Crossflow

The Ford Crossflow engine

The Ford Crossflow is where the Caterham story really starts. This simple, carburettor-fed pushrod engine powered the Seven through the 1970s and 1980s, in cars such as the 1600 Sprint and 1700 Supersprint.

A Crossflow Seven is a proper classic. It has a mechanical throttle, the induction roar of twin carburettors, and none of the electronics of a modern car. It isn’t the fastest Caterham, but it’s one of the most involving, and it’s very easy to work on.

Crossflow cars don’t come up often, and when they do they vary a lot in condition, so it’s worth buying from someone who knows them. If you’re after one, let us know and we’ll keep an eye out.