Caterham Seven 310 Encore: The Caterham Seven 310 Encore marks a bittersweet moment in automotive history. After nearly two decades of utilizing the reliable Ford Sigma engine and more than 50 years of partnership with Ford’s 1.6-litre powerplants, Caterham is bidding a final goodbye. To honour this legacy, the British marque is launching the Seven 310 Encore as a limited-edition run of just 25 units. It’s a celebration of pure, lightweight performance and a tribute to one of the most iconic engine partnerships in sports car history.
Priced at £39,995, the Seven 310 Encore offers a no-frills, back-to-basics driving experience. But don’t be mistaken—this isn’t just a nostalgia piece. It packs several upgrades that make it a serious track weapon. Based on the much-loved Seven 310R, the Encore integrates key enhancements like a lighter flywheel, race-inspired suspension tweaks, and a wider track to deliver sharper handling. Even the braking system has been upgraded with thicker front discs and a motorsport-spec master cylinder to ensure fade-free stops under intense driving.
Powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre Ford Sigma engine producing 152bhp, the Seven 310 Encore accelerates from 0 to 62mph in just around five seconds. With a top speed of 127mph and a Donington Park lap time of 1 minute 18 seconds, this Caterham is no slouch. It blends performance and heritage into one final, thrilling package—an ideal send-off for the Ford Sigma engine that has powered Caterhams since 2007.
Specifications Caterham Seven 310 Encore
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6-litre Ford Sigma (Naturally Aspirated) |
| Power Output | 152 bhp |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual |
| 0-62 mph | ~5.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 127 mph |
| Limited Production | 25 Units Only |
| Price | £39,995 |
| Suspension | Sport Suspension, Adjustable Springs |
| Brakes | 254mm Vented Discs, Race Brake Master Cylinder |
| Track Time (Donington) | 1 minute 18 seconds |
Design and Styling
The Caterham Seven 310 Encore retains the iconic minimalist design language that enthusiasts have come to love. With its open-top layout, exposed wheels, and compact dimensions, it is unmistakably a Caterham. The Encore doesn’t rely on flashy design cues but instead focuses on reducing weight and enhancing aerodynamics.
Subtle aesthetic tweaks distinguish it from standard Sevens. Its wider track gives it a more planted stance, while bespoke badging and optional race graphics help it stand out as a collector’s item. The cabin remains purpose-built with a driver-centric layout, minimal distractions, and maximum engagement.
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Performance and Handling
Don’t let the classic styling fool you—the Encore is a serious performer. The naturally aspirated 1.6L engine might not seem powerful by modern standards, but when paired with Caterham’s featherweight chassis, it offers blistering acceleration and sharp responsiveness.
The adjustable sport suspension, lighter flywheel, and stiffened anti-roll bar make the Encore incredibly agile around corners. Whether you’re blasting through country roads or attacking apexes on a racetrack, the car offers a direct and mechanical connection between driver and machine. The Encore’s Donington Park lap time of 1m18s underlines its capability and precision.
Braking and Safety
Enhanced braking hardware makes a big difference in the Encore’s performance. With 254mm vented discs up front and a race-grade master cylinder, it delivers consistent braking under high loads. While Caterhams aren’t typically equipped with extensive electronic aids, the mechanical grip and finely tuned dynamics provide excellent driver confidence and safety through predictability and control.
Caterham Seven 310 Encore Launch Date and Availability
The Caterham Seven 310 Encore is a limited-edition release for 2024, with only 25 units being produced. Due to its exclusivity and historical significance, it’s expected to sell out quickly among collectors and hardcore Caterham fans. Orders are being accepted now, and deliveries will likely begin before the end of the year.
Price and Value
At £39,995, the Seven 310 Encore offers tremendous value for enthusiasts seeking a raw, engaging driving experience. It’s not just a car—it’s a symbol of Caterham’s mechanical purity and a farewell to an engine that’s been at the heart of countless unforgettable drives.
While some might balk at the price for a car with no roof or modern infotainment, those who understand Caterham’s philosophy will see it as a priceless tribute to motorsport simplicity.
Caterham Seven 310 Encore Conclusion
The Caterham Seven 310 Encore isn’t just the end of an engine era—it’s a celebration of analog driving in a digital world. It showcases the purity of performance, the brilliance of minimalist engineering, and the timeless fun of driving a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive machine. In an age dominated by technology and driver aids, the Encore reminds us of the thrill that comes from mastering a machine with your own hands and feet.
With only 25 units being produced, the Encore is a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts who want to own a piece of Caterham’s storied past. It may be the last Ford Sigma-powered model, but its spirit will live on in every corner it carves and every straight it rockets down. If you’ve ever dreamed of driving a Caterham at its purest, the Encore is your final call.
Caterham Seven 310 Encore FAQs
1. What engine powers the Caterham Seven 310 Encore?
The Encore is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre Ford Sigma engine producing 152 bhp. This marks the final use of this engine in a Caterham after a long-running partnership.
2. How many Caterham Seven 310 Encore units will be made?
Only 25 units of the Seven 310 Encore will be produced, making it a rare and highly collectible edition.
3. What is the price of the Caterham Seven 310 Encore?
The car is priced at £39,995, which includes several performance upgrades and a commemorative send-off to the Ford Sigma engine.
4. Is the Caterham Seven 310 Encore suitable for track use?
Absolutely. With upgrades like adjustable suspension, vented disc brakes, and a lighter flywheel, the Encore is track-ready and even laps Donington Park in just 1 minute 18 seconds.
