Caterham 21: The Overlooked Predecessor of Project V

Forgotten ONES - Caterham is best known for the Caterham Seven, but they’ve explored other models, too, like the Caterham 21. Unlike the Seven, the 21 had a roadster-style body on a tubular spaceframe chassis, bringing a fresh look and added rigidity to Caterham's line. This model aimed to provide a more practical, road-friendly experience while still offering a taste of Caterham’s signature thrill.

The Caterham 21 features a roadster-style bodywork on a tubular spaceframe chassis, bringing a fresh look and added rigidity to Caterham's line. (Picture from: RetroPunk.co.uk)

However, the Caterham 21 faced challenges in the market. When it debuted, most customers preferred the Lotus Elise, a rival sports car with similar appeal. Despite Caterham's hopes, only 48 units of the 21 were ever made, marking it as a unique, limited-edition chapter in Caterham’s history.

The Caterham 21 unveiled at the 1994 British Motor Show, built to celebrate 21 years of the Caterham Seven. (Picture from: RetroPunk.co.uk)

Unveiled at the 1994 British Motor Show, the 21 celebrated 21 years of the Caterham Seven. It shared much of the Seven's mechanical foundation but introduced a curvier, GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) body, a more comfortable cockpit, a wide windshield, and a convertible top, all catering to those seeking a refined driving experience.

The Caterham 21 boasts a more comfortable cockpit that enhances the driving experience and offers better amenities for its occupants. (Picture from: RetroPunk.co.uk)

Structurally, the Caterham 21 was stiffer than the Seven, benefiting from reinforcements called “Toblerones” in the door sills. It also had a wider track, enhancing stability in turns. Buyers could choose from various engine options, from a 115-horsepower 1.6-liter to a powerful 230-horsepower 2.0-liter, tailoring the driving experience to their liking.

The Caterham 21 shared much of the Seven's mechanical foundation but introduced a curvier, GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) body, a wide windshield, and a convertible top, all catering to those seeking a refined driving experience. (Picture from: RetroPunk.co.uk)

Yet, Caterham encountered production delays and technical snags with the 21. Early models suffered from minor issues, and the introduction of the MGF and Lotus Elise lured away potential buyers. Despite plans to produce 200 units per year, only 48 cars were ultimately sold, making the 21 a rare collector’s item.

The Caterham 21 was structurally stiffer than the Seven, thanks to reinforcements known as “Toblerones” in the door sills. (Picture from: RetroPunk.co.uk)

Today, the Caterham 21 is valued by enthusiasts for its quirky design and unique character. While some see its look as dated, others appreciate it as a rare blend of Caterham’s spirit and innovation, showcasing their willingness to break away from the usual style.

Buyers could choose from various engine options, from a 115-horsepower 1.6L to a powerful 230-horsepower 2.0L, tailoring the driving experience to their liking. (Picture from: RetroPunk.co.uk)

Now, Caterham is trying something bold once again with the upcoming Project V. Set for a mid-2026 release, this all-electric model aims to rival cars like the Lotus Emira and Porsche’s electric Cayman. Built on a lightweight EV platform, Project V brings 272 horsepower, a 0-62 mph time of 4.5 seconds, and a 240-mile range, redefining Caterham’s vision for the future. | 8BXjRK-WwF0 |

Project V represents Caterham’s resilience and drive to evolve. The journey from the 21 to this new electric model reflects their spirit of exploration. As they dive into new technology and design, Caterham’s dedication to thrilling, unique experiences remains clear, inspiring fans to look forward to their next chapter. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CATERHAM | GOODWOOD | RETROMOTOR.CO.UK | RETROPUNK.CO.UK | WIKIPEDIA ]

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