Detour Pit Stop #122: Caterham Factory, UK

With a move to a shiny new factory caterham CARS opens its doors to visitors who want to discover how its lightweight legends are built.

First things first. Although it’s still named after the Surrey town where it was founded Caterham’s HQ is actually in Dartford, Kent. Here in a brand new facility the British sports car maker is ramping up production of the iconic Seven, aiming to assemble 750 per year. Each one is hand-built by a single technician in one of 33 bays positioned on the gleaming white factory floor.

It’s an impressive sight and Caterham knows it, which is why there’s a viewing gallery above where visitors can watch the magic happen. Stepping out onto the gallery is the show-stopping moment of a two-and-a-half-hour factory tour, during which you can watch every stage of production from the moment bare chassis arrive to being ready for delivery.

Each car builder assembles two cars per month. Look closely and you’ll notice that there are subtle differences, not just in the cars being built, but they way they’re being put together as every engineer develops his or her own techniques. It’s truly fascinating to watch them at work. You’ll gain insights into just how much attention to detail is paid, from engine fettling to paintwork.

Other highlights include a variety of racing cars and James May’s off-road ready Grand Tour car that went treasure hunting in Madagascar. There’s an area devoted to new car handovers and rental pickups (so you can try before you buy) and another opportunity to drive in the form of a sophisticated race simulator.

At the time of writing a tour of the factory was priced at just £30 and had proven so popular that it had sold out until the end of 2024.

Words Nik Berg
Photography Nik Berg & Caterham Cars

---

ROADBOOK

CLASS: CAR FACTORY

NAME: CATERHAM CARS

ROUTE: Unit 10 Rennie Dr, Dartford DA1 5FD

COUNTRY: UK

---

---