1990model Caterham Super 7 BDR-S

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1990 model

Caterham Super 7 BDR-S

In the overwhelming sound pressure, the landscape melts and flows like paint! The BDR, reborn with Toda Racing oversized high-compression pistons, a 304-degree camshaft, and more, squeezes out an estimated 220HP...! After 23 years of ownership, this Super Seven has transformed into an exquisitely captivating machine, matured through the passage of time

Through years of trial and error, this meticulously crafted machine, fueled by the owner’s extraordinary passion, undoubtedly exudes a special aura that overwhelms any onlooker, instantly altering the surrounding atmosphere with its commanding presence.

Even in the present day, when there are Sevens with higher-spec engines, the resonance of “BDR” still holds a special allure for Super Seven enthusiasts. Even when compared to the more high-performance engine options available today, the sound of “BDR” captivates with its charm!

180HP in a lightweight chassis weighing around 600kg… That’s the equivalent of around 300HP per ton! However, the experience of the BDR, with its added dimension of “lightness,” is something that cannot be measured by objective and calm numerical values—it is a sensation of intense passion!

Originally developed and produced by the renowned Cosworth, which dominated Formula 1 with a total of 155 victories between 1967 and 1991 with the legendary DFV engine, the BDR engine, tuned by Cosworth, together with its dry sump, is a compact and perfectly matched powerplant for the Super Seven. Furthermore, the BDR, inheriting the image and direct DNA of the Cosworth DFV engine, along with its striking presence, will undoubtedly continue to be revered as the “supreme Super Seven” for generations to come.

A passionate owner, captivated by the Cosworth DFV engine, dedicated 23 years of their life, pouring all their emotions and passion into transforming the BDR into an even more special machine. The owner themselves, a professional engineer actively involved in designing racing car-specific parts for an automotive parts manufacturer, relentlessly pursued their vision of the ultimate BDR, investing their private time to create this extensively upgraded Super Seven.

(Note: The above translation has been edited for clarity and coherence.)

The owner, a professional engineer, embarked on the BDR-S project right after purchasing the vehicle, with the aim of creating a machine that embodies their envisioned allure

The owner purchased this particular vehicle in October 2000 when it was mostly in its stock BDR configuration. After enjoying it in its original form for some time, influenced by their experience of driving tuned cars such as the 310 Sunny, TE27, and Roadster—small and lightweight “boy racers”—the owner decided to embark on a dedicated project to further refine the Super Seven with the BDR engine.

The project began by modifying the suspension of the stock BDR. In the following year, in 2001, TM Racing’s front wide track kit with front pillow ball mounts and rear pillow ball A-arms were installed. Additionally, Aragosta dampers were paired with 6kg front and 4kg rear springs, and an LSD was fitted to the rear. These modifications transformed the car’s suspension into a supple, agile, and responsive setup.

During this period, crucial exterior modifications were also made, providing important visual and functional enhancements. The Super Seven was converted to a single-seater configuration using a dedicated FRP bucket seat, and a single-piece racing windscreen in the style of a Boxall type was installed. The steering was upgraded to a quick-rack setup, and a Sparco backsuede D-type steering wheel was chosen. These changes gave the car a more aggressive and race-ready appearance. To match this transformed style, SPA Racing mirrors were installed, with the rearview mirror slightly offset for a tasteful layout.

Subsequently, the owner actively participated in various events, such as circuit runs and races organized by the Super Seven Club (SFOC), including the Aragosta Challenge and Idlers at Tsukuba Circuit. They also enjoyed touring drives and early morning drives on winding roads near the mountains, organized by the SFOC. They truly embraced the Super Seven lifestyle.

(Note: The above translation has been edited for clarity and coherence.)

The strong admiration for the legendary Cosworth engine that dominated Formula 1 was a driving force behind the owner's aspirations. With their background as a professional engineer, they were drawn to the BDR engine tuning project, fueling their passion even further.

And finally… To further refine the already completed Seven into a special, even faster machine… From 2004 to 2008… The process of overhauling and tuning the Cosworth BDR engine began, spanning a total of four years…

In order for the Cosworth BDR to rev higher and extract maximum power, carefully selected upgrades were implemented, as follows! Toda Racing’s Mazda BP 83.5mm high-compression forged pistons were chosen, along with Carrillo high-performance connecting rods… Combining a 304-degree high-lift camshaft and oversizing, the original 1690cc was increased to 1760cc…! While such high-compression engines with a compression ratio of 12:1 would be impractical for modern cars, it was tuned to produce an estimated 220 horsepower, generating an incredible amount of noise pressure and revving sharply until ignition cut-off at 8500rpm…! And, of course, the flywheel, essential for high-rev engine tuning, was made lightweight… In this regard, the owner, who works as a professional engineer in a department designing racing car parts for an automotive component manufacturer, designed and created a one-off lightweight chromoly flywheel for their BDR…!

For the ignition system, which embraces analog characteristics, the TOYOTA AW coils were repurposed, managed without a distributor, and controlled using sensor-detected crank and cam angles with a Freedom CPU. The synchronized analog Weber 48π carburetors provide a dynamic feeling accompanied by a powerful intake sound, like a furious storm…!

The meter panel, with its distinctive silver carbon appearance, was produced during this period. It features a STACK rev counter, RACE TECH dual meters for oil pressure and temperature, as well as a water temperature gauge, all arranged in a triangular layout…! The arrangement of the meters through the steering wheel evokes the interface of vintage F1 cars…! Furthermore, the speed and mileage are displayed on an ACTIVE digital monitor, allowing for instant reading of the vehicle’s speed while driving… Additionally, to accommodate the conversion to a single-seater configuration, the Super Seven Custom received a notable T’s Modify single-seater-specific triangular roll bar, and a one-off exhaust manifold and muffler were custom-made and installed…!

After putting in tremendous passion and time into its completion, the “BDR-S” elicits a feeling of admiration simply by gazing at its parked form… While the standard BDR models are characterized by gold-painted cam covers, this particular unit has black covers… According to the owner, these are the genuine cam covers used for dry-sump applications, and upon closer inspection, they lack the oil filler found on typical cam covers…

Even after completion, the owner has continuously adjusted and maintained the BDR-S, devoting time to closely engage with it… They enjoyed confirming the improvements during weekend tours and drives… However, perhaps due to the satisfaction of its completion, participation in circuit runs decreased afterward, and in recent years, the car has mainly been driven on nearby winding roads during early morning weekend drives… The 23-year history of the car has simultaneously brought significant changes to various aspects of the owner’s life, gradually reducing opportunities for them to take it out for a ride…

As the Super Seven, which once received so much passion and effort, dozes off in the garage, the owner can’t help but think, “It would be such a shame… If only there were someone who could take over…” However, this was a continuous struggle… Nevertheless, those thoughts gradually intensified, leading to this request for publication… With a truly heart-wrenching decision, they resolved to let it go…

The Seven has undergone regular inspections and has been attentively cared for… The current inspection is

1990 Katerham Super 7 BDR-S ... Post-Interview Memo ...

“Would you like to take a ride, Mr. Hori?…” With the kind offer from the owner, I was given the opportunity to grip the steering wheel of this incredible BDR-S Seven, which became more and more appealing as I heard during the interview!

As the engine roared to life, the one-off exhaust boosted the mid-range, creating the perfect BDR music! Thanks to the well-balanced exhaust manifold, what I feel here is not just the volume but an incredible sound pressure! Even if you’re accustomed to driving a Seven, at first, everyone would be startled by the high compression, high-power BDR that emits such a tremendous sound pressure, causing the surrounding air to tremble. There’s an atmosphere that if you hesitate, the car will sense it!

Like a Formula machine from the 1960s right in front of me, I’m moved by the sight of gauges arranged in a triangle. Without any hesitation, I press on the accelerator and start driving. The scenery in front of me flows like melted paint, and the unique scenery of the Seven unfolds 360 degrees before my eyes! Accompanied by the intense “sound pressure” of BDR music mixed with about four harmonics, small stones on the road jump in like a meteor shower unique to the Seven! They all quickly push everyday life far behind, creating a super eccentric experience!

There may be many cars with even more horsepower, but the world presented by this Super Seven equipped with the extraordinary BDR is filled with wonderful elements that make you think, “There’s absolutely nothing like it!” They overflow with richness!

The extraordinary feeling that can be savored here… Once you get used to it, returning to everyday life becomes difficult… Such slightly dangerous allure! A single-seater… The BDR-S that boasts a truly tuned and refined style… It was an incredibly captivating specimen that’s difficult to put into words!

I want to convey that…

Amidst the overwhelming sound pressure, the scenery melts and flows like paint! The BDR, reborn with Toda Racing's oversized high-compression pistons and a 304-degree camshaft, squeezes out an estimated 220 horsepower! This Super Seven, refined over 23 years of ownership, has transcended into an incredibly captivating machine of immense allure!

Please do come and experience the extraordinary allure of the BDR by visiting Gunma Prefecture.

This highly attractive "1990 Katerham Super 7 BDR-S" is currently located in Gunma Prefecture.

As it is a private sale, there are no consumption tax or additional fees involved. However, upon purchasing the vehicle, the buyer would be responsible for prorated payment of the automobile tax and the recycling deposit. It should be noted that this vehicle has not undergone official certification, including the engine displacement, and therefore, it is expected that the buyer understands the circumstances and assumes responsibility for the transfer.

[Regarding inquiries…]

The vehicle featured on this page is listed on the cross-border EC site for classic and collectible cars, “Estate Sale® Supremacy.”

What is Estate Sale Supremacy all about?

Estate Sale® Supremacy is the Japanese version of the North American cultural estate sale, where the owner’s cherished vehicle is introduced through interview-based manuscript creation, allowing for the organization of both material and emotional aspects. It is a concept that is completely different from selling for mere pennies or low prices, where nothing is left behind. We aim to faithfully express the owner’s sentiments and provide guidance and intermediation in passing on the memories to the next generation.

We conduct detailed interviews with the current owner, including past maintenance records and repair history, and verify whether there have been any accidents. If there is a significant accident history or if the current owner’s ownership period is extremely short with limited details, we may decline the interview. We make every effort to ensure peace of mind for our customers.

The content of this article was created based on an interview with the owner and a test drive, conducted under cloudy skies for approximately three hours on April 30, 2023. Due to the limited time, it may not accurately depict the condition of the actual vehicle 100%, and not all of the content has been backed up by evidence. Please note that the comments on the condition are based on the weather and circumstances during the interview, as well as the author’s subjective perspective.

If you have any questions about the listed vehicle or would like to arrange for a viewing, please contact us at the bottom of this page. Please note that since this is a transaction between individuals, to prevent casual inquiries, viewings will only be arranged for customers who are considering the purchase.