Caterham and the Royal Air Force have joined forces to create a unique and charitable project: a Caterham Seven 360R built with components from a retired military helicopter. The purpose of this collaboration is to raise funds for injured servicemen and women. The car will be auctioned off through Collecting Cars, and it is expected to fetch more than £100,000, with all proceeds going to Mission Motorsport and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.
The Caterham Seven 360R is a tribute to the Aérospatiale Puma support helicopter. It was hand-assembled by both Caterham staff and personnel from RAF Benson in Oxfordshire. The car features aluminum body panels and a rear bulkhead taken directly from the Puma’s tail and doors. The door jettison handle from the aircraft now sits in front of the rear wheel arch. To further pay homage to the helicopter, the car’s body is finished in Nato Green, and its chassis is colored Desert Sand, reflecting the regions in which the Puma operated.
The unique features of the Seven 360R extend beyond its exterior. The car’s door panels and transmission tunnel are lined with soundproofing material from the Puma, enhancing the driving experience. The carbon fiber seats are padded with the same material and stitched with the helicopter’s evacuation instructions. A bespoke satin black dashboard features “military-grade” switchgear, replacing the standard buttons. Additionally, a navigation clock now sits at the center of the dashboard. Under the bonnet, the Puma’s ammunition box, which previously carried bullets, now houses the car’s battery.
Mechanically, the Seven 360R shares its components with the regular 360R model. It is equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder Ford Duratec engine that produces 180bhp and 143lb ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. With these specifications, the car can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 130mph. It boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 307bhp per tonne, weighing in at 565kg.
Caterham CEO Bob Laishley expressed his excitement about the project, highlighting the collaboration between Caterham and the RAF. He emphasized that it was the first time in Caterham’s history that a Seven had been made from recycled helicopter parts. Laishley also praised the support received from RAF engineers throughout the build process. Most importantly, he emphasized that the auction proceeds would go to crucial causes.
The public will have the opportunity to see the Caterham Seven 360R this weekend at the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Bidding for the car will open on August 15th and close on September 12th.
In conclusion, this unique collaboration between Caterham and the Royal Air Force has resulted in a remarkable and charitable project. The Caterham Seven 360R built with components from a retired military helicopter pays tribute to the Aérospatiale Puma while raising funds for injured servicemen and women. This one-of-a-kind car showcases the innovative use of recycled helicopter parts and is sure to attract attention and generate substantial funds at the auction.
