come home hours later after filling up and having less petrol than I started with!!
The ultimate British sports car. For me, the 7s are the best car for raw driving experience bar none. My perfect car, I'd go for the 620r. I'm not an outwardly emotional guy but with copious amounts of adrenaline pumping through my body when I put the first one I drove back in the garage, I'd actually thank it and say sleep tight. Crazy but that's the amount of pure emotion these things can pull out of you. It's like a mechanical suit that fits perfectly and becomes apart of you. No other car has managed to do that yet. Colin Chapman was a grade A+++++ genius and without him the world would be missing driving perfection.
Got my 420r in March of this year, it’s a weapon but most of all the driving experience is like no other. I’ve had lost fast cars but this takes engagement in driving to another level. The amount of looks you get is also insane!
Even lower powered 7's are fun. Around 25 years ago I had a mate that bought a BDR which I was so envious off. My disposable income limited me and I bought a used 1700 crossflow 135bhp and nothing fancy. It still makes me smile and I would get what I paid for it or very close. I would love a 420 but am getting on a bit so I content myself with my Supersprint. If you fancy a 7 and can't afford a top end one have a look for an older more affordable one. You will thank me, I promise. Now can I have a shot of your 420R 😀
7:37 this car has the lowered floor so the trans tunnel interferes a little more. I think cars without the lowered floor make it a little easier to shift and steer.
Having driven numerous road cars on track nothing is more enjoyable than a Caterham. Its as close to a race car you can get in a road car. Having said that its not a car I would use on the road.
Another really great video Gary. It’s funny to see your reaction as I’ve been lucky enough to be around cars like these, Elises and Exiges for years now (Lotuses have been in the family for decades but sadly being 6ft 6 I don’t fit behind the wheel of most of them! 😢). The first reaction of everyone who drives or even passengers in them is the same….. a mixture of pure joy, excitement and hysteria! 😂 My cousin has an original S3 Lotus 7 and a close friend has a 1986 2litre HPC Caterham 7 (owned from new) and both will never part with them due to that thrill they give them (and they’re lucky enough to be their 3rd or 4th cars!). Yes there are obviously a lot of compromises but if you value the pure fun and thrill of driving above everything else nothing comes close. Glad you enjoyed yourself and look forward to your next video mate 👍🏻 (PS. Have you given it back yet or hidden it somewhere?! 😂)
😂 I’ve reluctantly handed it back - who knows, maybe one day I’ll own one. It’s a totally different feel to your average road car isn’t it so like you say it always creates some hilarious reactions! I took my neighbour out and he was clinging on for dear life 😂 Thanks for watching and commenting 😃
Great vid mate ! Reminds me of the raw experience you get on a motorcycle..... I just wish your cap would have blown off....that would of been the icing on the cake for yet another top production 🤣🤣👍👍
Nice! I had a Caterham 7 1.6 k series Supersport. I actually p/x'd it for a new Leon Cupra R in 2002! Just wasn't doing enough track days. They're not like a car. NOTHING like a car. It's a DEVICE to get from a to b as QUICKLY as possible. With flies and wasps getting flattened on your forehead
A couple of cheeky little powerslides. Great mate. This weather driving on Country Roads feels great. Happy Hooning. Looks like a real enjoyable experience man, fair play. 💯 👍
@@CarFocused Have been wanting a Caterham for years but at 6’ 2” I’d need an SV which always seem to be more expensive. Been keeping eyes on Caterham prices since I retired a few years ago and they always hold their value incredibly well. Decided to go for a Westfield in the end, have found a beautifully built example which I’m picking up tomorrow.
I’ve been waiting patiently for a video to drop and it didn’t disappoint👍🏻..a caterham is something I’ve never actually given any thought to tbh but they do look some great fun. Interesting what you say about having a hot hatch tucked way for weekends but I couldn’t see myself parting with mine for one but I guess like you I’d need to drive one.ps congratulations on the cupra can’t wait for the review.
There are absolutely no hot hatches that can give you anything like the visceral sensation, immediacy or the feeling of being so connected to the car and the road than a Caterham 7 or it's ilk. No matter how much power, outright performance or swanky upgrades you fit, coming out of a 7 into a hatch, it will feel woolly, imprecise, muted and completely insulated from the road. Caterhams are not for the feint of heart, they're not regular cars, they're impractical, noisy, raw and there are times you hanker after the "luxury" of any normal car... but after a while, you will become a better driver, and have immense fun at the same time. I miss my 7 immensely.
If you want driving in its rawest, purest form, you can't really do much better than a Caterham! I've been lucky enough to drive a few and even the least powerful one is tons of fun! I would love to own one, but simply can't afford it, but my Mk1 MX-5 does the job nicely, although it does feel heavy and wooden after I've climbed in to it once driven a Caterham!
The Caterham after effects are horrible aren’t they when you jump back into a ‘normal’ road car! I might make it a mission to buy one as part of my midlife crisis in a few years 😂
Tell you what, I'm surprised your hat didn't come off. I've never driven one but they look bloody awesome to drive - although I may not be saying the same when it's raining 🤣 Cool video pal 😎
Drive one. They are unlike almost any other car you can drive on the road. Even a Lotus Elise seems luxurious after a Caterham. 😂Hire one or even just buy one of those "driving experience days" on a track. That's how i fell in love with them. I drove mine several times a week for 4 years, all year round. For inclement weather, they're a mixed bag, but quite usable. The normal hoods are a pain to put up, half hoods are a great alternative. Caterham themselves do track instruction days where you use their cars.
Great video mate, perfect conditions for testing it does look a lot of fun!! I’m sticking with my mk2 frs i actually don’t think I’d fit in it anyway 🤣 and i love my five pot to much on a sunny Sunday afternoon on song on a Empty B road I’d keep burning myself on the exhaust every time I stopped for on ice cream 🫣
Seen you grin and smile massively whilst driving other cars but your reaction to this one's says how just awesome this is question is would you swap it for the RS? I know I would 😎
The view of the pedal box appeared as though it'd be very easy to accidentally hit the accelerator pedal when braking. Seems like a pain to have to change footwear to skinny trainers or racing boots to drive safely.
I thought about swapping my focus for one, so borrowed one for a weekend. It was good but I think you need the track to get the most out of it, on the road I rather have my focus rs
What model did you borrow mate? I’m lucky to live around some really good roads, so can get the enjoyment out of it. But you’re right to get to it’s full potential you need to get it on track.
@@CarFocused 420R as well, obv it eats the RS in performance, and needs alot better driver than I am to get 100% out of it, but for a second car I'd def keep the my RS,like someone else said its more of a third car to have. I didn't get out thinking omg I've gotta have one now, where as when I got out of a V6 exige that blew me away alot more. Ps how was your right ear after a day's driving? haha
first ride in mine and it was really scary, even as a driver, what a machine i bought.... But it was the best decision of my life. I wouldn't give it away for any money in the world.
Awesome Gary. Think the video doesn’t even come close to the actual experience you get. When you took me out in it yesterday I was blown away and amazed at the whole package. I shat myself at the feel of being on the edge. More fun than my Cosworth but I think just as big a grin factor but in a different way. Definitely a third car fun mental package and well done to Caterham. Keep those videos coming 👍👍.
Thanks mate. Was a pleasure to take you for a little spin 👌🏻
I chopped my FRS in for one last year. Best thing I ever did!
@@KrisFLton that’s interesting to hear mate. Did you go for a 420? Also what mark RS did you have?
@@CarFocused MK3 M380. There is nothing else like it. 3 sevens weigh the same as a mk3 FRS! And no not a 420. Mine is a Premier Power F160. So the 1.6 Ford sigma with ultra light flywheel, clutch, high lift cams updated injectors and more. It’s 165bhp and torque is just a touch below the 420, but with a much lighter engine. To be honest though, a humble caterham 270 is more fun than a modern hot hatch more of the time for me…
@@KrisFLton that’s great mate. The Caterham cannot be beaten for pure fun and engagement. Yours sounds similar to a 310R then? I reviewed one a couple of years back - that was great too!
I have a fairly old Caterham X-flow with 160hp and have been lucky enough to drive it around the UK, across Europe and even across the U.S. from Houston, Texas to San Francisco and including Las Vegas and a lot of places in between. It's now over thirty years old and even now I can go out to get some petrol and come home hours later after filling up and having less petrol than I started with!!
That’s awesome. A car to keep for many years for sure 😊
The ultimate British sports car. For me, the 7s are the best car for raw driving experience bar none. My perfect car, I'd go for the 620r. I'm not an outwardly emotional guy but with copious amounts of adrenaline pumping through my body when I put the first one I drove back in the garage, I'd actually thank it and say sleep tight. Crazy but that's the amount of pure emotion these things can pull out of you. It's like a mechanical suit that fits perfectly and becomes apart of you. No other car has managed to do that yet. Colin Chapman was a grade A+++++ genius and without him the world would be missing driving perfection.
Got my 420r in March of this year, it’s a weapon but most of all the driving experience is like no other. I’ve had lost fast cars but this takes engagement in driving to another level. The amount of looks you get is also insane!
Agree with this 100% mate 👍🏻👍🏻
Even lower powered 7's are fun. Around 25 years ago I had a mate that bought a BDR which I was so envious off. My disposable income limited me and I bought a used 1700 crossflow 135bhp and nothing fancy. It still makes me smile and I would get what I paid for it or very close. I would love a 420 but am getting on a bit so I content myself with my Supersprint. If you fancy a 7 and can't afford a top end one have a look for an older more affordable one. You will thank me, I promise. Now can I have a shot of your 420R 😀
7:37 this car has the lowered floor so the trans tunnel interferes a little more. I think cars without the lowered floor make it a little easier to shift and steer.
A good no-nonsense appraisal. I have a 360R which puts a smile on my face even when I'm not driving it ☺️. Subbed👍.
Ah nice one! Must be really cool to own one! Thanks for the sub 😃
Having driven numerous road cars on track nothing is more enjoyable than a Caterham. Its as close to a race car you can get in a road car. Having said that its not a car I would use on the road.
Another really great video Gary.
It’s funny to see your reaction as I’ve been lucky enough to be around cars like these, Elises and Exiges for years now (Lotuses have been in the family for decades but sadly being 6ft 6 I don’t fit behind the wheel of most of them! 😢).
The first reaction of everyone who drives or even passengers in them is the same….. a mixture of pure joy, excitement and hysteria! 😂
My cousin has an original S3 Lotus 7 and a close friend has a 1986 2litre HPC Caterham 7 (owned from new) and both will never part with them due to that thrill they give them (and they’re lucky enough to be their 3rd or 4th cars!).
Yes there are obviously a lot of compromises but if you value the pure fun and thrill of driving above everything else nothing comes close.
Glad you enjoyed yourself and look forward to your next video mate 👍🏻
(PS. Have you given it back yet or hidden it somewhere?! 😂)
😂 I’ve reluctantly handed it back - who knows, maybe one day I’ll own one. It’s a totally different feel to your average road car isn’t it so like you say it always creates some hilarious reactions! I took my neighbour out and he was clinging on for dear life 😂
Thanks for watching and commenting 😃
Great vid mate !
Reminds me of the raw experience you get on a motorcycle.....
I just wish your cap would have blown off....that would of been the icing on the cake for yet another top production 🤣🤣👍👍
😂😂 it was touch and go at points haha. Thanks for watching mate!
I enjoyed my superlite when I had it. Most enjoyable car I have found. I got so I didn’t want to drive it on the street.
Nice! I had a Caterham 7 1.6 k series Supersport. I actually p/x'd it for a new Leon Cupra R in 2002! Just wasn't doing enough track days.
They're not like a car. NOTHING like a car. It's a DEVICE to get from a to b as QUICKLY as possible. With flies and wasps getting flattened on your forehead
😂😂 the closest thing you’ll get to a road legal Go Kart is how I describe it. Absolute hoot to drive 👌🏻
A couple of cheeky little powerslides. Great mate. This weather driving on Country Roads feels great. Happy Hooning. Looks like a real enjoyable experience man, fair play. 💯 👍
I could drive it all day, it’s so much fun! I did do some 🍩🍩 too but thought I’d leave that out of the video 😂
Good review….. great thing about the Caterham is minimal depreciation compared with a hot hatch.
Yes, this is a good point 👍🏻
@@CarFocused Have been wanting a Caterham for years but at 6’ 2” I’d need an SV which always seem to be more expensive. Been keeping eyes on Caterham prices since I retired a few years ago and they always hold their value incredibly well. Decided to go for a Westfield in the end, have found a beautifully built example which I’m picking up tomorrow.
I’ve been waiting patiently for a video to drop and it didn’t disappoint👍🏻..a caterham is something I’ve never actually given any thought to tbh but they do look some great fun. Interesting what you say about having a hot hatch tucked way for weekends but I couldn’t see myself parting with mine for one but I guess like you I’d need to drive one.ps congratulations on the cupra can’t wait for the review.
Hi Russ - many thanks mate! New car video coming soon 😀
There are absolutely no hot hatches that can give you anything like the visceral sensation, immediacy or the feeling of being so connected to the car and the road than a Caterham 7 or it's ilk. No matter how much power, outright performance or swanky upgrades you fit, coming out of a 7 into a hatch, it will feel woolly, imprecise, muted and completely insulated from the road. Caterhams are not for the feint of heart, they're not regular cars, they're impractical, noisy, raw and there are times you hanker after the "luxury" of any normal car... but after a while, you will become a better driver, and have immense fun at the same time. I miss my 7 immensely.
If you want driving in its rawest, purest form, you can't really do much better than a Caterham! I've been lucky enough to drive a few and even the least powerful one is tons of fun! I would love to own one, but simply can't afford it, but my Mk1 MX-5 does the job nicely, although it does feel heavy and wooden after I've climbed in to it once driven a Caterham!
The Caterham after effects are horrible aren’t they when you jump back into a ‘normal’ road car! I might make it a mission to buy one as part of my midlife crisis in a few years 😂
@@CarFocused Few years? You're generous! Just kidding pal!
@@CarObsession 👴🏻
Power to weight Amazing! 🤩
Cracking video mate - couldn't have had a better day for filming with that weather too! 😎
Mate it was glorious!
Tell you what, I'm surprised your hat didn't come off. I've never driven one but they look bloody awesome to drive - although I may not be saying the same when it's raining 🤣 Cool video pal 😎
You should get in touch with the guys at Caterham - you never know they might let you loose in one for the channel…😁
Drive one. They are unlike almost any other car you can drive on the road. Even a Lotus Elise seems luxurious after a Caterham. 😂Hire one or even just buy one of those "driving experience days" on a track. That's how i fell in love with them. I drove mine several times a week for 4 years, all year round. For inclement weather, they're a mixed bag, but quite usable. The normal hoods are a pain to put up, half hoods are a great alternative. Caterham themselves do track instruction days where you use their cars.
Great video mate, perfect conditions for testing it does look a lot of fun!! I’m sticking with my mk2 frs i actually don’t think I’d fit in it anyway 🤣 and i love my five pot to much on a sunny Sunday afternoon on song on a Empty B road
I’d keep burning myself on the exhaust every time I stopped for on ice cream 🫣
I have a burn mark on my leg from my week with the car 😂
Love to drive one even if it's a base model looks like alot of fun
Indeed mate - they are all great fun! Been lucky enough to try the 270S, 310R and now this. Loved all of them 😀
Seen you grin and smile massively whilst driving other cars but your reaction to this one's says how just awesome this is question is would you swap it for the RS? I know I would 😎
I think I would mate in all honesty!! There’s no better pure driving experience - the RS doesn’t come close!
great video mate :) love the Caterham
Gary is now negotiating with his wife as to whether he can get one instead of the Leon 🤔😉
That looks mega mate 👍
😂😂 Leon is a done deal now so it would have to be the RS 😳🙈
Great review, lovely car too! I hired a 270 which was amazing, can’t help thinking this model is the one to go for (budget permitting)
Yea for the road this one is the ultimate Caterham I would say!
@@CarFocused for the road a CSR 175 or 200 is the best Solution. An other level for bumpy roads.
It's well past time to twice bend the deDion tube and fit inboard rear discs.. AND make this modification retrofitable.
Love em mate good review. Maybe when the capri dies i get one
Sounds like a plan mate…😁👌🏻
The view of the pedal box appeared as though it'd be very easy to accidentally hit the accelerator pedal when braking. Seems like a pain to have to change footwear to skinny trainers or racing boots to drive safely.
I could be wrong 🤔 but are you having fun with this car? 😄
Nahhhh….😂😂
@carfocused what colour is this? Thanks!
I thought about swapping my focus for one, so borrowed one for a weekend. It was good but I think you need the track to get the most out of it, on the road I rather have my focus rs
What model did you borrow mate? I’m lucky to live around some really good roads, so can get the enjoyment out of it. But you’re right to get to it’s full potential you need to get it on track.
@@CarFocused 420R as well, obv it eats the RS in performance, and needs alot better driver than I am to get 100% out of it, but for a second car I'd def keep the my RS,like someone else said its more of a third car to have. I didn't get out thinking omg I've gotta have one now, where as when I got out of a V6 exige that blew me away alot more. Ps how was your right ear after a day's driving? haha
Try and get a ride in a 620, that thing is insane!
New sub! Liked 😀😃😁
Thank you 😃
310 has 160HP.... maximum... same basis to calculate as for the 420....
152
620 review coming soon?
If I can get one I’d be all over it 😃😂
Try out a legendary CSR 260. You’ll poop your pants. “Compared to any hot hatch”
first ride in mine and it was really scary, even as a driver, what a machine i bought....
But it was the best decision of my life. I wouldn't give it away for any money in the world.
Find some corners.
This was filmed on the B660 - great road.
A decent MK Indy is probably quicker than this on a track & defo cheaper. Less skittish on the road, too.
Then you haven't driven many. 🤣🤣🤣