Caterham has teamed up with the Royal Air Force (RAF) to create a unique and special vehicle, the Caterham RAF Seven 360R. The inspiration for this project came from a retired Puma HC2 helicopter that was ready to be decommissioned. The engineers at Caterham and RAF worked together to repurpose parts from the helicopter, such as the aluminum skin from the doors and tail boom, to create the body of the Seven 360R. The car has been painted in NATO Green with Desert Sand accents on the sills and center tunnel.
The interior of the Caterham RAF Seven 360R features various elements from the Puma helicopter, including carbon fiber seats, driveshaft tunnel, and internal bodysides lined with quilted soundproofing. The headrests showcase RAF patches with stitched Pumas, paying homage to the helicopter’s origin. The car’s dashboard is adorned with switches from the Puma, and even the clock in the vehicle was repurposed from the helicopter.
Despite its unique design and special features, the Caterham RAF Seven 360R is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 bhp. This lightweight vehicle weighs only 1,274 pounds, allowing it to deliver a fun and agile driving experience. The car will be showcased during the British Formula 1 Grand Prix before being auctioned on the Collecting Cars site. The goal of the auction is to raise a minimum of £100,000, with all proceeds going towards aiding injured service men and women.
This collaboration between Caterham and the Royal Air Force not only showcases the creativity and innovation of both parties but also serves as a meaningful way to support a good cause. By repurposing parts from a retired helicopter and turning them into a unique automotive design, the Caterham RAF Seven 360R stands as a symbol of ingenuity and collaboration. The auction of this one-off build presents an opportunity for car enthusiasts to own a truly special vehicle while contributing to a noble cause.