Caterham Seven 1973–1990 car dimensions: 3378 mm long, 1575 mm wide and 1118 mm high. Unladen weight is 590 kg.
The cabin is a basic two-seater setup with adjustable cloth seats, black nylon carpets, knee trim panels and inertia reel seatbelts as standard. A heater with valve and heated windshield form part of the increased visibility weather equipment, which includes hood and side screens. No electronic driver aids appear in period specifications. Entry and exit require some effort due to the lack of doors, and the layout keeps controls within easy reach of the small steering wheel for focused driving.
Luggage space is minimal. Enough basic clothing for two for a weekend fits at the back and in the passenger footwell when packed in soft slim bags. A vinyl boot cover is standard, with a luggage rack listed as an option.
The cabin is basic and exposed with no doors, a simple dashboard of scattered switches within easy reach of the tiny steering wheel, black nylon carpets, adjustable cloth seats, a heater with valve and heated windshield as standard. Weather equipment including hood and sidescreens is fitted for protection, but the hood is awkward to erect alone and prone to condensation that impairs visibility. Luggage space is minimal for soft bags only. The ride is hard but not harsh, with noise and vibration part of the experience.
Fuel: unleaded 95-octane
Average economy around 21 mpg with 8-gallon tank
Rollover bar standard
Inertia reel seatbelts standard
Aluminium honeycomb cockpit stiffening for side intrusion protection
Twin-circuit brakes with low fluid warning
The 1700 Super Sprint runs on unleaded 95-octane fuel via twin Weber carburettors. Real-world average economy is around 21 mpg, giving a practical range of roughly 140 miles from the 8-gallon tank before refuelling becomes necessary. Filling can be slow and messy if the nozzle is not held correctly.
Servicing focuses on the Ford Kent engine basics such as valve clearances, ignition timing and oil pressure checks. The design allows easier maintenance than twin-cam alternatives of the era. No fixed public intervals are detailed for this exact generation beyond general enthusiast practice of regular oil and fluid attention.
Safety centres on the tubular spaceframe with aluminium honeycomb cockpit stiffening for side protection, a standard rollover bar and inertia reel seatbelts. Twin-circuit brakes with fluid warning are fitted. No airbags, ABS or electronic aids are present, and no formal crash-test ratings exist. Drivers must manage the light weight carefully in the wet where lock-up and spin are easy.
Keeping the car means accepting its minimal practicality: limited luggage, no doors and a hood best used for parking protection rather than rain. The lightweight build keeps tyre and brake wear low in normal use, and the simple mechanical layout makes home or specialist repairs straightforward.
Length 3378 mm, Width 1575 mm, Height 1118 mm, Wheelbase 2248 mm (Seven 1973–1990)
Sources: manufacturer data, Vintage Caterham specification sheet, technical data current as of 1997, Inch and pound figures are converted exactly, This Kent Super Sprint was the specified Seven in the late 1980s.