If I say "Caterham is Lotus Seven", few people will argue. Since starting business in 1973, Caterham always builds a version of Lotus Seven, usually available in kit car form. Colin Chapman created the no-nonsense, go-kart style sports car in 1957 based on his Mk 6 racing car. When he decided the future of Lotus should rely on more modern and more practical sports car like Elan and Europa instead of kit cars, he sold the production right to Caterham. The latter believe the super lightweight sports car could still attract sufficient customers who place driving excitement above everything else.

Unlike Morgan, Caterham always pursue progress. Through the years it gradually evolve the Seven, putting more powerful engines, improving chassis (even made of carbon fiber) and suspensions, cutting weight and even introducing its own 6-speed gearbox. Because it was sold as kit car, it need not to fulfill the strict emission and noise regulations for normal cars, thus able to squeeze more power out of the Rover or Vauxhall engines. Similarly, crash protection is given way to optimum lightness. As a result, Caterham created the fearsome Seven JPE in 1991, which set a world record for 0-100mph-0 in 12.41 sec.