Can You Daily Drive a Caterham 7? 5 things you should know!

[@drew699]

The Caterham 7 is the best car that I have EVER owned. What a special machine. It fits you like a glove, to drive it is just so intuitive and sooo quick. It is the benchmark for ALL performance cars, bar none. Epic thing. I never found the engine heat intrusive, loved the doors off in warm weather, loved the tonneau on in rain or cold weather, the full hood worked fine, could get a weeks luggage & tent & camping gear for two on board and it is simply hands down, the most fun car that I have ever owned. Enjoy.

[@neverendingweekend]

Agree and thanks!

[@alexbain9762]

Great video. I built a Seven/4 way back in 1970 and did about 40,000 miles in the first year as it was my company car and I was a UK service tech, I was sent everywhere as I had the fasted car ! The best job I ever had with the best car I ever had.

[@neverendingweekend]

😆 that’s a pretty good job! 😎

[@Ulthnac]

I fell in love with the Seven 20 years ago (I'm currently 31), and even when I'm told it's a silly car to buy, I answer that it's no debate : I WILL buy one someday. I long for that sensation of driving for the sole pleasure of driving, without the sanitization that is the trademark of modern vehicles. Thank you for this video that offers a inside perspective about what it's like to daily drive a Caterham, it's making my dream goal even closer and tangible.

[@neverendingweekend]

Same story over and over.. I saw my first one when I was 20. And like you, made the decision to own one right there and then. It only took a bit more than 2 decades to do it. 😉 Keep the dream alive. It’ll happen when the time is right! ❤️ The beautiful thing is, that it’ll still be the exact same when you finally pull the trigger. 🥰

[@mikemoore7250]

At last, an american video that doesn't just focus on speed or the cars "cuteness". Nice one sir

[@sambagogo777]

That made me chuckle because there truly have been some atrocious videos on KZbin by Americans about the Caterham 7!

[@neverendingweekend]

@@sambagogo777😅

[@neverendingweekend]

Thank you sir. It’s possible that it’s because I’m not American… 🤷‍♂️🇨🇦

[@davevernon4993]

One of the most important cars in sports/track/racing history, with its bare bones originating over 65 years ago, and still challenging stuff 20 times its price... Great video, and a true gem. Liked shared and subbed.

[@neverendingweekend]

Thanks,.. and agree. Definitely deserves a page in the history books.

[@deseast1267]

Nice video, It's funny that so many people who have either driven a Caterham or who own one will generally all say how special this car is to drive whether it's the low powered 170 version or the 320hp 620R (620hp per ton), but I think that without actually driving one it's difficult to see what the big deal is with them, especially if your one of those people who only really go for big horsepower cars/supercars. It's the power to weight ratio that is the key, so even a low powered Seven will out accelerate, corner and out brake a lot of cars which on paper should be much faster than a 7. In the UK the Lotus/Caterham 7 was banned from virtually all British sports car racing because in most races where 7's were entered they usually won when competing against MGB's, Healey, Morgans, Jaguars, Porsches etc. I recall seeing one unusual race at the Brands Hatch circuit where the Sevens were allowed to compete in a race which featured most types of British sports cars as well as Mustangs, Cobra's, Corvettes and BMW's and Porsches, but the Sevens were only allowed in the race providing that no matter how good their pre-race qualifying times were, that they all started at the back of the grid. Once the race started, within about 5 laps all of the Sevens had got past the other competitors and took all the front places at the end of the race. You could see that because the cars were so light their cornering speeds were noticeably much higher than the opposition and their braking into the corners was far later than everything else which is where their relative lack of power was compensated for, also because of the lightness, the tyres, brakes and gearboxes tended to last longer when racing.

[@bombski5657]

Great video, also the wind noise at the start kind of fits the video's subject 😂. Think I'm going to hire a caterham for a few days and see how I get on.

[@neverendingweekend]

So glad you think the wind adds to the ambiance. 😅 The Caterham is the perfect car to hire/rent. ‘I love to visit, but wouldn’t want to live there’ 😉

[@bombski5657]

@@neverendingweekend there's a few places you can rent them here (Scotland) hoping to have some fun in the windy roads but I'll be avoiding the pot holes at all costs.

[@neverendingweekend]

I have family in Scotland. Hoping to visit one day. Maybe I’ll rent one there too ;)

[@ted7automotivephotography519]

I daily drove my Super Seven 1.6SS almost 5 years when I was living in Belgium. So yes, you can 😛

[@cllwydd]

Very good post. Insightful.

[@neverendingweekend]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed! ☺️

[@cllwydd]

I was seriously going to buy a C7 replica. for work. I would have been sorry and my wife would have killed me. @@neverendingweekend

[@neverendingweekend]

I always found the old adage true: easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission 😅

[@edward_zoltan]

Lovely factual video,thank you. My experience over the years were two Lotus 7 series 4 both with big valve twin cam engines, followed by a Caterham HPC. However my favourite daily driver was a Honda Fireblade come summer and winter. I always felt much safer and more comfortable on a bike.

[@neverendingweekend]

Thank you. Really? I feel like the caterham was kind of like a ‘bike’ amongst cars. I love riding too but, compared to cars, like the caterham, all the great things are great, but all the negatives are also amplified. Keep the rubber side down!

[@markywellsboy2182]

An American waxing lyrical about a true driving machine, rather than some 5 litre monster that only delivers the same BHP as this but without the ability to negotiate corners and bends. Good work, that man.

[@neverendingweekend]

Thank you, sir. ☺️ … but it maybe because I’m actually Canadian. 🇨🇦😉

[@markywellsboy2182]

@neverendingweekend apologies, chap. I am reprimanding myself for such a terrible insult 😔 😔

[@sproony2715]

“simplify, then add lightness”.

[@ianscott3180]

I had one for years, they are the best fun you can have with your clothes on. If you are alone you can use the passenger footwell to carry the supermarket haul. If it is raining use the Ford.

[@neverendingweekend]

So true. The boot is bigger than you’d think too ;)

[@amyperry9939]

Great video! The problem of low speed drivability relates more to poor mapping than the lightweight flywheel. It’s a well known issue on the CSR 200. I have a friend who has a CSR 200 that had the same problem & a remap transformed the car. I live in Scotland & I have a Caterham 420R. They’re addictive cars, I love them! 😁👍

[@neverendingweekend]

Interesting! 🤔 going to look into it. Thanks!

[@redseven485]

Yup, it gets pretty rocky if you're not pulling through the revs and gears.

[@disinverted]

Yup, agree with amyperry9939. I have a 420R with lightened flywheel. Low revs/ light throttle manners were terrible on mine, lots of kangarooing in traffic etc. had it remapped and the car has been transformed, highly recommend it

[@spacedrifter1961]

A brief bare bones opinion of the 7, nicely done👍. It's impracticality is one of its attractions. Like the channel name!

[@neverendingweekend]

Thank you. Had the name for maybe decades. Finally using it for something. ;)

[@cdcaterham]

picking up my Caterham next weekend.. I can't wait. ❤

[@neverendingweekend]

It’s like none other. Congratulations!

[@aviatorslounge6174]

I drive mine daily as long as its dry conditions and above 8 degrees C. Did 3000+ miles last year.

[@neverendingweekend]

I think I did 500 in the last 3 😔

[@aviatorslounge6174]

@@neverendingweekend You need to get out there more. Something happens when you get closer to my distance driven. Sounds cliché but you become one with the car and it makes the experience so much better.

[@colinjohnson5515]

Love the quick summary. I’d love to own one as a 3rd or 4th vehicle due to the mostly warm/hot weather in Dallas TX. Thanks for the information

[@neverendingweekend]

TX would be perfect. It has to be stored half the year here. 🤷‍♂️

[@colinjohnson5515]

@@neverendingweekend yeah it’s great weather from now through January. And then March through May.

[@neverendingweekend]

@@colinjohnson5515 jealous.

[@redseven485]

Can confirm. Either take your mobile out of your pocket before strapping in. Or simply leave it the heck at home...

[@neverendingweekend]

💯

[@disinverted]

I mount my iPhone on a mag charger and use my air pods to suppress excessive wind noise at high speed. That way I have Sat nav, music, radio, hands free calling etc. you get all the infotainment tech mod cons of a regular car but still all the thrills of the magnificent seven!

[@andyvitale6071]

Thanks for sharing.

[@neverendingweekend]

You’re very welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@savage22bolt32]

Such a cool presentation of the car i want next! I'll keep my Jeep for errands. BTW, I always wear earplugs while riding a m/c, so I would keep them handy in the 7.

[@savage22bolt32]

So I came back home subbed!

[@neverendingweekend]

Thx friend. Seven vids are coming. And some other surprises too. 😉❤️

[@neverendingweekend]

Serious question: you think i should separate motorcycle stuff somewhere else or keep on this channel?

[@savage22bolt32]

@@neverendingweekend my opinion, same channel. But I'm just a big dummy! (68 yrs old)

[@davidkim-vp7bk]

Maybe not a daily driver. But still a sweet whip.

[@lukefarmer4239]

These days, brand new cars that you CAN import into the US come with three-point seatbelts, padded leather seats and all the creature comforts of a normal car, including a roof and a heater, and windscreen.

[@davidprocter3578]

That would be a 1950's roadster not 1970's, of course been much upgraded over the years. Still one of the very best drivers cars available anywhere, If you live somewhere with good weather and good country roads and drive mostly on your own, happiest behind a wheel the 7 needs to be on your list. Does anyone know what the Jeep and the 7 have in common?

[@neverendingweekend]

Caterham bought the rights in the early 70’s after Lotus produced the original ‘7’ for 15 years (since 1957) 🤓 Jeep and 7..? Originally, offered with no doors? 🤷‍♂️

[@davidprocter3578]

@@neverendingweekend I lived not too far from Caterham an drank in a pub just down the road from their base occasionally. It was a hang out for bikers and car moders back then late sixties onward. The connection is bizarre, both were inspired by the Austin Seven.

[@neverendingweekend]

@@davidprocter3578 very cool.

[@jeromewagschal9485]

That thing makes you feel like a WW1 fighter pilot... Indeed you need goggles and maybe a leather hat and a scarf...

[@neverendingweekend]

So true.

[@visualsbyeric]

Old video, but was wondering what state this is in. I live in California & am hoping to get one in the near future, but heard registering Caterhams in California are near impossible. I'd love to know your experience with getting your car legal, whether you live in CA or not. Thanks in advance!

[@neverendingweekend]

Sold it! To an American! 😅 I sold it on BAT. I think the bidding was stifled by so many people worried about getting it into the US. My buyer used an experienced shipper and they basically made it no problem. As for getting it into Canada in the first place,.. well, that’s a whole ‘nother story. The Caterham is definitely one of those passion purchases for sure! Good luck on your journey!

[@oatmeal636]

I would recommend looking into learning how to properly expose a shot

[@neverendingweekend]

Ha! I had a lot of issues with the HDR feature on the iPhone (note: turn it off!). I’m surprised you’re the first one that mentioned it. 😅

[@mikepeterson3259]

I still want to get one! 😊

[@neverendingweekend]

Love it or not, it’s like no other!

[@neverendingweekend]

man. I need to learn about color correction... add another thing to the list, I guess. 😔

[@markm0000]

I still want one as my daily even though it’s impractical. Lime green 360S SV with leather padded seats, 3 point seatbelts, rear exhaust, roll bar, and a bikini top cover.

[@neverendingweekend]

The bikini is one of the first things I bought. It looks awesome and gets your heads out of the sun, but if it was cumbersome to get in before, as the bikini and it’s downright hard. 😅

[@markm0000]

@@neverendingweekend The harder it is to drive makes it more of a desirable experience. I’m way past buying another boring car at this point in life.

[@neverendingweekend]

@@markm0000 then you’ve set your sights in the right car ;)

[@ouais5904]

I've been daily driving a 1983 Seven with a Lotus engine for almost 3 years now. You won't regret it :)

[@riship2500]

Any tips on sourcing one especially for USA?

[@neverendingweekend]

Besides local distributors, Bringatrailer.com is probably your best bet. You could try Caterham in the UK and see who a local seller could be. You’ll see mine on Bringatrailer later this spring ;)

[@KarmaMechanic988]

Is it better to get a lotus 7 than a caterham because of The collectible pedigree? Have original lotus sevens that have been restored commanding decent prices? Anybody know?

[@neverendingweekend]

I’d say, Caterham’s hold their value. Not sure if they are truly collectible. Lotus, I have no specific experience with.

[@hhkk6155]

Easley beats motorcycle as a daily 😅

[@neverendingweekend]

Improves the comfort by just enough while still being thrilling to drive. 👍😄

[@doubleutubefan5]

I could hear a freight train in the background in the intro.

[@neverendingweekend]

Good ear. It’s actually a commuter train (I’m in the parking lot).

[@doubleutubefan5]

@@neverendingweekend a commuter train huh? Probably that means you're near a big city cuz commuter trains are not all of that common. Besides the train, the video was a very nice look at a unusual and next to never seen on the road vehicle

[@neverendingweekend]

@@doubleutubefan5 thanks friend! Yes, relatively big city 👨‍💻

[@cllwydd]

Do you think that a Catherham with a roof and a 2 litre Nissan diesel engine could be a daily driver?

[@neverendingweekend]

‘roof’ as in the soft top? Would it be your only car? Do you live in a four season country? I think the easiest, quickest way to answer that is: could a motorcycle be your daily driver? Because the constraints are similar, just not as bad.

[@cllwydd]

I live in 4 season land (Pennsylvania). I grew up with VW Bugs and can deal with discomfort. I know that Vettes are no good on snow and ice. Are Catherhams and Lotus 7s hogs on ice?

[@neverendingweekend]

I would NEVER drive a Caterham in snow. Even on days were it’s cold, it’s so easy to loose the rear end. Don’t ask me how I know 😅

[@sh4969]

Only normal people buy these type of cars, there fun.

[@neverendingweekend]

💯

[@b.p.6381]

I'll dm you on insta. i think i know what your issue is with the blown out video. looks like you use an iphone and i assume you use premiere pro to edit. it has to do with hdr video from the iphone and how it's imported into adobe premiere. 💪

[@neverendingweekend]

exactly. but found the issue. thanks! hopefully, no more blown out videos! ;)