2008 Caterham R400 Superlight SV

KEY FACTS

• A lightweight and highly rewarding road-focused sports car, combining Caterham's renowned minimalist philosophy with the exhilarating performance of the R400 Superlight SV.
• It is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre inline-four engine, driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.
• First registered in June 2008, the car has been with its current and second owner for eight years.
• The odometer indicates 17,489 miles.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• The R400 Superlight SV combines Caterham's larger SV chassis with the focused Superlight specification, offering increased cockpit space while retaining the model's celebrated lightweight driving dynamics.
• This example is finished in the timeless shade of Gravity Black with a contrasting gold nose surround, racing stripe, and ‘Caterham’ side decals, over a black leather-trimmed interior, featuring embossed Caterham lettering on the seat backs, and an exposed carbon-fibre dashboard.
• Please note: the vehicle’s HPI report lists it as being finished in black / red, suggesting that it has been refinished, but the DVLA has not been informed of the change.
• It rides on a set of 15-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels finished in gloss-black with gold lips, fitted with Avon ZZS tyres.
• Equipment includes a side-exit exhaust system, removable vinyl side windows and soft-top roof, carbon-fibre rear wheel arch protectors, a Momo steering wheel, an aluminium gear knob, Caterham-branded harnesses, a rear roll bar, and push-button start.
• The car comes with two keys, the owner’s handbook, a Caterham Upgrade Options printout, and a selection of maintenance invoices.

CONDITION

• Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition.
• Specific notes from the seller include: superficial wear to the leather seat upholstery.
• MOT test history is shown via the button in the listing overview.

SERVICE HISTORY

• This R400’s most recent maintenance was carried out in May 2025 at 17,274 miles by HWM Caterham, comprising an engine oil and filter change, new spark plugs, and the brake fluid being changed.
• The previous recorded service was completed in February 2022 at 17,167 miles by HWM Caterham, which included an engine oil and filter change, new spark plugs, the brake fluid being renewed, a new nearside top ball joint cover, a replacement LED side repeater, a new rear transmission oil seal, new rear ARB drop link assemblies, a new expansion cap, and a replacement cam cover gasket.
• The seller states that an earlier recorded service was completed in December 2020 at 16,060 miles by HWM Caterham.

SUMMARY

With its combination of the larger SV chassis, responsive naturally aspirated engine and exceptionally low kerb weight, this Caterham R400 Superlight offers the engaging analogue driving experience for which the marque is renowned. Having had just two owners from new, and benefitting from recent maintenance by HWM Caterham, it represents an appealing example of one of the company's most focused road cars. It would make a fine addition to any enthusiast's garage, equally suited to spirited B-road drives, touring events or occasional track-day outings.

Descriptions are provided by the seller and, to their knowledge, are accurate and not misleading. Buyers must satisfy themselves of the description’s accuracy, and independent research is strongly advised. Enquiries should be raised in the comments section and any inspections arranged before bidding.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.