The weather report got it right. Sunny but cold weather saw me on my way to pick up the Caterham from Dartford. A long and painful journey by train and taxi eventually got me to the factory.

We went through the paperwork and I spoke to a technician about the parts of the car that were rectified post build. The majority of these were relatively minor and he kindly said that my build was good. Most people have longer fix lists apparently! Likely, he was just being kind!

I’ll list out at the end the nuggets of info I picked up from this chat.

After a nice chat with Kate, Mark and Lee it was time to get in the car and get home. The light was running out and that meant that the warmth was as well! And there wasn’t that much of it about to start with!

Lee and Mark both suggested that earplugs would be a good idea for the journey back due to the wind noise. I am extremely grateful for this advice, because it saved me both a headache and earache. A good tip for anyone without doors and roof!

By the end of the journey, I had added a hat and gloves to my garb and it was still utterly freezing. Next drive, I’ll include even more layers. I’m lucky my nose and lips are still on my face! It was still great fun though. Even only using low revs it’s still got a great engine note and it pops and burbles nicely to let you know it wants to do more.

Everything feels very immediate and tight. The steering is incredibly direct. Far more than anything I’ve ever driven before. The Elise had amazing steering and feel but this is far more sensitive. The wheel is much smaller as well, which emphasises that even more.

It’s impossible to tell about the power at the moment as the limit of 4000 revs pulls the car short just as it’s starting to get into its sweet spot. Again, something else to look forward to at the track day on Saturday.

If you haven’t watched the video to the end, you should!

Build tips and corrections:

Engine Wiring and Cooling

I’ve not looked at the end result yet but apparently there are some IVA inspectors that are very particular about the way the engine bay is presented. Therefore, Caterham always make sure that customer cars are presented the same way, to ensure it doesn’t matter which inspectors are on duty for the IVA! Nearly all post builds have a cost for correction of engine bay wiring.

Front Brake Hoses

Make sure that even at the absolute extremes of wheel turn, the brake cables are clear from even a hint of any kinking.

Drivers Seat

Apparently, the trick is to start with the seat forward, put in the rear bolts and bend the release handle down just enough to allow the release to work. To be honest, It still sounds overly hard to me! The manual needs much more on this method for the lowered floor car.

Nyloc Nuts

For the car to pass IVA, there are a certain number of threads that must be protruding through nyloc nuts. Sometimes, adding additional washers where none are required can mean not enough of the bolt comes through the nut to pass this.

Handbrake Cable

The manual doesn’t mention this, but the handbrake cable should be crossed in the tunnel, just ahead before you attach it to the pulley on the end of the lever. It gives better clearance inside the tunnel and makes sense.

Inner Starter Motor Bolt

Apparently, with a wobble head allen key and a very short extension bar, it is possible to get to this bolt from underneath the car.