2009 Caterham CSR GT Coupé

The car on offer is a special version of a Caterham CSR 200. The basis of the car is a standard 2009 production Caterham chassis with the 200hp Cosworth engine version. This unique, one-off model was engineered and developed in 2013 by the former Sauber F1 Team designer in Switzerland. The assembly of the car was entrusted to H.M.C. Helvetic Motor Company. The modifications of the car are limited to the bodywork and interior, the mechanicals such as engine, transmission, gearbox, brakes, steering, exhaust, and pushrod-suspension parts are the same as the original car. The result is an ultimate driver for petrolheads that wish to have a car suited for daily use on public roads, while knowing that the car is capable of fast lap times on the track. The owner reports that this car offers sensational and very intuitive driving pleasure and combines supercar level performance with uncompromising handling. At time of writing, the odometer of the car shows a total of 8365kms.

The athletic and aerodynamic lines of the bodywork evoke the experience of the vehicle dynamics even in stance. Harmonious proportions of low and light volumes visually underline the equally balanced masses as also the low weight and centre of gravity. Pronounced wheel arches are highlighting the four wheels and tires which literally stick on the tarmac. The striking details are derived from motorsport, as are the materials used for the panels; a combination between glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP) and carbon fibre. The outside of the car presents in overall very good condition. The glacier blue paint only shows the usual, very light signs of wear. A small crack can be found on the front nose of the car but does not impact the integrity of the part and is only visible upon close inspection. All the lights, featuring modern LED technology, are working, and are not damaged in any form. The wheels are in excellent condition, though the rear left rim has a scratch that remains barely noticeable. The tyres do not appear to have extensive wear. The apparent exhaust silencer is in good condition without any rust. All the panel gaps are straight and are a testament to the excellent build quality of this example. We are very much impressed by the level of detail the designer and constructor of this car went into; not a single part of the car is boring, giving the Seven a distinctive look. We especially appreciate the rounded rear window, which we find a particularly futuristic touch.

The interior is built around the driver to create a seamless connection between the driver, the car, and the road. Just like the bodywork, the interior is completely tailor made and unique. Door panels and dashboard are kept in the same blue colour as the exterior and contrast well with the black bucket seats and carpeting. The futuristic edgy shapes of the outside are found back on the dashboard where the most essential instruments can be found right in front of the driver: speed and rev counter. The petrol and water temperature gauges are located on the middle console. A red starter button, metal gear lever and a series of toggle switches round off the sporty appearance of the interior. Overall, very little signs of wear can be seen. The plastic and metal surfaces are free from scratches and very clean. The seats are not damaged, and the black Alcantara leather is in good condition, as is the carpeting. The paint next to the closing mechanism inside the door frame is slightly chipped. Overall, we can conclude that the interior has been well cared for by the owner.

The mechanicals of the car are in equally good state, as one would expect from a vehicle that has run less than 10000kms. No components show any rust or appear to be damaged. The engine, just like the engine bay in general is clean and does not show any signs of leaks. As previously stated, the tyres are in good condition. Despite being very exposed to the elements, no rust is to be seen on either chassis, suspension, or exhaust parts, leading us to the conclusion that this car was almost never driven in the rain. The owner reports that the vehicle has always received the best care under his ownership (as one would expect from someone who designed his own car!) and that the Seven is “on the button” and does not need any works before it can be enjoyed.

The car was built in 2013 using a standard Caterham CSR 200 donor car. It is offered for public sale for the first time and was always owned by the same collector since its conception.

We can all agree that a Caterham Seven is a special car, but the example offered is unique and presents the opportunity to acquire an absolute one-off example built to the highest quality standards and in almost as-new condition. The quirky futuristic bodywork combines lightness and comfort as it greatly improves usability of the CSR compared to its standard body style layout with a soft top that can be tricky to affix and only provides limited protection against the elements. As such, this very special automobile can be used as a fully road legal, reliable and fun daily driver, but if he feels like it, the owner can also take this car to the Swiss mountain passes or the local track day and have a lot of fun. It is the ultimate driving machine for individualist petrol heads.