1996 CATERHAM 7 - 40TH ANNIVERSARY - No.1 of 67
A rare and highly collectible Caterham Seven 40th Anniversary Edition, finished in stunning Ruby Pearlescent with a Silver bonnet stripe and black coachline. This particular example is plaque number 1 of just 67 produced, making it the very first of this exclusive anniversary series.

Originally showcased at the 1996 Motorshow, this factory-built example remains in exceptional condition, boasting an enviable specification and an illustrious history.

This car has been freshly serviced amd MOTd - March 2025.
 

Model History
Unveiled at the 1957 London Motorshow, the Super Seven quickly became an icon of lightweight, high-performance motoring. To celebrate 40 years of continuous production, Caterham introduced the 40th Anniversary Special Edition between 1996 and 1998. Each of the 67 units built featured the distinctive Ruby Pearlescent paint, Silver bonnet stripe, and black coachline, along with an individually numbered dashboard plaque.
 

Buyers had the choice of either a Rover K-Series engine or the more powerful 2.0L Vauxhall unit, making this one of the most expensive Caterhams of its time, with prices north of £20,000 in period. Today, the 40th Anniversary Edition remains a sought-after collector’s piece, with this particular example being the most significant of them all – the very first one ever built.
 

Exterior
The Ruby Pearlescent paintwork presents beautifully, retaining its deep luster and originality. The Silver bonnet stripe, unique to this edition, continues over the nose cone, which proudly bears the Seven logo – an optional feature on standard models.

All exterior trim and bodywork are in excellent condition, with full weather equipment, including the original tonneau cover and ‘handbag’ remaining pristine. Suspension components are immaculately preserved, with vibrant Bilstein branding still intact, underscoring the car’s careful ownership and fair-weather use.
 

While the chrome rear wing protectors show some minor stone chips, these are consistent with use and add to the car’s authenticity. The lightweight aluminium bonnet is unmarked and proudly displays the 40th Anniversary logo on both sides.
 

Interior
The full leather trim transforms the cabin, offering a premium touch over the standard setup. The black leather seats, transmission tunnel cover, dashboard, and trim panels remain in superb condition. The lightweight sports seats provide excellent support, complemented by the Caterham 4-point harnesses for added security.
 

A Motolita leather steering wheel adds a classic touch, while the numbered plaque (No.1) on the dashboard serves as a constant reminder of this car’s exclusivity. The analogue gauges function perfectly, and the inclusion of both a heater and heated front screen makes for a more comfortable driving experience.
The carpeting is exceptionally well-preserved, showing no signs of wear, and the original jack remains stored in its bag.
 

Engine
This 40th Anniversary Edition was factory-fitted with the highly desirable 2.0L Vauxhall ‘Redtop’ engine, producing 175 BHP via Twin Weber Carburettors. The De Dion rear axle and 5-speed gearbox ensure thrilling performance, true to the Caterham philosophy of lightweight, engaging driving dynamics.
 

2.0L Vauxhall ‘Redtop’ 175 BHP engine with Twin Weber Carburettors
5-speed transmission with De Dion rear axle
15” ‘Prisoner’ wheels wrapped in 195/50 Pilot tyres
Stainless steel competition exhaust
Vectra Immobiliser
Chassis number: SDKRDCHVXT0030229

The odometer on this car was replaced at 10,027 miles due to a failure, with the original unit still included. The replacement odometer currently shows 3,582 miles, confirming the car has covered less than 14,000 miles from new.

History File
Originally registered on November 25, 1996, this Caterham was delivered new to its first owner, Mr. R. Burton, who purchased it directly from the Motorshow stand. The original service book and supporting documentation confirm its provenance as the Motorshow car, making it one of the most historically significant examples in existence.

With just 14,360 miles, this factory-built, first-of-its-kind 40th Anniversary Caterham presents an exceptional opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
 

Summary

• 1 of only 67 built, and the very first one (Plaque No.1)

• Factory-built with the rare 2.0L Vauxhall ‘Redtop’ engine

• 15,000 miles from new

• Originally the Motorshow display car

• Stunning condition throughout

 

A true collector’s Caterham, offering historical significance, rarity, and exhilarating performance.​
 

MOT Mileage History :

​March 2025 : 3,599 miles - valid to 04.03.2026
August 2022 : 3,472 miles​

April 2019 : 3,291 miles

August 2017 : 2,512 miles
August 2016 : 11,561 miles (New odometer milage of 1,534 added to old odometer reading of 10,027)

August 2025 : 5 miles (odometer changed at 10,027 miles)

March 2025 : 10,027 miles
August 2012 : 6,541 miles

July 2011 : 6,012 miles

July 2009 : 5,808 miles

August 2009 : 3,200 miles

Decemeber 2007 : 3,035 miles

October 2006 : 3,016 miles 

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MOT Certificates :

2025, 2022, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000

 

Documents :

Original communications with Caterham ordering the car, Purchase order. Original Invoice £20,950, Certificate of newness, Original warranty agreement, Original owners file, V5C, Various invoices and MOTs.

 

Invoices On File :

20.03.2025 : £1,496.18 - Creed and Shore Motorworks Ltd

15.08.2022 : £382.00 - Redline Components

28.11.2016 : £248.40 - Caterham

14.03.2016 : £38.06 - Caterham

21.09.2015 : £14.58 - Caterham

17.09.2015 : £12.91 - Spark Plugs Ltd

17.09.2015 : £47.99 - Engine Oil Direct

11.07.2011 : £232.00 - The Car Doctor

11.04.2011 : £80.00 - The Car Doctor

05.04.2011 : £50.00 - The Car Doctor

05.04.2011 : £70.00 - The Car Doctor

03.03.2010 : £491.00 - The Car Doctor

23.02.2010 : £245.28 - Redline Components

13.02.2010 : £128.00 - The Car Doctor

01.10.2009 : £304.27 - Redline Components

14.07.2009 : £170.00 - The Car Doctor

20.04.2009 : £9.66 - Caterham

02.04.2009 : £90.00 - The Car Doctor

30.03.2009 : £115.00 - The Car Doctor

30.03.2009 : £34.02 - Redline Componets

01.09.2008 : £64.63 - Car Parts & Accessories

21.12.2007 : £342.79 - Graham's Garage Services

23.10.2006 : £58.00 - Graham's Garage Services

21.09.2004 : £147.17 - Graham's Garage Services

30.07.2004 : £407.22 - Graham's Garage Services

02.08.2003 : £40.75 - Risboro Tyres

03.05.2002 : £4.11 - Arrowstar Racing

03.05.2002 : £441.73 - Arrowstar Racing

08.04.2002 : £18.79 - Arrowstar Racing

20.01.2001 : £416.39 - Arrowstar Racing

19.01.2001 : £30.87 - Arrowstar Racing

29.01.2000 : £32.11 - Risboro Tyres

28.04.1999 : £814.95 - Arrowstar Racing

08.03.1997 : £95.83 - Arrowstar Racing

07.12.1996 : £20,950 - Caterham Cars Limited
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Viewing :

Viewing is strictly by appointment only.

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At The Forge, we guarantee pricing that is consistently competitive and transparent, saving you money compared to other classic car dealers. We also eliminate the uncertainty that often comes with buying Classic Cars directly from individuals or at auctions.

How We Price Our Cars :
We rely on Hagerty’s industry-leading classic car Price Guide to keep our prices in line with the current market. By leveraging detailed data, auction results, dealer pricing, private sales, and insights from the UK’s most trusted classic car websites, we maintain transparency and fairness in our pricing. Our cars are regularly checked against market conditions, allowing you to enjoy a hassle-free, no-bartering experience.

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Why Choose The Forge?
Family Values, Transparent Pricing, and a Genuine Passion for Classic Cars!
 

At The Forge, we’re more than just a classic car dealership—we’re a family-run business with a genuine love for classic cars. Our mission is simple: treat our customers as we’d want to be treated—with honesty, respect, and transparency.

 

Our pricing is competitive and fair, grounded in Hagerty’s trusted Classic Car Price Guide, saving you money compared to traditional dealerships. We believe in straightforward, no-haggle pricing, so you can enjoy a clear, no-surprises experience without the stress of auctions or private sales.

 

When you buy from The Forge, you’re not just purchasing a classic car—you’re joining our extended family.

 

Each car we offer is carefully handpicked, often sourced from fellow enthusiasts who share our values. Before any vehicle reaches our showroom, it undergoes an independent inspection, an MOT if needed, and professional detailing, ensuring it’s in prime condition and ready for its next journey.

 

We fully own every car in our collection. This structure guarantees the integrity of every transaction and demonstrates our commitment to quality.

 

Although original manufacturer warranties aren’t possible due to these cars’ age, we take immense pride in presenting each car in excellent condition, free from known faults upon delivery. We inspect each vehicle thoroughly, document any repairs, and include invoices for parts and labor in the car’s history file. If a service is warranted by mileage or time, we’ll at minimum perform an oil and filter change with OE/OEM parts, which is also noted in the car’s records.

 

Upon collection or delivery, we record the mileage and provide a 3-month/500-mile warranty (whichever comes first). Should any issues arise beyond standard wear-and-tear, given the car’s age, please reach out to us directly—we’ll do our utmost to assist.

 

Classic cars are timeless machines with intricate components that may occasionally need attention. Embracing a classic means accepting these quirks and savoring the open-road journeys that make them feel as exhilarating today as they did decades ago—whether that’s 20, 30, or even 40+ years in the making.​
 

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We make every effort to ensure that the details above are as accurate as possible. We cannot, however, accept liability arrising from any errors in the data provided. Please make sure that you examine the vehicle and check the accuracy of the information before purchasing any vehicle.