Caterham, a Small Company Making Small Cars, Has Big Dreams for the USA
Car and Driver
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Caterham Cars, a small British specialty carmaker known for its lightweight, minimalist vehicles, is making big strides in the automotive world as it marks its 53rd anniversary. The company, famous for its variations of the iconic Lotus Seven design, is aiming to significantly expand its presence in the U.S. market. Currently producing around 500 cars annually, Caterham plans to boost production by at least 50%, with a new factory in Dartford, Kent, set to help meet this goal. This move comes alongside efforts to establish a stronger foothold in America, including partnerships with U.S. dealers and the launch of a high-capacity plant to ramp up manufacturing.
The company’s strategy includes targeting American fans of its iconic Caterham Seven models, which have historically sold roughly 20 units annually in the U.S. without active promotion. This time, however, Caterham is making a serious push with new dealerships across key regions and plans to replicate its successful European race series in the States. The brand’s minimalist ethos remains unchanged, but its latest offerings, like the turbocharged Seven R model, are adding more features while maintaining their lightweight engineering. These cars cater to enthusiasts seeking both street-legal and racing capabilities.
Caterham’s ambitious expansion is also fueled by its recent partnership with the Precision Drive Club at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, offering members access to high-performance racers like the Seven R. Priced at $88,215, this top-tier model
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Originally published on Car and Driver on 3/2/2026