Caterham did not start out the way most automakers did. Its history has been going on since it became an official dealer of Lotus cars, while remaining its subsidiary. Colin Chapman, a famous engineer of the Formula 1 team of the same name, dreamed that the technologies used in such a serious auto racing competition could be used in the construction of civilian cars of mass production.

He developed a car such as the Lotus 7, the first lightweight sports car in history that had a racing frame but could be used on public roads. It was the sales of this model that Caterham had to deal with. However, after a successful 15 years of cooperation, Caterham obtained the rights to the Lotus 7 and began to produce the model under its own brand. It is noteworthy that the drawings of the classic third generation were transferred to the former dealer, while the more modern fourth model, along with all other developments and Lotus cars, came under the control of the Malaysian company Proton.

Immediately after the transformation of Caterham into an automaker, serious work began on the modernization of the Lotus 7, which was named Caterham 7. Ford invested heavily in the start-up concern, providing technology for its Escort, 1600GT and Sierra sports cars. The result of which was an even greater reduction in vehicle weight, while increasing engine power. The model is still on sale, and the range of engines has expanded even more. Buyers can choose from the classic 1.4 liter 105 horsepower, 1.6-2 liter Ford 125 to 175 horsepower and the Cosworth turbocharged 200 to 260 horsepower engines.

The Super Seven was shown in 1974 and was a reborn Lotus Seven S3. The car from Caterham has a stiff suspension and extremely responsive steering. Its roll bar is visible from the engine compartment and from the driver's seat; weather protection is conditional (it is extremely difficult to raise or lower the roof). The body has no doors, in fact there is nowhere to put luggage. The Caterham Super Seven uses a Ford 4-speed gearbox, Triumph Herald steering gear and a rear drive axle from a Ford Escort.

The modern Caterham Super Seven is offered with a variety of engines to choose from, from the Ford 1600 GT (110 hp) and "1700" (135 hp) to the 2-liter 16-valve Vauxhall with two camshafts, which provides top speed. 201 km / h.