The timeless appeal of Colin Chapman's 1957 designed Seven remains; captivating the imagination of drivers, both on track and road.

Today, 45 years since the Seven was first shown at the Motor Show, and thirty-years after the handover from Lotus, the demand for Caterham's has never been stronger nor the cars more exciting.

Taking centre stage at this year's Motor Show will be the firm's latest creation - the road-going Superlight R300. Recently voted EVO's Track Car Of The Year 2002, the Superlight R300 boasts a nerve testing 0-60mph sprint time of 4.7 seconds and a top-speed of 130mph.

Now drawing its power exclusively from the reliable yet hugely flexible MG Rover K Series engine, the Seven family was redefined earlier this year as part of its aim to broaden the appeal of the world famous marque.

Joining the Classic and increased dimensions Roadsport SV, visitors to the NEC in October will be able to see Caterham's entry into this year's Nurburgring 24hr race. Proving its strength and reliability, the car not only achieved a Class victory, but went on to finish 11th overall in one of the world's toughest endurance races.

Motorsport remains an important part of the Caterham lifestyle. From as far away as Japan, over 600 racers, including 40 debutants in the Academy series, compete most weekends to make the Seven the most raced car in the world today. The season culminates at the Caterham Festival at Brands Hatch October 4/5, which will feature over 250 drivers from across the Globe.

Nearly half a Century after his father steeped inside a Lotus 7 for the first time, former World Champion, Damon Hill recently said in a review for Esquire magazine: "Any company that understands its customers as well as Caterham does, deserves an enormous amount of credit.

The Seven (in one of its many guises), may be just what you are looking for, and if you want to experience how Graham Hill started his career, then all you have to do is buy one, drive it down to Brands Hatch, spin it enough times to make you dizzy, then stop off for half a lager shandy on the way home to calm your nerves, and hope you bump into Frank Williams."

Caterham Range on Show:
R300 160 bhp (300 bhp/tonne)
1.4-litre 105bhp Classic
Roadsport SV 160 X Power. (Increased dimension)
Nurburgring 24 hr Superlight R400 endurance racer