CATERHAM SEVEN OPEN REVIEW

My car

A car owning experience unlike any other - a purchase of heart not head.

I built mine from the kit, which I highly recommend: it's my car in a way no car before can touch.

It's designed simply to be driven; anything that doesn't contribute to that pleasure is absent. If you're looking for in-car entertainment with a 7, the entertainment is the driving.

As standard, the Classic comes with two tiny aero screens and no heater - climate control by god. A full screen, weather gear and a heater are optional extras.

The seats only adjust fore and aft but pedal positions can be set where you like (using spanners). The pedals are closely spaced - good for heel and toe but, unless you have small feet, you'll need proper driving boots.

If you think you are a talented driver, the 7 will show you how much modern cars flatter us. The steering is very direct and highly geared; the brakes unassisted - anti-lock by brain power only.

Driving the 7 accurately and smoothly takes serious concentration but, with its superb handling, it fully repays the effort. After the first drive, your grin needs surgical removal - as, with aero screens, do the flies.

If you list driving as one of your main pleasures and are always looking to do it better then forget all the tick-box items it doesn't have - you will want a 7.

My alternative transport is a 5 Series BMW with air-con, power steering, anti-lock brakes etc, but I take the Caterham whenever I can.