CAterham Seven SV 1.8K series engine

Exciting fun.

This is a no-frills drivers car. Steering is very precise: the car reacts instantly to the slightest movement of the wheel, which is fairly light at all times except when driving very slowly. The clutch is a little heavy, but the short throw lever makes quick gear changes simple. Brakes need a bit of a push, but are powerful. The indicator, lights, washer/wiper and heater fan controls are all within easy reach, and soon become second nature. This is very small car, lower than just about every other vehicle on the road - both an advantage that you can nip through small gaps and a disadvantage that other traffic can't see you.The view to the front is second to none, and being able to see the wheels clearly on both sides makes precision placement in manoevres easy. Rear and side view is nowhere near as good, due to the poor door mirrors (replace asap with decent OEM mirrors) and the passenger's head and roll bar obstructing the centre mirror. Y junctions need great care.
My car has the Rover 1.8K with 140bhp - enough to speed it to 60mph in 5.3 seconds and take it up to 120mph plus, whilst giving upwards of 45mpg touring. It is surprisingly comfortable on long journeys, whether on the motorway (but a bit noisy at 70mph) or twisty A and B roads. As my only car, it has been driven all the year round in all weathers. You do, however, need to wear the right kind of clothes! The heater is very powerful, the roof, although a little awkward to fit, is rainproof in all but the worst weather and the two-speed wipers are adequate. Many drivers use the easier to put up and almost as effective half-roof, combined with a mesh wind deflector behind the seats. It's the best car I've ever had.

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