MarqueTime: Nationality: English. Though associated with Lotus Cars since 1959, and a distributor of the famous Lotus 7 since 1967, it wasn't until 1973 that Caterham Cars became the owner/manufacturer of the famous '7' developed by Colin Chapman but then deemed by him to be superfluous to the future of Lotus.
Without that deal, the '7' would have died and become a footnote in automotive history. Since then, 40 different limited editions of the car have gone on the road, ranging from the Cosworth BDR-powered 1600 of 1983 through the 250bhp JP and the Superlight R in 1997 to the 2003 Tracksport anniversary edition 140bhp car.
Beyond these in sheer power and performance is the Superlight R500 developed in 1999, which is the fastest production car in the world with a 0-60mph of 3.4 seconds and completing the 0-100mph in less than 12 seconds.
The car through its history has been the launching pad for many great names in motor racing, including Graham Hill, Derek Bell, Emerson Fittipaldi and Francois Cevert. The '7' is also the most raced in the world, with more than 600 drivers competing annually in over 12 one-make championships in six countries.
Caterham, an engineering company in the first instance, has gradually evolved the '7', putting in more powerful engines, improving chassis and suspensions, cutting weight and even introducing its own 6-speed gearbox.
Possibly one of the most important changes was in 1982, when the 'long cockpit' was introduced because the original was based on Colin Chapman's 5'6" frame and tall people couldn't comfortably fit in it. Moveable seats were also introduced for the first time.
Because it was sold as kit car, it did not need to fulfill the strict emission and noise regulations for normal cars, and was thus able to squeeze more power out of the MG Rover or Vauxhall engines used as powerplants today. Down the years, engines have ranged from Lotus Crossflow and Twin Cam units developed for high-speed Ford saloons and the Lotus Elan, to the Rover K series 16v that is still one of the stalwart engines of today.
The power output of the engine range today runs from 105-230bhp, and are exclusively Rover-based units since 2002. The arrangement also allows Caterham to use MG Rover's XPOWER branding on its racing and high performance road cars.
Caterham did in recent years try to expand into production of an enclosed car, the 21, but it came at the same time as Lotus produced its Elise and was totally eclipsed by it.
• Best Car: Purists will say the mid-80s Cosworth BDR, with 150bhp and a 5sec 0-60mph
• Worst Car: With each one being almost an individual build, there's unlikely to be one.
• Weirdest Car: All of them, to 21st-century 'normal' motorists.