Few sports cars have preserved the spirit of lightweight performance quite like the Caterham Seven. With its minimalist design and uncompromising focus on driving purity, the model has remained one of the most authentic expressions of classic British motoring. Now, the British manufacturer has introduced a special variant that celebrates a lesser-known but historically important racing story. Developed in collaboration with Hersham and Walton Motors (HWM), the Caterham Seven HWM Edition pays tribute to the small British team that once challenged Europe’s best on the Grand Prix stage.

HWM was founded in 1938 and built a reputation in the early post-war years as a determined independent racing constructor. Its most famous machine was the 1951 HWM-Alta single-seater, which achieved several international race victories and podium finishes during an era dominated by far larger teams. The car also played a role in motorsport history by giving legendary driver Sir Stirling Moss an early Formula 1 appearance. By creating the Seven HWM Edition, Caterham and HWM are celebrating that underdog spirit and the shared heritage of two British brands deeply rooted in racing culture.

Designer: Caterham and HWM

The limited-run model is inspired by the original HWM-Alta racer. Only 19 examples will be produced for the UK market, mirroring the exclusivity of historic racing specials and emphasizing the handcrafted nature of Caterham’s vehicles. Each car is finished in a distinctive HWM Green paint, a color digitally matched to the original 1951 race car. Exterior detailing reinforces the historical connection, with Alta-inspired side panel louvres, a bespoke nosecone grille, and suspension components such as the wishbones, anti-roll bar, and headlight brackets finished in Retro Grey. A centrally mounted chrome fuel filler cap and a special HWM Caterham nosecone badge further distinguish the model.

Inside the cockpit, the retro theme continues with a focus on craftsmanship and period-correct design cues. The dashboard features a hand-turned aluminum SuperSprint panel fitted with classic SMITHS chrome dials and a solid metal master cut-off switch. Drivers interact with the car through a polished wooden Moto-Lita quick-release steering wheel, while chrome-finished controls for the gear lever and handbrake add to the vintage racing aesthetic. The body-colored transmission tunnel enhances the bespoke feel, and buyers can choose between leather-trimmed seats or lightweight composite racing seats embroidered with the HWM logo. A numbered plaque on the passenger side of the dashboard marks each vehicle as “1 of 19,” underscoring its rarity.

Despite its historic inspiration, the Seven HWM Edition remains a thoroughly modern performance machine. The car is based on the Caterham Seven 420 platform and is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter Duratec four-cylinder engine producing around 210 horsepower. Paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and driving the rear wheels, the lightweight sports car delivers an impressive power-to-weight ratio of roughly 375 horsepower per ton. As a result, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of approximately 136 miles per hour.

Prices for the Caterham Seven HWM Edition start at £57,990 (approximately $78,000), positioning it as an exclusive offering for enthusiasts who value both heritage and pure driving engagement.

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