Keith Barrett's
Lotus/Caterham 7 website

I've been a Caterham Super Seven (aka Lotus 7) fan for over 30 years and have owned 2 in my lifetime.
This monument web page is an original and was originally set up in 2000. Hopefully it will prove helpful to anyone in the USA trying to own one.

Note -- The TLC show "Trading Spaces" filmed 2 homes in my neighborhood! This gave me an opportunity I could not pass up :-)
Paige Davis posing next to my car!
Note that due to ever changing life priorities my car is now for sale, along with all it's extras and toys. It is in great shape and won a show award just this year. Please contact me if interested.

My Cars...

My first car I am a big fan of both The Prisoner '60's TV Series and the race car that appeared in the show. I eventually found out that this was a Lotus 7, and that in 1973 Lotus sold the manufacturing rights of the car and existing parts stock to their largest dealer, Caterham Cars. When I learned that the car was still being made and that it wasn't outrageously expensive, I decided I had to have it!.
The Prisoner

My current car I finally bought one in 81, sold it in '89, and missed it so much I bought a new one again in 2000. If you want to learn of my early experience and see the first car I had, check out my 1st Seven web area. When I decided to buy one again in '99, I kept a daily diary of my progress.
It is the most fun you can have on 4 wheels!

My current car
with yellow nose

Helpful Resources

The Se7ens Mailing Lists

There are 2 popular email discussion lists for owners and fans of Lotus/Caterham Seven cars and replicas: a USA list (called "usa") and an European list (called "se7ens"). The USA list is more useful and local, with more direct information (often from dealers) about ownership in the USA. The European (UK) list has been around a lot longer and has a larger membership.

To subscribe, visit http://mailman.se7ens.net/mailman/listinfo and follow the instructions for subscribing to the USA list. Traffic is low volume (about a message a day) and almost always interesting. Post a "hello" message and give us a chance to welcome you. Mention too that you learned about it from "Keith's Web Site", so that I have a clue that people see these web pages :-).

USA Caterham Dealers

Whether you build it yourself, or want it pre-assembled, or want to locate a used one -- the easiest way to purchase a Caterham Seven is to talk to an official US dealer. There are several, and they all have good reputations. If you are fortunate to have one in your state, they can also help with your emissions and registration process.

Main Caterham USA site.
Sevens and Elans (MA) Perhaps the oldest and most well known US dealer.
GT-Classics (VA) Also the largest supplier of the SCCA E-Prod Caterham
Rocky Mt. Sports Cars (CO) Also the main supplier of engines for all USA Caterhams
Caterham South (FL)
Mid-Atlantic Caterham (MD)
Autocourse Inc. (CA) Could also be helpful in dealing with CA emissions and registration
Caterham UK

Used Sevens

The best places to find used Sevens are to contact the listed dealers, and to keep an eye on Hemmings Motor News classifieds (search for "lotus" -- all makes). I would not buy a Lotus or Caterham Seven any other way, as all car owners would typically use one of those methods of advertising. Lotus Sevens can usually be registered easily because they are pre-1973 cars. However Caterhams running without a modern engine can sometimes be difficult to register, depending on how your state determines the year of the car (by title, engine, chassis, or assembly), and the emissions rules it has to pass. Most states have some sort of waiver system that can be applied, but often that works best if you can prove you are the original builder/owner of the car, or if there is replica car catagory. Complete paperwork, including receipts for all major parts, helps a great deal! Your best bet is to use the usa mailing list to locate another Seven owner in your state to help with registration.

It is almost impossible to import an existing a Caterham 7 into the USA anymore. There are now strict EPA rules, as well as Federal laws about bumpers and other safety equipment, which a Caterham cannot pass. The old laws permitting a US citizen 1 imported car are also gone. You will likely lose both your bond money and your car if you try. It is far easier to get a new one built within the US. If you already own a Seven outside the US, you are better off selling it first. Keep a part or two for sentimental reasons and use them on your new car.

Photo Galleries