Caterham Seven

The 2018 Caterham Seven 360R on the wider S3 chassis occupies a particularly usable position in the Seven hierarchy — enough power to feel genuinely rapid, yet not so violent that it demands constant commitment. The 360R designation reflects approximately 360 bhp per tonne, achieved through Ford's Sigma 1.6-litre four-cylinder producing around 180 bhp in a car weighing under 550 kg. The result is a sub-five-second 0-62 time with tactile, unfiltered feedback that no heavier sports car can replicate.

With just 7,800 miles from an eight-year-old car, this is clearly a fair-weather and track-day machine rather than a daily driver — which is exactly how most Sevens are used, and exactly what helps preserve them. The S3 chassis brings a wider body for improved stability and more interior room than the narrow SV configuration, without adding meaningful weight or diluting the character.

Available through Caterham's Silverstone franchise, which provides some reassurance on provenance. At under £29,000 for a low-mileage 360R from a manufacturer-linked dealer, this is a straightforward entry point to a car that will retain value well and deliver an experience no amount of modern driver aids can manufacture.