Caterham Supersport 135

This Supersport is very similar to an original Caterham Superlight, with all the same mechanical running gear.

The Superlight was a ground-breaking model which paved the way for a series of cars produced by Caterham which propelled the brand into a new and exciting phase in the marque’s history.

The original Superlight was powered by the light-weight, all aluminium 1600cc K-Series engine. Caterham used a variation with a slightly higher lift cam than standard and paired it a free flowing 4 into 1 exhaust system and a modified ECU map. This raised the performance output of the 1600 from 115bhp, to 135bhp. Though this might not sound like a lot, it makes an enormous difference to the character and feel. Not only did the engine have a little more power, it revved higher, was more responsive and made an absolutely glorious noise.

The engine was then bolted to Caterham’s super close-ratio 6 speed gearbox, via an ultra light-weight flywheel, and drove the rear wheels via a 3.9 limited slip differential. This combination, when pulling a sub 500kg Caterham Superlight, meant that the 135bhp delivered from the little 1.6 could launch the occupant from 0 to 60mph in less than 4.9 seconds! That’s seriously fast today, but in the late 90’s this was faster than the very fastest of road going saloons. (E36 BMW M3 - 5.5 seconds)

More than just the 0 to 60 times was the excitement factor. The high revving nature of the engine perfectly suited the close ratio gearbox and thrashing around the country lanes you were constantly up and down the ratios. The power to grip ratio offered by this Superlight have long been considered “the sweet spot” by Caterham enthusiasts the world over, with the most recent 310R filling that performance point.

This Supersport doesn’t have the same cosmetic components that an original Superlight would have, such as carbon fibre nose, wings and dashboard. But it does offer fabulous performance per pound, and is excellent condition for its age. It also offers an excellent foundation for anyone looking to build themselves a very high performance Seven, with much of the expensive equipment already fitted. This McMillan Motorsport built “Mega Grad” K-Series engine is fitted with Omega pistons, and already has a dry sump oil system with 4-into-1 exhaust. All of which are ingredients needed if you want to go chasing large power figures from a K-Series. Another really key component here, is the Gold Dry Sump Pump. Many of these had the standard purple pump, but if you plan to build an engine which is capable of more than around 160bhp, a gold pump is essential, and these are not only hard to find, but cost thousands of pounds. All in all, this is quite an intriguing Caterham. It isn’t necessarily the shiniest, nor does it have the best prestige, but as an assembly of components, its defiantly one for the purists.

There is a discrepancy with the mileage recorded in the MOT history for this car, where it appears that the decimal point was missed for several years. The mileage we have listed for this car is our best guess based on the information available and taking into account the cars physical condition.

Exterior

• Polar white paint
• Reflex Blue noseband and bonnet stripe
• Bright pack
• Standard roll bar
• Windscreen
• Full weather equipment

Engine & Transmission

• 1.6L McMillan Motorsport K-Series Supersport engine 135bhp
• Omega Pistons
• Lightweight flywheel
• Dry Sump with gold scavange pump
• 4-into-1 performance exhaust
• 6 speed close ratio gearbox
• Limited slip differential

Brakes & Suspension

• Adjustable platform Caterham Bilstein suspension
• Wide-track front wishbones
• De-Dion rear suspension
• Dual piston front calipers with solid discs
• Standard brake master cylinder

Wheels & Tyres

All around:

• 14x6" Silver Minilite alloys
• 185/60R14 Toyo Proxes CF2 tyres

Interior

• Adjustable cloth seats
• Standard floors
• 4 point harness
• Momo quick release steering wheel
• Push button start
• Handbrake under dash
• 12v socket