Caterham has been building lightweight track toys since 1973 since it introduced its own take on the Lotus Seven. The Caterham Seven is still being sold today, and now there's a new version that pays homage to the original. Say hello to the new 2020 Caterham Super Seven 1600. Unlike the limited-edition Sprint and Super Sprint models launched in 2016 and 2017 respectively, the Super Seven 1600 is a permanent addition to the Caterham family.
To commemorate the original Caterham Seven's legacy, the new 1600 features several retro-inspired flourishes and styling cues. At the front, Caterham has fitted new flared front wings that hark back to the Series 3 from the 1970s. On the hood, the exposed twin forties throttle bodies create "a recognizable engine note reminiscent of carburettor adorned engines." Buyers can also choose from seven retro color schemes that are unique to the Super Seven 1600 or add aluminium body panels with composite wings. A set of 14-inch alloy wheels complete the exterior's retro look.
The retro-inspired touches continue inside. Exclusive to the Super Seven 1600 is a polished windshield, and the retro track toy also has a wood and a leather interior, which is more luxurious than some of Caterham's more track-focused cars. Other callbacks to the original Caterham Seven include retro-inspired instruments and dials with chrome surroundings. Caterham has also added an embossed Super Seven badge, carpeted rear, side and floor panels, and a spare wheel at the rear.
Powering the 2020 Caterham Super Seven 1600 is a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated Ford Sigma engine that produces 135 hp sent through a five-speed, short-shift gearbox to the rear wheels. That may sound feeble, but the Caterham Super Seven 1600 only has a curb weight of just 1,201 pounds - that's around 250 hp-per-tonne. 0-62 mph takes around five seconds before the Caterham Super Seven 1600 hits a top speed of 122 mph.
"Caterham has always been about individuality and the quality engineering that makes the Seven peerless when it comes to the driving experience," said Caterham CEO, Graham Macdonald. "Ownership of any specification of Caterham Seven is a mark of distinction and a ticket to driving adventure, but our heritage line of models holds a special place in the hearts of the true brand enthusiasts. 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."
In the UK, pricing for the 2020 Caterham Super Seven 1600, which can be ordered as a kit car, starts at £33,495 ($41,808). US availability hasn't been confirmed.