Currently reading: New Caterham Super Seven 1600 revives spirit of the Seventies

Retro-styled take on the entry-level 270 offers bespoke body design and distinctive engine note

Caterham has revealed the new Super Seven 1600 as a retro-inspired take on its flagship open-wheel sports car

Available to order now, the new model draws on the British brand’s heritage, as did the limited-run Sprint and Super Sprint models from 2016 and 2017. Unlike those cars, though, it is a permanent addition to the Caterham line-up.

The Super Seven 1600 is powered by the same 1.6-litre Ford Sigma engine as the brand’s entry-level 270 model, meaning it can crack the 0-62mph sprint in around five seconds and hit a top speed of 122mph. 

Mechanical changes are limited to the addition of DCOE throttle body injectors - said to provide a "distinctive growl" reminiscent of 1970s rally cars - and chrome-finished K&N air filters, which complement the car’s retro-inspired styling. 

The new arrival - available in standard and wider SV form - retains the Seven's familiar silhouette but can be told apart from existing models by a raft of bespoke design elements. The most obvious of these are its unique flared front wings, as worn by early Caterham models, which extend from the headlights back to the bulkhead. 

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There’s also a spare wheel carrier at the rear and alloy wheels that replicate the eight-spoke design common to British sports cars in the 1970s. The model can be specified with a choice of seven heritage-inspired paint schemes. 

Inside, it gains a wood-rimmed steering wheel and tailored leather upholstery. 

Caterham CEO Graham McDonald said: “Both of our most recent retro-inspired Sevens – the Sprint and Super Sprint – sold out in record time so we know the appeal for these cars is strong.

“We’re excited to introduce the most powerful Super Seven ever built, a reimagining of a true modern icon, delivering exactly what the original was designed to offer – a focus on driving feel and race-inspired upgrades but with some touches of luxury to the finishes.”

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Prices begin at £33,495 for a full build kit, but Caterham will assemble the car for an additional £2395.

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Felix Page

Felix Page
Title: Deputy editor

Felix is Autocar's deputy editor, responsible for leading the brand's agenda-shaping coverage across all facets of the global automotive industry - both in print and online.

He has interviewed the most powerful and widely respected people in motoring, covered the reveals and launches of today's most important cars, and broken some of the biggest automotive stories of the last few years. 

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russ13b 12 April 2020

the more i think about it

... the less i get it. For the same money you can get a better caterham. Also, those front wings give lots of front lift. i was really hoping for a new 160, but done properly so it didn't have the shortcomings and drove how everyone was hoping it would

gavsmit 10 April 2020

Seems a lot of money.....

...but all cars cost obscene amounts of money now - at least this is a specialised vehicle for true motoring enthusiasts rather than just another sinister corporation churning out more SUVs shown in pathetic lifestyle / woke adverts.

Big Jeff 10 April 2020

What is it, then?

Carbs or fuel injection throttle bodies? Pics and words don't match up.