Back in March, Managing Director Neil Franklin and Personal Lines Manager Ian Willis headed to Dartford in Kent for a behind-the-scenes look at the new Caterham HQ – and they came away impressed. During their visit, they took part in Caterham’s guided factory tour, which kicked off with a video introduction, offering an in-depth view of the company’s operations and heritage.
Caterham’s striking new headquarters opened in June 2024, thanks to a £4.5 million investment by Japanese owners VT Holdings. The 54,000 sq ft site, based within Dartford X – a modern nine-acre industrial park – brings production, engineering, motorsport and commercial departments under one roof for the first time in the brand’s history. Just a stone’s throw from the original factory, the location allowed Caterham to retain its experienced workforce – the same skilled team that hand-assembles each iconic Seven.
Here’s more from Ian’s Q&A with a guide Darren following the tour.
What are the key milestones in Caterham’s history?
There are many, but include:
1957: The first Lotus Seven was built.
1973: Caterham took over production rights from Lotus.
2007: Caterham celebrated 50 years of the Seven at Donnington Park.
2017: 60 years of the Seven.
2023: 50 years since Caterham acquired production rights from Lotus.
Are there any unique techniques or innovations used at the factory?
The team of technicians that creates the Seven takes a sense of pride in every component they attach to the car’s iconic frame. When they’re not bolting our British bundles of fury together, they’re hard at work theorising and ruminating on how they can save even more weight, refine the chassis further and extract every drop of power from the Seven.
Do you have plans for electric vehicles?
Yes, and it’s an exciting step forward. Project V is Caterham’s statement of intent – an electric vehicle that stays true to the brand’s DNA: driver-focused, lightweight and fun. It boasts a 0–62mph time of 4.5 seconds, a top speed of 143mph, and a 249-mile range from a 55kWh battery.
An EV Seven isn’t headed for production just yet. It’s currently a research project – a test-bed designed to understand how electric powertrains can meet Caterham’s high expectations around simplicity, lightness, and driving enjoyment.
What challenges has Caterham overcome?
A good example is the Ford Duratec engine, which is used in many models. It comes from the Ford Fiesta and Focus, but requires 13 hours of modification to remove unnecessary parts. Custom components are also designed to allow seamless integration with Mazda gearboxes – showcasing the team’s adaptability and precision.
Who are the biggest buyers of Caterham cars?
France leads the way, with five main dealers and a thriving race series. Japan comes next, with 21 dealers – and a clear favourite in colour: vintage green with aluminium. The UK is the third biggest market. Across the board, 80% of Caterhams are built for road use, and 20% for racing.
Has Caterham set any Guinness World Records?
Yes! The Caterham 7 Fireblade held the world record for the fastest car in reverse – 102.58mph – for 22 years. Although that record was recently broken by the electric Rimac Nevera at 171.34mph, it still speaks volumes about Caterham’s engineering flair.
Which models are currently available?
Caterham’s current line-up includes:
- Seven 170 – 660cc Turbocharged Suzuki, 84BHP, 105mph
- Super Seven 600 – 660cc Turbocharged Suzuki, 84BHP, 105mph
- Super Seven 2000 – 2.0L Ford Duratec, 180BHP, 130mph
- Seven 360 – 2.0L Ford Duratec, 180BHP, 130mph
- Seven 420 / 420 CUP – 2.0L Ford Duratec, 210BHP, 136mph
- Seven 620 – Supercharged 2.0L Ford Duratec, 310BHP, 149mph
- Seven CSR Twenty – 2.0L Ford Duratec, 210BHP, 136mph
- Academy Race Package – Caterham Motorsport Engine
- 420R Race Package – 2.0L Ford Duratec, 175BHP, 132mph
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