- What exactly does "kit form" mean?
Sevens do come as kits, although all difficult and safety related items are factory fitted.
Chassis arrive fully plumbed and wired with full instrumentation
pre-installed, all major body panels installed, and all paint work (if chosen) finished.
- How difficult is it to assemble a kit and how long does it take?
All kits come with a detailed assembly guide and the process is reasonably straightforward.
As long as one exercises proper care and attention, anyone with even modest experience should
be able to assemble their kit without confusion. Assembly can generally be completed with tools found
in a typical home garage.
First time assemblers who exercise proper diligence should easily finish a kit with 80-100
hours of work.
- What if I don't have the spare time to assemble a kit on my own?
There is plenty professional help available for customers who need assistance in either
completely or partially assembling their Sevens. Contact any authorized dealer or us here
at Caterham USA for further information regarding help in your area.
- What is included in the kit MSRPs (Manufacturers suggested retail price) found on this site?
The MSRP includes a complete kit (no engine or transmission), sea freight from the U.K.
to any major U.S.seaport in the lower 48 states, all packing and crating fees, and freight insurance.Air freight is available, but may involve an additional charge- speak to your local dealer for details.
- What is not included in the MSRP (i.e. what additional costs might I be responsible
for?)
The only certain additional cost will be customs fees/duties and a freight charge
for delivery from the port of entry to the assembly location/delivery address. The total for customs
fees/duty depends on the specification of the kit, but usually does not exceed $1000.00.
Freight fees depend on distance and difficulty, and surcharges exist for air freight delivery of delivery of kits to Alaska or Hawaii. Additional costs could include sales tax (depending on locality) and the cost of
professional assembly for those who so choose.
- I see that kits come "less engine and transmission".
How do I go about
getting an engine/transmission, and what are my options?
Currently U.S. customers can choose between either the Ford Zetec or Ford Duratec engines.
Both engines are available in various states
of tune suitable for a broad range of motoring needs (see the U.S. Engine
Program section for further details.)
- What if I want to source my own engine for a kit?
Customers are welcome to source their own engine if they so choose. If the customer
is sourcing their own Ford engine, Caterham USA or any authorized dealer can assist
with rebuild, high-performance, or installation parts if necessary.
- I've heard about the Rover and Vauxhall engines used in Sevens in the U.K.
Are
these engines options in the U.S.?
Caterham's U.K.-spec engines are unavailable in the U.S. due to emission
and importation regulatory concerns.
- Is it difficult or expensive to obtain insurance for a Seven?
Generally, insuring a Seven is very easy and affordable. Many owners obtain satisfactory
rates from conventional insurers, but specialty insurers such as
Hagerty Classic Insurance offer very competitive rates as well.
- I'd like a Seven but I'm fairly tall, will I be able to fit in one of these cars?
It depends on your personal preference, but Seven drivers well over 6'
can feel comfortable behind the wheel of a Seven.
Even Classic Caterhams now utilize the long cockpit design first introduced in 1982, which provides
a greater amount of room compared to the traditional Lotus 7 design. In addition, options such
as a "thin" bench seat set and a smaller steering wheel can provide even more room. With the advent of the SV and more recently, the CSR, even drivers over 6'6" can fit in a Seven. Clearly,
the best way to judge comfort is to actually sit in a Seven. Contact an authorized dealer
in your region or Caterham USA for more information on opportunities to see a Seven
in your area.
- I'm ready to order a Seven, what do I do?
Contact any authorized dealer (see our dealers
section) and they can help you get started. Also, always feel free to
contact us directly at
Caterham USA with any questions or comments.
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