2000 Caterham Seven 1.8 K series vvc Roadsport

Let’s not beat around the high-performance bush here, for this is one seriously well-maintained example of a Caterham Seven Roadsport. “I bought it on the 6th of September 2000,” explains vendor Simon Wilson. “I’ve used it for mainly for private use, high days and holidays with the odd summer drive to work and back (30 miles). It’s never been taken on a track; it’s never been raced; and it’s as spotless today as when I bought it.”

That superlative condition is due to the fact that the car has never even been driven in the rain, or seen a grain of salt. “It’s always been stored under a cover in the garage, with the chrome given a light coat of Vaseline during the winter months. The Seven has also never been in an accident and importantly, it’s not had any bumps or scratches to the under panels.”

Simon’s 71 now and has just had a knee replacement, with another one on the way. “When I took it for its last MOT I was okay getting in but getting back out was beyond me, so I thought it’s time for a soft-top car with doors. As such, he’s just treated himself to a rather more forgiving Mercedes-Benz SLC 300.”

That of course means that this immaculate little road burner is up for grabs. So what will the next owner be getting? Well the original invoice (which can be seen in the Seven’s history file) shows that for the princely sum of £23,575 Simon specced the following:

A fully built Roadsport (Series 3 chassis)

150bhp 1.8 VVC engine

Lightweight flywheel

Anti-cavitation oil tank

Five-speed gearbox

Limited slip differential

Supersports suspension with De Dion rear axle

Standard brakes

14” alloy wheels with Avon road tyres

Cycle wings

Caterham Red paint with a Gold bonnet strips

Standard trim with leather adjustable seats

Momo steering wheel

Heater

Full windscreen and wipers

Weather equipment, tonneau and hood bag

Standard immobiliser

Black4-point harnesses

And a battery isolator switch

“The car has immaculate Red and Gold striped bodywork with no dents, scratches or stone-chips,” says Simon. He’s not kidding by the way, as a quick flick through our photographic gallery and a viewing of our video (both below) will demonstrate. It is blooming immaculate.

The Red and Gold paintwork is a wonderful hue for a Seven and the paint itself retains a simply superb lustre. Stainless steel protectors are fitted to the rear wings, both guarding them and adding an extra, pleasing visual detail.

Minilite type alloy wheels are fitted and have locking wheel nuts for extra security; tyres are matching Avon ZV1s each with plenty of tread remaining. A matching spare is fitted to the rear and the evocative side exhaust exits on the passenger side. An electrical cut-off switch is fitted inside the lower edge of the offside front windscreen frame.

We love the look of this car. Perhaps the only thing we’d change is to fit a more discreet front number-plate, but that’s simply personal taste.

There’s not much to a Caterham Seven interior; simple, focussed and nicely finished are its bywords. This car’s presents very nicely. There’s the slightest hint of a crease on the driver’s seat bolster, but other than that it’s just as it’s creators finished it.

“The black leather seats are spotless, with no marks or cuts, and rubber mats are fitted. The four-point harnesses hold you really firmly in the car seat,” says Simon.

It comes with a heated front windscreen and a smart Momo steering wheel, with which to enjoy the car’s intense performance.

All weather kit is supplied unused in its original carry bag. The car comes with a spare tonneau without poppers.

Who better to explain exactly how the Seven drives, than the vendor himself: “The car is absolutely wonderful to drive. It has stunning performance; very fast acceleration with very good deceleration thanks to the lightweight flywheel. And as you’d expect the Seven is also extremely good at cornering. I’ve had a lot of enjoyment from driving the car, especially in the summer months.”

At purchase Simon decided to treat himself opting for the larger 1.8 VVC engine, rather than the 1.4. Popping the bonnet panel off reveals both engine and a bay in very clean condition. “All mechanicals are sound. The under-body floor-pan, suspension and engine bay were all treated with Waxoyl, when the car was two days old.”

A Caterham outlet carried out the first service (which can be seen in the service book) and Simon had another completed at a garage (again, this can be seen in the service book), but he and a retired mechanic friend have carried all others out. The last being 18 months ago, as unsurprisingly the car hasn’t seen much action due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It comes with a new oil filter and a new speedo gearbox seal, both unfitted. Whilst I have had the car it’s only needed a new headlight (due to hitting a bird), new windscreen wipers and arms, a new seal for the speedo drive and a replacement battery (fitted 15/8/20, with a 2-year warranty).”

The vendor also tells us that the under body, suspension and engine bay have been covered in waxoyl to prevent corrosion from 2 days old and the vehicle has been kept in a garage covered with duvets.

We do note that the throttle cable is slightly sticky and believe either lubrication or a new cable may be required. The throttle body itself does move freely as it should. 

All original handbooks are included in the history file, as well as the original purchase invoice. As discussed above, the service book shows two stamps (one at 515 miles, carried out on 21/05/01 and the other at 5040 miles, carried out on 26/09/08) with the rest being carried out by Simon and his mechanic friend.

You’ll also find a number of invoices, expired MOT test certificates and other bits and bobs including the V5C document and current MOT certificate (which runs until 13/09/22).

The car comes with two sets of keys and a spare electrical shut-off key.

This is an eye-catching and exceedingly well-maintained example of Caterham’s superlative Seven output. With the larger 150bhp 1.8-litre engine it’s a proper little goer, too.

Many Caterhams live hard lives, but this has been cosseted. It’s never seen a track, wet weather or winter roads and that’s reflected both in its overall condition and how it drives (tight and on the button!).

We think this lovely Seven will sell for somewhere between £15,000 and £20,000. Simon’s sadly having to sell but his careful custodianship means that one thing’s sure and that’s that the next owner will not be disappointed with this car.

High-performance hi-jinks await.

Viewing is always encouraged, and as stated this car is located at THE MARKET HQ near Abingdon; we are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’