How much for a pre-80 caterham?

[tomthumbring]

 

Hi,

 

how much should I pay to get a pre-1980 S3 Caterham, in very good original condition, even on a Q plate?

Are the early S3 Cat's prone to corrosion?

 

Thanks,

 

Thomas.

 

[Sheds Moderator]

Depending on spec, guessing it is a pre supersprint Xflow, 5-6K would be a reasonable start. You might find a rough 'un for less, but it's all about condition:spec at that age. Classic car rags quote 6-10k, I think this is daft for a 70s car, you can get a recent one for that. Then again if someone has dropped in a BDA, or a Lotus twink, dig deep.

 

I'm guessing, somebody may come along and tell me that basic ones are 4k and falling. Doubt it though.

 

Check where ally meets steel for rot, and tap all the tubes. Tubes *should* last well. Pricing is difficult for 7s, remember there is no "standard" spec when new, 25 yrs of wear, modification and bodgery make it a minefield.

 

General cosmetics are not too important, if you strip it yourself a repsray is very cheap as it is so small, and new fibreglass is cheap too.

[tomthumbring]

 

Hi batteredoldsupersport,

 

et merci pour la réponse, trés exhaustive et précise. Je recherche des infos sur une Cat pré-80 pour la carte grise collection, bien sûr. Si j'ai l'occasion de passer par Saumur, on peut se voir. Peu probable dans l'immédiat, car j'habite dans l'Est ( Epinal), mais why not?

 

Encore merci, et si on m'avait dit un jour que je répondrais en Français au Blatchat Lotus, je l'aurais pas cru.

 

Cordialement,

 

Thomas KUHN.

[Big Brother]

Early Caterhams (with a year prefix - pre 1980) always fetch a premium.

They are well sought after for export as they are an easy way to sidestep the emission regulations.

France and Belgium are the best market.

The last export 1979 Seven I saw was under offer for £9000!

 

Steve

Se7en-Up!

Less is more!

Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!