Sold | 1978 Caterham Super Seven Twin-Cam Racer James Whiting's famous drag, sprint and circuit racing car

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£28,125

1978 Caterham Super Seven Twin-Cam Racer James Whiting's famous drag, sprint and circuit racing car

United Kingdom • 25 Jun 2025

Vehicle Details

AI Listing Summary

This 1978 Caterham Super Seven, famously raced by James Whiting, boasts a Lotus Twin-Cam engine with 160-170bhp and a rich history including period sponsorships and magazine features. Recently recommissioned and offered with its original invoice and history file, this vehicle presents a unique opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts, though it has some modifications and hasn't been recently MOT tested.

Condition

6

The car description mentions that the car has been extensively recommissioned, runs and drives well, and is now capable of road use, indicating it's in a drivable state but required work to get there. The modifications to the dashboard, alternator, and wiring also suggest that some parts of the car are not original. The listing also states the car hasn't been MOT tested, implying it might need some work to pass. Overall, moderate wear and the need for some reconditioning make a 'Good' condition rating appropriate.

/ 10

Manual

Transmission:

CS33972

Chassis No:

Odometer:

[Odometer Reading]

YPA 176S

Reg Number:

RHD/LHD:

RHD

For many in Lotus and Caterham circles this is a car which needs no introduction.

Purchased by its sole registered keeper, James Whiting, on May 1 st 1978 for the princely sum of £3,663.36, the original Caterham Cars invoice pleasingly remains on file.

A successful drag racer, Whiting took delivery of the Seven Twin-Cam in component form and set about building it to competition, rather than road car, standards.

Obtaining sponsorship from its manufacturer, chassis CS3/3972 was soon finished in ‘John Player Special’ colours with ‘Caterham Cars’ emblazoned down each side.

Far quicker than Whiting’s previous machines, the nominal two-seater had obvious potential beyond the drag strip.

Responding to concerns from fellow competitors that it was a thinly veiled Works entry, Caterham asked Whiting to re-livery the Seven Twin-Cam.

First adopted in 1980, the current ‘Martini’ colours were applied to the car’s ultra-thin fibreglass panels.

The nosecone and wings having mesh grilles set int...