Caterham opens in India
Of course that’s the only place in the world where they won’t call it an ‘old car’
By Shahzad Sheikh
Caterham is expanding into India with the arrival of F1 in the country this weekend (Team Lotus) bought the tiny sports car company that’s made its name from continuing to build the original Lotus Seven sports car – yes, it’s all very complicated). Oh, and another link – Team Lotus reserve driver, Karun Chandhok, is one of India’s most well-known racers.
Having launched in China in July and also announced a new prototype racing car – the SP/300 R sports recently, Caterham is radically raising its aspirations (I reckon the F1 team will be rebranded Caterham next year to stop the confusion with the other Lotus team).
Gaurav and Mohit Burman from the Burman family which run the Dabur Group (don’t they make indigestion pills?) will be bringing the iconic brand and snappy little drivers cars to India, focussing on racing and trackday activities.
Operations will be led by British racer, Matt Cummings. “I am looking forward to introducing the exhilarating driving experience of a Seven, both on the road and on the circuit,” he said. “One of the most exciting phases of our operation will be a fully Indian-assembled Seven…”
Makes sense I suppose, a lot of the bits that go on the Caterham Seven, which essentially hails from a design from over 50 years ago, will probably still be made there!
So they’re clearly planning to build the cars there, and start both their driving academy and grassroots motorsports series there next year, most likely based at the new F1 circuit.
The Caterham 7 is one of my very favourite driver’s cars, but it’s extremely raw and crude and requires totally commitment and focus – and that’s just to drive to the shops. However apart from the roads being a little too rough for it, it could actually be ideally suited to the driving style of those brought up on a diet of antiquated Hindustan Ambassadors and are looking for something a bit friskier.
But does Dabur make headache pills and something to soothe aching bones and joints? They might wanna sell them as part of the package!
