What age do I need to be to drive a Caterham?

At the moment it’s over 25 - 70 years inclusive but we have in the past contacted our insurers who have made exceptions at the older end of the scale. See “Who can drive” for more details.

What about my car – can I leave it with you?

Not a problem at all. When you come to collect your Caterham, your car can either sit in our Driveway or if you prefer we can lock it in our garage.

I don't have a UK driving licence, can I can hire a car?

A European license is Ok as long as we have a copy of your passport and our Insurers will consider other drivers on an individual basis. To date they have been very helpful with confirmation over the ‘phone. If you’re outside the EU, try us and we’ll see what we can do for you.

What is the Caterham like to drive?

Although they look and drive like nothing else, they’re surprisingly easy to drive. Check out the rave Reviews from the motoring press and our customers – nothing but smiles. This is a really popular experience for couples and it’s not just a guy thing. The ladies who drive the cars love them as well. As long as you’re comfortable with a manual car, you’ll have a blast.

What if it rains?

The cars have a really effective hood and a lighter Tonneau cover as well. If the rain is light it tends to blow over the car in the slipstream. You'll only need it if the rain is very heavy, if you stop or if you have a car over-night outside. We do however have an arrangement for all customers that if the weather is looking ghastly, you can call off and come back at a later at no cost. We do reserve the right to call off a day if the weather is so bad that we’re not comfortable about your safety and again, we’ll sort out another day for you.

What if it breaks down?

Our cars are well prepared low milage examples with fastidious maintenance, so a breakdown is unlikely as they’re reliable little chaps. Nevertheless, the car comes with it’s own RAC card that you’ll have with you and they’ll either get the car going or recover it (and you) back to us and your car. We’ll then sort you out with another day subject to availability at no expense to you.

Safety – they look small and sporty!?

As always, much is down to the common sense of the driver. Our customers generally find that they have much more fun in the Caterham than a normal road car at legal speeds and that’s part of the attraction. Nobody’s yet returned and said “not fast enough” and we find that Customers are both respectful and thoroughly enjoy the cars abilities.
Our cars are equipped with race harnesses and race rollbars but the reason in part that these cars are so rapid and agile is that they’re lightweight. As such, they don’t have some of the latest safety features such as ABS, electronic traction control, crumple zones and airbags. You need to be aware of that.
Our cars are deliberately brightly coloured for visibility, but again, it’s almost best to think of yourself as riding a bike and just double check that you’ve been seen as the cars are low.

Will I be able to fit in?

Best to have a look at the “Who can drive” section. If in doubt contact us.

Can I take much luggage?

We have a load of safety kit in the car and a couple of hoods, so not a huge amount of space in the boot but you can take some of that out and then you’ll get in more than you might think. At a push you’d get two or three soft bags. We also have a luggage rack available if you’re touring further afield.

Is it comfortable – especially on a long trip

Customers, both driver and passenger are constantly pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the cars are, even over long journeys. The seats are very comfy with good support and despite the suspension providing amazing grip, it’s really compliant. The daily milage record to date is 347 miles and the guys loved every minute. They also emailed us to say that yes, they could still walk the following day!

Where would I drive – where do people go?

We have laminated route maps and ideas available. Most customers head up through the Wolds to the North York Moors or the Coast. The driving roads are truly wonderful. Further afield, many customers also head for the Peak District where even more spectacular roads and scenery can be found. The only issue you’ll have is that you’re spoiled for choice!

What do I wear?

Depends on the weather. In summer it can get cozy and but a hat and sunnies are a must. The cars are surprisingly warm if it gets colder and have powerful heaters and a heated screen. In early spring or autumn, imagine you were going for a brisk walk, but no need for Artic wilderness gear. Hat and scarf is a good idea just in case. Importantly, light narrow shoes are a must as the pedals are close together.

Fuel

Official figures for the cars are around37mpg! Seldom does anyone get through a whole tank which is around £30 - £35. Enjoy!

 

Give us a shout if you’d like to know anything else.

 

 

Frequently asked questions ...

 

...and a couple of rare ones.

 

 

“...I’ve always assumed that a car like this would feel like an extension of your hands and feet, but it’s the other way round. I felt like a part of it, an organic component but a component nevertheless.”

Jeremy Clarkson