I love my 21. Sure it's not as capable on track as an Elise, but the 21 is better in every way for a 2-person road trip on fast A-roads. The boot's huge, and roof much easier to use than an S1 Elise. When you think Caterham's total development budget was £400k, they did an amazing job. They just took too long to get it launched.
@amazingjason455 of course not. There are eyeball vents on and under the dash that can deliver hot or ambient external air. I suspect the reviewer didn't realise the heater was on, hence his hot feet.
Agreed fantastic cars to drive, deserved to sell much better. At the time I enjoyed driving the 21 more than I did the Elise S1. Very rare sight these days but I think the design has aged really well. I currently own a 7 Superlight R, CSR and an Elise so a big fan of them all!
@TheBadBunny87 Thats not even a factor, You'd be so happy and engaged driving this thing that You won't give a hoot what anyone thinks it is. Best example of motoring pleasure and exellence I've seen in ages. Got to love a revvy little twin cam four pot in a little sleek British two door.
@@louisimission2153 ofc it's a factor. It's a major factor. It's the factor that gets you into the car in the first place. Well for the majority of the buying public at least. It looks cheap, tacky and poorly put together. Seeing one in person would leave me with absolutely no desire to purchase one. Which explains why so little was built.
A few points about the engines. If I remember correctly the first 21 produced had a Vauxhall 2.0 ltr engine (redtop) from the Caterham JPE, which would have been around 250bhp !!!! Also there was the option to have k-series with the R500 spec engine, again from memory only one was sold. The 21, in my mind, is a beautiful car and I would love to own one!
Found it difficult to concentrate without being distracted by the full harness seatbelt being incorrectly worn as a standard belt! Great car for high days and weekends if you can find one for sale!
This should be shown to the management and the developement department of Schroth. Someone in Arnsberg/Germany or Fort Lauderdale/USA will have to reconsider their instructions for use. 😅 Simply incredible! 🤦♂️
The full harness may be a hindrance when trying to move one's chest to reach anything further than the gear shift. Other TH-cam presenters have complained about harnesses on the road and some cars (such as Ferrari) come with both sets. The harness is super macho looking and makes sense on a closed circuit where G force wants to push the driver sideways.
@@archiegoodwinjr Harness tends to be specified as it's much safer in a crash - stops you hitting the steering wheel or dashboard with your head (no airbags in Caterhams!) Also holds you in place in a roll.
Yea I noticed that, I totally get why I have UK street legal harnesses in my 600bhp SW20 and promptly put the original seat belts back in after a few weeks of stress, I'm thinking here he's either done it because he wants to move around or they are not road legal so he's trying to style it..😂.😂
I remember sitting both the Elise and the 21 at the Motor Show. I loved the look of the 21 and but couldn't believe it when the salesman told me that there was no ventilation and the windows didn't open. In my opinion they made it even less practical than the 7.
Enjoyed that. I had forgotten the 21, gorgeous little thing. Kinda reminds me of a Marcos with the styling. Gotta love small engined cars. Cracking content
I feel like the way the car is very oldschool would make it more appealing today than it did in the 90s. I feel like back then everyone wanted to look forwards in terms of what cars they wanted to drive, today a lot of people rather look backwards so to that crowd it could be appealing, if they tweaked it a little and made it actually usable as a daily driver type car.
It's very interesting that the Caterham 21 was effectively killed by the cheaper but more capable Lotus Elise, considering Lotus had recently experienced the other side of the coin with the M100 Elan suffering a similar fate at the hands of the Mazda MX-5.
Regarding sliding the Elise, that lack of confidence likely is related to the mid-engine design-inherent low polar moment of inertia. Basically all the weight is located near the point of rotation, so it doesn't telegraph its intentions. With a conventional layout (such as the Caterham), you feel the "wag" earlier. I learned this the first time I drove a mid-engine single seat race car back in the early 1980s. I had to turn off my "tush sensor" and rely far more on my eyes to anticipate the onset of rotation.
It's not just the position of the weight, it's the driver too - you're so much nearer the rear wheels in the Caterham that you'll feel the movement sooner. Probably also why the steering feels slower, to some extent too.
The biggest advantage thst the 21 has over the Elise is that its playful snd predictable, which cannot be underestimated. The Elise is much less trustworthy near the limit and that's a big demerit. However, on balance, its no wonder that it didn't sell well.
Great to see a 21 on the channel. It’s such a shame that such a great car failed, but it just fell between two stools. The people who wanted a 7 bought a 7, and those who wanted a little more practicality were much better served by the Lotus as you say. I hope their next new sports car fairs better!
I was a car-mad teenager when this came out, launched with a shiny polished aluminium body, and I was smitten. Unfortunately no-one bought it, so it's near impossible to find used examples today. Mr 27, I understand you probably didn't get a lot of time with the car, but it's a shame when you talk about removable windows and a roof when you don't show how those items look or work. Nevertheless, I think this is the first review of the 21 I've ever stumbled across, so thank you.
Never mind the Elise as competition, the car that really guaranteed the 21's failure was the Mazda MX-5. Front-engine rear-drive lightweight fun in a car that was reliable, maintainable and resalable versus a 60's kit car? And value for money? No contest. Fair disclosure: I own an Elise S2.
I don't care what you say about this car - I love it!! It looks gorgeous, particularly in its original silver/aluminium. The Lotus Elise on the other hand looks like a BEACH BUGGY (I cant believe no one else has seen this??) I always thought there was some conspiracy regarding the hype over the Elise... Ive driven the Elise (and not yet driven the Caterham) - it drives great but Id have looks over driving experience all day!!
One of the best looking cars ever. I was fortunate to have toured (in my 7) alongside 3 different high power versions of 21s throughout Europe and Scandinavia - none of them were standard. The engines included a significantly upgraded VHPD K, a transplanted Duratec and a transplanted 2-litre Vx. Compared with a 7, as opposed to an Elise, it was MUCH more suitable for the type of cross continental masochism my group engaged in. For a start, the aero enabled higher gearing which was much better when sat on continental motorways, but things like the roof (which still required a highly manual process) and the boot just made things better all round. Yet, the very essence of the 7 was maintained. At the time, nothing would have led me to swap my 7 for a 21 but these days I try to avoid looking at the classifieds in case I see one and exchange my savings for one. Yes, the Elise killed off the 21 for all the reasons you mention and I do think many of the comparisons are fair however if you do look at it from the perspective of a 7 owner, it makes a lot of sense. If they'd been able to continue development and perhaps base an evolved version of the 21 on a CSR chassis then perhaps the extra width and IRS would have benefitted more people but it would have dulled the driving experience and possible the styling.
I remember reading about these in "the knowledge" in Evo in the early 2000s. The one-liners were not favourable.... This is the first youtube review I've ever seen, and in fact the first time I've ever seen one in action. Great stuff, thanks
The 21 was clearly developed on a miniscule budget and needed just a few more refinements, like wind-up windows and a ventilation system, to make it competitive against the Elise. It's a shame, because it's a nice-looking car.
@@betacam235 Ah, didn’t know that. I was sent the launch pack many years back and it had a picture of that car in it, which I framed. Still a beautiful machine
Hi Jack, another great review. But I had a thought that made me laugh....think of all of the Caterham 7 owners who punished themselves running around town or on the track wedged into the 7. Then they see their first Caterham 21 and get tears in their eyes. The huge interior, the side windows, the luxurious interior fittings and design, the actual bodywork, and its seating position is actually more than 18 inches above road level, such luxury and class!!! I do love that car but it just didn't have a chance for big sales due to the factors you mentioned. See you on the next one.
Never seen one of these,driven the 7 on track days and you can’t let off the accelerator round high speed corners unless you want to spin off.Thanks for showing me a car that’s passed me by.Happy new year 😊
Great to see a 21 on the channel, very rare sight these days. I remember them as being fantastic to drive and deserved to sell better. I went for a Seven instead (which I still own!) but can see how someone might prefer the 21 to an Elise, especially with 180bhp, very few Elise S1s were that quick.
I road tested on of these and (size 10 shoes) had to take my shoes off to drive it as the pedals were too close, so it was an instant no-no, despite looking nice. Tried the Elise after with no shoe problems; what an amazing little car.
I think you've probably hit the nail on the head. I've driven a Caterham and a couple of Kit cars and I've always had to go and get my racing boots to drive them. Utter Pain, where the Elise, even though it wasn't the easiest to get in it was roomy once in.
@@stevemawer848 They do feel like your wired to the Elise, I've also driven an S1 Exige felt liked you were hardwired. Shame they've stopped building them😓
Absolutely brilliant video jack ❤👍what the caterhham has it's it's own car and being caterhham both great cars it's a individual what a lovely car brilliant
Great to see a 21 review, they are such rare little things! Sadly the launch timing coinciding with the Elise meant it was never going to be a success… hard to believe Caterham weren’t aware what Lotus were planning? I always think of them as a small Marcos!
A friend had one of these for several years, did 3 trips to Le Mans in it, great car to drive once you got in it. I defy anyone over 6ft to climb in with the roof up without loads of practice! His was metallic blue with cream leather and looked amazing. Think it ended up in Belgium or Holland from memory….
So this is so interesting. In 1994 or 1995 I purchased an Original Elva Courier Owners manual from somebody in engineering @ Catherham. My girlfriend @ university in the 1980’s asked if I could buy a car with real doors. I had a Lotus 7 S2, and not a nice one at that time. I showed up the next week in the Elva, she wasn’t impressed. I still have my Elva and the Catherham 21 was the 90’s embodiment I love it, wish I had one
Opinions vary. Personally I think the 21 is a fantastic looking car visually. The Elise is good too, but the 21 has such great lines. Really can't see how anyone could ever put its looks into a negative category. It would also have been interesting to know how it compared price wise to a similar powered Seven. Obviously the 21 would never have been cheaper, but how much more did it cost? A shame you didn't show the hood or how it fits. Did the 21 have a heater? For me I don't have under cover parking or a garage. So a Seven is not really viable. I want windows and roof that will keep the water out, but that can be removed easily. An MX-5 is an obvious answer, but something a bit more focused and lighter would be ideal if not a daily driver.
I fell in love with this car when I first saw the publicity photos of the aluminum bodied prototype but when I saw it in the flesh, the impracticality of it became apparent. I ended up with one of the first Elises instead and never regretted the decision.
I've driven neither, but mate just by your description, i think i would prefer this over the Lotus. Gear shift and progressve, communicative suspension are most important to me. Also, i would swap a peppy little V6 in (if it will fit) because over here in Oz, we like our 6s and 8s. 4 bangers sort of grate on my nerves and the sound of this one is no exception.
Little baby alloy V6, pushing the engines mass closer to the center of the car, say out of a Mondeo or Cavalier would be ideal. Commodore or Jeep 3.8's would be pushing the limits, Chrysler 3.5 well too wide. VW VR6 would be spectacular. It'd end up being like an MX-5 that's had a 13B swap. :)
@@PiDsPagePrototypes yeah that's pretty much it, but some of those aren't so easy to get in Oz. More Japanese stuff than Euro is readily available from wreckers here. I think a snappy little Mazda V6 with a clickety-click MX5 box behind it would be sweet as cherries.
@@gergatron7000 he he he .. I stuck to motors from cars sold in Oz, thinking of dropping the Jeep 3.8 and 6speed in to a VC Valiant, cheaper option then rebuilding a Slant6
@@gergatron7000 yup. Been done in a few Chargers already, but there's no advantage to the mass distribution compared to the shorter V6 sitting further back in yhe chassis
Very nice and kind review. Unsurprising that it's really nice and good really, as all the ingredients are there. A shame is died so quickly but just look at the Elise in the background of the shot with the two parked together: It's a whole other world in terms of quality, tactility, practicality(!). Looks like the 21 was a lovely car. But the Elise really was an utterly incredible car
I am so glad to hear you say Bilstein instead of the Bilsteen that most English speakers do. But then again, you are also very correct on the pronunciation of Italian names. Great video, keep them coming Jack!
Only ever seen 1 in the flesh-An anthracite grey one(looked great) in Knutsford Cheshire when they were first released.I had a Westfield se 1.7 at the time that I used to drive to work , in Knutsford from Manchester regularly.This one reminds a little of some Ginetta models or Sylva kit cars in the bright colour.
Lovely little car. I was coincidentally staying at a Peak District hotel where it was launched. I decided to get one. It was too convoluted a process so I bought a Fireblade instead!
Another great and honest video despite on paper your bias (or lack of it) towards the 21s main rival,ie the Elise. I remember the 21 being launched, in silver if I recall , the weeklies weren't very kind to it unlike you Jack. I like the 7 and the 21, I've attempted to gracefully get in a VX220 Turbo unsuccessfully so I think I wouldn't fit in either!! I thought the 21 was launched like you say to be more practical , however I also understood it to be vastly more aerodynamic than the 7 therefore increasing top speed , nvh etc and thus pitching at a different marketplace. It's a shame the windows are useless and perhaps it would have benefitted from a removable hard top a la mx5? Which perhaps was it's real proposed rival? Enjoyed this one, the sound of the 21 reminded me of the Esprit in "The Spy Who loved me". Best wishes for the New Year Jack, Ben 🇬🇧🇺🇦🚐🚌 Ps weren't Caterham supposed to be a partner with Alpine, to launch their own coupe originally? Perhaps the 21 could and should have been a coupe a bit like the Cobra and Viper coupes? Alpine a possible test example? Or the GTA V6 Turbo would be nice as it's a favourite of mine.
This was a significantly better quality vid than most others in the kast year. Having the Lotus as a point of reference, kept him far more focused on explaining the features and behaviour of the Caterham - rather than the usual rudderless rambling and hyperbole.
Great video. Fun watching you drive a car that you enjoy. Caterham looks like a kit car...they should have put more thought and effort into the whole package.
Thank you for this video. The funny thing was that I read a magazine article on it recently. Shame it did not sell well because it was excellent performance-wise and looks fun to drive.
It's a beautiful car from the front and the profile is good too(minus that wheel and tire combo), but like a lot of cars of that era, the design team decided they were leaving the project early when they did the rear.
The looks are a bit challenging, I find. Gonna feel very different from an Elise being FR instead of MR, as we say in Gran Turismo! Having driven a 7, they're remarkably fun and slideable, and catchable. I guess an Elise could spit you out bqckwards if you're not careful, due to engine placement and car proportions (wheelbase vs track). I like to think there'd be a huge market for a slightly more practical 7, even today. I think Caterham have launched a new car, fairly attractive, but it's electric and so totally compromised. Even the Emira has got a bit bloated. Really would love to see some back to basics British lightweight sportscars from Lotus & Caterham
I have to wonder if it was killed by the MX5 rather than the Lotus Elise. Your average Caterham buyer after a practical convertible would look at the NA MX5 available with the 1.8 by 1994 at less than 3/4 the price. Delivering a light weight convertible with a better engine, metal body panels (which fitted together) and an equally great gearshift and handling that is not that far off the 21 relative to the price differential.
Imagine going through French and Italian toll booths with fixed windows and with your lower body pinned inside the car… makes a Lotus Exige Cup look positively posh in comparison. The 21 would have been a nightmare on any Euro driving trip.
I took a good look at an Elise many years back (I guess around 2006). As someone who's six feet tall, it was a buggeration to clamber into. A real pain; massively fancied one.
I'm the same height and agree it's a pain to get into, particularly with the roof on and in a garage. However once I'm in, there's plenty of room and a great seating position. It's not a daily but on a sunny day, there's nowhere better.
Yep, I'm 6' and I've had my S2 Elise since new in 2005. I always say it's hard to get in but impossible to get out. Because you don't want to. That 21 looks even harder to get in. It is a cool-looking thing. Thanks, Jack!@@elliottharley1386
Getting in, i felt was part of the experience with the Elise, and once you were in it felt perfect. All the controls were just right! In any case if the mother in law could get their Exige then me being 20 yrs younger couldn't complain 😅
Apart from the interior which looks worse than the one in a Noble M12 (Noble interior is spartan but actually quite tidy), this car looks really nice and has aged well. Also I would argue that you can throw it around a lot more than an Elise because the engine is frount-mounted and you can catch slides (oversteer) more easily. I don't know of anyone in an Elise that regularly oversteers it because the short wheelbase is rather twitchy unless your name is Sandro Munari. It's probably the cost and the impracticality which limited its sales. If I had the spare money to buy one, I would definitely have one since the classic 7 is not my cup of tea. I do actually like the Elise but I've never found its unassisted steering that fun. I would suggest spending an extra 10k and just going for a Noble M12 GTO (the 2.5 litre) which has assistance and better steering feel (yes, complain if you like but also the 997 GT3 has assisted steering and goes against all the Gordon Murray pedantic argument about having no assistance). I would be willing to bet that a driver can feel more confident pushing the 21 in all kinds of weather compared to an Elise, just because mid-engined cars don't like sudden changes in grip.
I very nearly bought a 21 but the fixed side windows were a deal breaker for me as I wanted to use it as a daily driver. I ended up buying an Elise instead (which I've still got although it's fair to say that it's something I'd a Trigger's Broom!) and,a few years later, got a track only 7 to scratch that itch too.
Excellent video, earned my sub! Interesting comments about accessible limits and playful oversteer. I think id rather have a 7 than an elise for that reason
I think, from what you've said Jack, I'd prefer a Caterham for its on/near the limit handling characteristics. Probably a 7, with 100% road biased suspension set-up, 13" wheels, 5 speed box, and an open diff. One day...
Great interesting review. I like it! Perhaps the front grille looks a bit odd. Seems to me it was the basic alloy & mid engine platform of the elise that beat it with the extra practicality that brought. Mind you even my Sylva Stylus has wind up windows!
Taking it to Caterham's crumbling F1 headquarters was harsh. I wonder what might have been with some Fernades cash. I asked Gez Coates once why they didn't put a v6 in it to make a product that sat between an Elise and a TVR. He said "no comment". Apparently they were working on it. The Caterham 25
I just felt an all Ali v6 that could be tuned to sound like a Busso would have changed the personality of the car away from the Elise. Might have had to revert to the 5 spd if the torque was to high. It was impressive that it was 50kg lighter than an Elise but some of that could have been traded off for a 6 cyl engine that was a usp in a car that compact. I love the change of character the v6 mx5's possess.
So really, the Caterham 21 is a good car, let down by lack of ventilation and a few other practical features, and being a bit too expensive. A good car with a few faults... How do prices compare now with a Lotus Elise in similar spec and condition?
The real mistake, of course, was to use Ford Mondeo rear lights! It is more like an MX5 in its layout, rather than an Elise. Slower on a track, but nicer on the road.
If you make a basic front engine, rear drive roadster more practical, at a certain point it will be compared to an MX-5 Miata, especially in the power range of the 5:04 Caterham. The Elise is a similar comparison, but on the less vs more practicality spectrum. It’s too bad, I love the thought behind the 21. I think the same thing about the Ariel Atom today, “if only it were a bit more useful in inclement weather, I could perhaps drive it daily.” No no, the Ariel is perfect in its flawed minimalism, want something fast fun and practical, purchase a Boxster. Some will say, the answer always is the Miata.
Let's be honest. The reason the car looks like crap is because of the headlight height laws. The reason the wheelbase is too short is because of legalities in the UK which would require new crash testing. The fact it smells like Formaldehyde and has permafrost inside the cockpit is all Caterham.
I soon realized this has vibes of the modern Fiat 124 Spider, or 'Fiata' as we MX-5 ND2 owners call them. The panel gap on the left door is visually painful.
Impressive little car that had the misfortune to be in production at the same time as the Elise. Saw one of these at a Motor Show but don't recall ever seeing one being driven on the road.
Hi Jack. Interesting road review. However the Caterham would run rings around the Elise in a competition environment such as Hill Climb or Sprints. If you look at Resultsman from Shelsley Walsh you would see that the Elise would struggle to get with 2 seconds of any Caterham in the same competition environment. You make reference to front end turn in. 2 hours damper set up with the fully adjustable dampers would easily dial that out. It is set up for road use not competition so it’s not really a good comparison.
It's a puzzler - and not just a problem in the car industry. Didn't somebody at some point say: "Hang on guys! That's not going to work"? Perhaps they did and got overruled. Usual story, a car that doesn't much interest me but Jack has made it interesting.
Great, informative video but... I really don't like the way you're wearing that seat belt. Wearing only one shoulder strap of a 4-point harness is seriously dangerous. Unless there is a special system that converts it to an actual 3-point that lock at your side and not along the centre line of your body. I've never seen something like that but if that was the case, you should have mentioned it, man.
Everything else put aside, the panel gap at the hinge of the door is hilarious. No wonder it had no chance against the elise, based on first impressions.
I did not like the car when I read the magazine article but I like it after seeing the video. I think it is a 1990s version of a 'cottage industry' sports car from late 1950s Britain such as an Elva Courier, Turner-Climax or Buckler. Would you agree?
Jack l do like to see rare and obscure cars when l saw the thumbnail l was wondering who made it and once l saw it was from Caterham and what is was like and the 21 was built in small numbers l do like the how it looks and you buy a 7 to enjoy basic pure motoring they have nothing in creature comforts although this 21 has windows they are fixed and a very tight fit
I think you misrepresent the Caterham 21. It made sense at the time, when Caterham was a fairly insecure one trick pony. Logically, a full- bodied car, basically Ginetta style, based on Caterham 7 was a range extender. It was not a disaster, the company took no damage from the car. As it turned out, track cars and racing were the future for Caterham. Road cars sell on the back of that income stream. The 21 looked great ( your car is a very poor colour choice) but was expensive to build. In no way was the 21 intended to be a competitor for the Elise, so tbe premise of the video is wrong. Perhaps Caterham realised early on that the 21 was not cost effective and let it go. For looks and rarity value, I would certainly have one over a Caterham 7.
Yes Jack the Elise is a better car. They constantly beat me at our hillclimb. I didn't realise how wide that sill is on the 21, I thought the Elise had a wide sill. Front engine rear wheel drive is always going to be easier to drive than a mid-engine car. But learn how to drive a mid-engine car and it will always be a faster car in the corners.
Thanks for this. I didn't know the '21 existed and my initial thought was "A somewhat practicable '7 is exactly the car I want." I know Caterham is a small company and the Elise was always going to be far more popular, but given any number of kit car companies could have done at least as well for far less money how did they get it so wrong? By the end of your video my opinion on the '21 had changed to "Not in a million years!"
In Australia all this stuff is out of the financial reach of most. The MX5 is our only real choice. Ironic given the climate we enjoy . From Sydney to north of Brisbane you could almost daily drive a 7. Mind I'd fit a hard top and put in extra firewall heat insulation and given the distances we tend to drive making the suspension a little more comfortable may be on the cards.
I remember upsetting somebody telling them the Elise chassis was glued together. And then doubled down by going on by telling them it was the same technology used to glue aeroplane wings together.....
Are these space framed like the seven? I don't think the fixed side windows would be a deal breaker as they keep out the draft. I would like to try one and own one. A contemporary, slightly older, car worth comparing to would be the TMC Costin space framed car (looks like a Targa seven).
The rear did not enthuse me. Had I been on the design team then I would have gone for circular rear lights because they do not look like they have been taken from a parts bin. Some in the comments liken it to a kit car. What would have been wrong with a ready built 'kit car' that looked like this but was something you really could strip down, take apart and do things with? Something deliberately aimed at those that do like to do their own mechanics would have found a niche if combined with an inexpensive racing series.
Without the ability to wind down the windows it's a no from me. I'd much rather have a trad seven. Absolutely my favourite car to drive. Jack, can you look at doing an Elise/VX220/Europa comparison?
Didn't know of this variant of the 7, the looks made me think it's more of a Marcos instead. Tbh, making a bodied version of the 7 makes sense because it certainly offers better protection from the elements (when combined with a soft top/hardtop, of course, which we didn't see here). Plus, we didn't see whether it has a boot or not, but the 7 does lack a boot for sure and that would also make the 21 more practical. Air conditioning doesn't make sense in such a light car, but the side sills could be thinner and the side windows could be rolling up and down. These are its biggest letdowns to me, not the price.
You can get 2 sets of golf clubs (if you're that way inclined) in the boot of a 21, easily enough space for a couple of weeks touring luggage without having to 'pack light'
Only an Englishman could review a sports car and use a Lotus as a quality and practicality benchmark!! Cheers, mate. I owned a Lotus once, gave it away in the end.
![SAFEPLANET - ดาวเคราะห์ [ THE PLANET ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4X1XL3I_k3c/mqdefault.jpg)
I love my 21. Sure it's not as capable on track as an Elise, but the 21 is better in every way for a 2-person road trip on fast A-roads. The boot's huge, and roof much easier to use than an S1 Elise. When you think Caterham's total development budget was £400k, they did an amazing job. They just took too long to get it launched.
Is it true that with the top and windows up, there is no ventilation, no fresh air?
@@amazingjason455 I suspect the massive panel gaps would allow some fresh air to enter the cabin ;)
@amazingjason455 of course not. There are eyeball vents on and under the dash that can deliver hot or ambient external air. I suspect the reviewer didn't realise the heater was on, hence his hot feet.
Agreed fantastic cars to drive, deserved to sell much better. At the time I enjoyed driving the 21 more than I did the Elise S1. Very rare sight these days but I think the design has aged really well. I currently own a 7 Superlight R, CSR and an Elise so a big fan of them all!
Thank you for your informed opinion.
Biggest problem is that the people that see it wont go "oh nice, look at that Caterham" they'll say "Oh look a kit car"
Exactly this
Perfect line.
Correct, except that Caterhams are kit cars in general, so it makes no difference.
@TheBadBunny87
Thats not even a factor, You'd be so happy and engaged driving this thing that You won't give a hoot what anyone thinks it is.
Best example of motoring pleasure and exellence I've seen in ages. Got to love a revvy little twin cam four pot in a little sleek British two door.
@@louisimission2153 ofc it's a factor. It's a major factor. It's the factor that gets you into the car in the first place. Well for the majority of the buying public at least. It looks cheap, tacky and poorly put together. Seeing one in person would leave me with absolutely no desire to purchase one. Which explains why so little was built.
A few points about the engines. If I remember correctly the first 21 produced had a Vauxhall 2.0 ltr engine (redtop) from the Caterham JPE, which would have been around 250bhp !!!! Also there was the option to have k-series with the R500 spec engine, again from memory only one was sold. The 21, in my mind, is a beautiful car and I would love to own one!
Found it difficult to concentrate without being distracted by the full harness seatbelt being incorrectly worn as a standard belt! Great car for high days and weekends if you can find one for sale!
This should be shown to the management and the developement department of Schroth. Someone in Arnsberg/Germany or Fort Lauderdale/USA will have to reconsider their instructions for use. 😅 Simply incredible! 🤦♂️
The full harness may be a hindrance when trying to move one's chest to reach anything further than the gear shift. Other TH-cam presenters have complained about harnesses on the road and some cars (such as Ferrari) come with both sets. The harness is super macho looking and makes sense on a closed circuit where G force wants to push the driver sideways.
@@archiegoodwinjr Harness tends to be specified as it's much safer in a crash - stops you hitting the steering wheel or dashboard with your head (no airbags in Caterhams!) Also holds you in place in a roll.
Yea I noticed that, I totally get why I have UK street legal harnesses in my 600bhp SW20 and promptly put the original seat belts back in after a few weeks of stress, I'm thinking here he's either done it because he wants to move around or they are not road legal so he's trying to style it..😂.😂
I remember sitting both the Elise and the 21 at the Motor Show. I loved the look of the 21 and but couldn't believe it when the salesman told me that there was no ventilation and the windows didn't open. In my opinion they made it even less practical than the 7.
Maybe the 'salesman' was secretly working for Lotus.....😁
This must be the coolest car I never heard of 😄love the interior (way nicer than the Elise) and the sound! Thanks for showing us this gem! 👍
Enjoyed that.
I had forgotten the 21, gorgeous little thing. Kinda reminds me of a Marcos with the styling.
Gotta love small engined cars.
Cracking content
I feel like the way the car is very oldschool would make it more appealing today than it did in the 90s. I feel like back then everyone wanted to look forwards in terms of what cars they wanted to drive, today a lot of people rather look backwards so to that crowd it could be appealing, if they tweaked it a little and made it actually usable as a daily driver type car.
It's very interesting that the Caterham 21 was effectively killed by the cheaper but more capable Lotus Elise, considering Lotus had recently experienced the other side of the coin with the M100 Elan suffering a similar fate at the hands of the Mazda MX-5.
Similar although wouldnt call the mx5 more capable than an m100, just cheaper.
@@1183newman the Elan was fwd the MX-5 rwd...
To compare an Elan to an MX-5 is sacrilege, the Elan is far superior.
@@claywebb8199 we're talking about the M100 non the real Elan
@@SaxCass I know that, but the elan was reviewed very favorably in period.
Regarding sliding the Elise, that lack of confidence likely is related to the mid-engine design-inherent low polar moment of inertia. Basically all the weight is located near the point of rotation, so it doesn't telegraph its intentions. With a conventional layout (such as the Caterham), you feel the "wag" earlier. I learned this the first time I drove a mid-engine single seat race car back in the early 1980s. I had to turn off my "tush sensor" and rely far more on my eyes to anticipate the onset of rotation.
It's not just the position of the weight, it's the driver too - you're so much nearer the rear wheels in the Caterham that you'll feel the movement sooner. Probably also why the steering feels slower, to some extent too.
Not a bad car. Just absolutely eclipsed in every way by the Elise. Same as the Renault Sport Spider. Forgot it was also a K, sounds good.
The biggest advantage thst the 21 has over the Elise is that its playful snd predictable, which cannot be underestimated. The Elise is much less trustworthy near the limit and that's a big demerit. However, on balance, its no wonder that it didn't sell well.
Great to see a 21 on the channel. It’s such a shame that such a great car failed, but it just fell between two stools. The people who wanted a 7 bought a 7, and those who wanted a little more practicality were much better served by the Lotus as you say. I hope their next new sports car fairs better!
I drive that road all the time and it’s such a great driving experience! I see you guys and Harry’s Garage testing often 😀👋
I was a car-mad teenager when this came out, launched with a shiny polished aluminium body, and I was smitten. Unfortunately no-one bought it, so it's near impossible to find used examples today.
Mr 27, I understand you probably didn't get a lot of time with the car, but it's a shame when you talk about removable windows and a roof when you don't show how those items look or work. Nevertheless, I think this is the first review of the 21 I've ever stumbled across, so thank you.
Never mind the Elise as competition, the car that really guaranteed the 21's failure was the Mazda MX-5. Front-engine rear-drive lightweight fun in a car that was reliable, maintainable and resalable versus a 60's kit car? And value for money? No contest. Fair disclosure: I own an Elise S2.
I don't care what you say about this car - I love it!! It looks gorgeous, particularly in its original silver/aluminium. The Lotus Elise on the other hand looks like a BEACH BUGGY (I cant believe no one else has seen this??) I always thought there was some conspiracy regarding the hype over the Elise... Ive driven the Elise (and not yet driven the Caterham) - it drives great but Id have looks over driving experience all day!!
Any reason you're not using the harness correctly?
I do like the look of the 21
One of the best looking cars ever. I was fortunate to have toured (in my 7) alongside 3 different high power versions of 21s throughout Europe and Scandinavia - none of them were standard. The engines included a significantly upgraded VHPD K, a transplanted Duratec and a transplanted 2-litre Vx.
Compared with a 7, as opposed to an Elise, it was MUCH more suitable for the type of cross continental masochism my group engaged in. For a start, the aero enabled higher gearing which was much better when sat on continental motorways, but things like the roof (which still required a highly manual process) and the boot just made things better all round. Yet, the very essence of the 7 was maintained. At the time, nothing would have led me to swap my 7 for a 21 but these days I try to avoid looking at the classifieds in case I see one and exchange my savings for one.
Yes, the Elise killed off the 21 for all the reasons you mention and I do think many of the comparisons are fair however if you do look at it from the perspective of a 7 owner, it makes a lot of sense. If they'd been able to continue development and perhaps base an evolved version of the 21 on a CSR chassis then perhaps the extra width and IRS would have benefitted more people but it would have dulled the driving experience and possible the styling.
I remember reading about these in "the knowledge" in Evo in the early 2000s. The one-liners were not favourable.... This is the first youtube review I've ever seen, and in fact the first time I've ever seen one in action. Great stuff, thanks
It's a lovely little car, but it's shocking to be more expensive than an actual Lotus Elise.
The engine has way more character and the thing is way rarer, it makes sense to Me. I'd pick this in a flash.
@@louisimission2153 They both have the same k series engine.
What a silly sausage, I guess it's the exhaust that has way more character.
maybe the fact that he said only 48 were made has something to do with it
@@1greenMitsi 48 mugs then
The 21 was clearly developed on a miniscule budget and needed just a few more refinements, like wind-up windows and a ventilation system, to make it competitive against the Elise. It's a shame, because it's a nice-looking car.
It had a ventilation system....
Still one of the most beautiful cars I have very seen, especially the one finished in the chrome finish.
That would be the prototype with the polished aluminium body....
@@betacam235 Ah, didn’t know that. I was sent the launch pack many years back and it had a picture of that car in it, which I framed. Still a beautiful machine
Hi Jack, another great review. But I had a thought that made me laugh....think of all of the Caterham 7 owners who punished themselves running around town or on the track wedged into the 7.
Then they see their first Caterham 21 and get tears in their eyes. The huge interior, the side windows, the luxurious interior fittings and design, the actual bodywork, and its seating position is actually more than 18 inches above road level, such luxury and class!!! I do love that car but it just didn't have a chance for big sales due to the factors you mentioned. See you on the next one.
Here in Los Angele, I’ve never seen or heard about a Caterham 21! It’s brilliant. Thank you for the review! Please review a Renault Sport Spider
Never seen one of these,driven the 7 on track days and you can’t let off the accelerator round high speed corners unless you want to spin off.Thanks for showing me a car that’s passed me by.Happy new year 😊
What a lovely little beast, looks like a cross of a Spitfire and a MX5.
Great to see a 21 on the channel, very rare sight these days. I remember them as being fantastic to drive and deserved to sell better. I went for a Seven instead (which I still own!) but can see how someone might prefer the 21 to an Elise, especially with 180bhp, very few Elise S1s were that quick.
I road tested on of these and (size 10 shoes) had to take my shoes off to drive it as the pedals were too close, so it was an instant no-no, despite looking nice. Tried the Elise after with no shoe problems; what an amazing little car.
I think you've probably hit the nail on the head. I've driven a Caterham and a couple of Kit cars and I've always had to go and get my racing boots to drive them. Utter Pain, where the Elise, even though it wasn't the easiest to get in it was roomy once in.
@@markwalton8644 I heard that you didn't so much get in the Elise as put it on! 🙂
@@stevemawer848
They do feel like your wired to the Elise, I've also driven an S1 Exige felt liked you were hardwired. Shame they've stopped building them😓
I really like the overall dimensions and style of the car. That footwell certainly does look tight, though.
Absolutely brilliant video jack ❤👍what the caterhham has it's it's own car and being caterhham both great cars it's a individual what a lovely car brilliant
Great to see a 21 review, they are such rare little things! Sadly the launch timing coinciding with the Elise meant it was never going to be a success… hard to believe Caterham weren’t aware what Lotus were planning? I always think of them as a small Marcos!
I had Teflon tyres on my S1 Elise for a while and it was very tail waggie but lots of fun and easily caught with that lovely steering
A friend had one of these for several years, did 3 trips to Le Mans in it, great car to drive once you got in it.
I defy anyone over 6ft to climb in with the roof up without loads of practice!
His was metallic blue with cream leather and looked amazing.
Think it ended up in Belgium or Holland from memory….
So this is so interesting. In 1994 or 1995 I purchased an Original Elva Courier Owners manual from somebody in engineering @ Catherham. My girlfriend @ university in the 1980’s asked if I could buy a car with real doors. I had a Lotus 7 S2, and not a nice one at that time. I showed up the next week in the Elva, she wasn’t impressed. I still have my Elva and the Catherham 21 was the 90’s embodiment I love it, wish I had one
Opinions vary. Personally I think the 21 is a fantastic looking car visually. The Elise is good too, but the 21 has such great lines. Really can't see how anyone could ever put its looks into a negative category. It would also have been interesting to know how it compared price wise to a similar powered Seven. Obviously the 21 would never have been cheaper, but how much more did it cost?
A shame you didn't show the hood or how it fits. Did the 21 have a heater? For me I don't have under cover parking or a garage. So a Seven is not really viable. I want windows and roof that will keep the water out, but that can be removed easily. An MX-5 is an obvious answer, but something a bit more focused and lighter would be ideal if not a daily driver.
I fell in love with this car when I first saw the publicity photos of the aluminum bodied prototype but when I saw it in the flesh, the impracticality of it became apparent. I ended up with one of the first Elises instead and never regretted the decision.
I've driven neither, but mate just by your description, i think i would prefer this over the Lotus. Gear shift and progressve, communicative suspension are most important to me. Also, i would swap a peppy little V6 in (if it will fit) because over here in Oz, we like our 6s and 8s. 4 bangers sort of grate on my nerves and the sound of this one is no exception.
Little baby alloy V6, pushing the engines mass closer to the center of the car, say out of a Mondeo or Cavalier would be ideal. Commodore or Jeep 3.8's would be pushing the limits, Chrysler 3.5 well too wide. VW VR6 would be spectacular.
It'd end up being like an MX-5 that's had a 13B swap. :)
@@PiDsPagePrototypes yeah that's pretty much it, but some of those aren't so easy to get in Oz. More Japanese stuff than Euro is readily available from wreckers here. I think a snappy little Mazda V6 with a clickety-click MX5 box behind it would be sweet as cherries.
@@gergatron7000 he he he .. I stuck to motors from cars sold in Oz, thinking of dropping the Jeep 3.8 and 6speed in to a VC Valiant, cheaper option then rebuilding a Slant6
@@PiDsPagePrototypes that would be a real goer... But could you use a 4.0 from an early girl?
@@gergatron7000 yup. Been done in a few Chargers already, but there's no advantage to the mass distribution compared to the shorter V6 sitting further back in yhe chassis
Very nice and kind review. Unsurprising that it's really nice and good really, as all the ingredients are there. A shame is died so quickly but just look at the Elise in the background of the shot with the two parked together: It's a whole other world in terms of quality, tactility, practicality(!). Looks like the 21 was a lovely car. But the Elise really was an utterly incredible car
Excellent stuff Jack! ...... hope you're well buddy 👍
I am so glad to hear you say Bilstein instead of the Bilsteen that most English speakers do. But then again, you are also very correct on the pronunciation of Italian names. Great video, keep them coming Jack!
Only ever seen 1 in the flesh-An anthracite grey one(looked great) in Knutsford Cheshire when they were first released.I had a Westfield se 1.7 at the time that I used to drive to work , in Knutsford from Manchester regularly.This one reminds a little of some Ginetta models or Sylva kit cars in the bright colour.
Lovely little car. I was coincidentally staying at a Peak District hotel where it was launched. I decided to get one. It was too convoluted a process so I bought a Fireblade instead!
Fair review as always!!!
Seen from the side it really looks like a Viper in reduction...
Well done for scoring a 21. Love the interesting obscure cars...
Another great and honest video despite on paper your bias (or lack of it) towards the 21s main rival,ie the Elise.
I remember the 21 being launched, in silver if I recall , the weeklies weren't very kind to it unlike you Jack.
I like the 7 and the 21, I've attempted to gracefully get in a VX220 Turbo unsuccessfully so I think I wouldn't fit in either!!
I thought the 21 was launched like you say to be more practical , however I also understood it to be vastly more aerodynamic than the 7 therefore increasing top speed , nvh etc and thus pitching at a different marketplace.
It's a shame the windows are useless and perhaps it would have benefitted from a removable hard top a la mx5? Which perhaps was it's real proposed rival?
Enjoyed this one, the sound of the 21 reminded me of the Esprit in "The Spy Who loved me".
Best wishes for the New Year Jack, Ben 🇬🇧🇺🇦🚐🚌
Ps weren't Caterham supposed to be a partner with Alpine, to launch their own coupe originally? Perhaps the 21 could and should have been a coupe a bit like the Cobra and Viper coupes? Alpine a possible test example? Or the GTA V6 Turbo would be nice as it's a favourite of mine.
Thank you for showcasing this car. I had no idea this ever existed, not even in Gran Turismo I played. Nice video. Keep up the good work.
Good lad Jack. Fantastic appraisal. The best I've seen or heard - quite easily.
This was a significantly better quality vid than most others in the kast year.
Having the Lotus as a point of reference, kept him far more focused on explaining the features and behaviour of the Caterham - rather than the usual rudderless rambling and hyperbole.
What a cool car. Wish we had more options for light and cheap sports car in the US. I love Miata’s but need some variety.
Great video. Fun watching you drive a car that you enjoy. Caterham looks like a kit car...they should have put more thought and effort into the whole package.
Thank you for this video. The funny thing was that I read a magazine article on it recently. Shame it did not sell well because it was excellent performance-wise and looks fun to drive.
It's a beautiful car from the front and the profile is good too(minus that wheel and tire combo), but like a lot of cars of that era, the design team decided they were leaving the project early when they did the rear.
Looks like a great British sports car to me. Beautiful and raw.
The looks are a bit challenging, I find. Gonna feel very different from an Elise being FR instead of MR, as we say in Gran Turismo!
Having driven a 7, they're remarkably fun and slideable, and catchable. I guess an Elise could spit you out bqckwards if you're not careful, due to engine placement and car proportions (wheelbase vs track).
I like to think there'd be a huge market for a slightly more practical 7, even today.
I think Caterham have launched a new car, fairly attractive, but it's electric and so totally compromised.
Even the Emira has got a bit bloated. Really would love to see some back to basics British lightweight sportscars from Lotus & Caterham
Huge thanks to You, Mr. 27 for bring this little jem to the screen. Very happy to discover this 🍻
I have to wonder if it was killed by the MX5 rather than the Lotus Elise. Your average Caterham buyer after a practical convertible would look at the NA MX5 available with the 1.8 by 1994 at less than 3/4 the price. Delivering a light weight convertible with a better engine, metal body panels (which fitted together) and an equally great gearshift and handling that is not that far off the 21 relative to the price differential.
Imagine going through French and Italian toll booths with fixed windows and with your lower body pinned inside the car… makes a Lotus Exige Cup look positively posh in comparison. The 21 would have been a nightmare on any Euro driving trip.
I took a good look at an Elise many years back (I guess around 2006). As someone who's six feet tall, it was a buggeration to clamber into. A real pain; massively fancied one.
I'm the same height and agree it's a pain to get into, particularly with the roof on and in a garage. However once I'm in, there's plenty of room and a great seating position. It's not a daily but on a sunny day, there's nowhere better.
Yep, I'm 6' and I've had my S2 Elise since new in 2005. I always say it's hard to get in but impossible to get out. Because you don't want to. That 21 looks even harder to get in. It is a cool-looking thing. Thanks, Jack!@@elliottharley1386
Getting in, i felt was part of the experience with the Elise, and once you were in it felt perfect. All the controls were just right! In any case if the mother in law could get their Exige then me being 20 yrs younger couldn't complain 😅
@@markwalton8644 🤣🤣
Have a go in a MK1 Exige. It's even worse.
You do know that there are a folding roof and sidescreens available for the 7?
Apart from the interior which looks worse than the one in a Noble M12 (Noble interior is spartan but actually quite tidy), this car looks really nice and has aged well. Also I would argue that you can throw it around a lot more than an Elise because the engine is frount-mounted and you can catch slides (oversteer) more easily. I don't know of anyone in an Elise that regularly oversteers it because the short wheelbase is rather twitchy unless your name is Sandro Munari.
It's probably the cost and the impracticality which limited its sales. If I had the spare money to buy one, I would definitely have one since the classic 7 is not my cup of tea. I do actually like the Elise but I've never found its unassisted steering that fun. I would suggest spending an extra 10k and just going for a Noble M12 GTO (the 2.5 litre) which has assistance and better steering feel (yes, complain if you like but also the 997 GT3 has assisted steering and goes against all the Gordon Murray pedantic argument about having no assistance).
I would be willing to bet that a driver can feel more confident pushing the 21 in all kinds of weather compared to an Elise, just because mid-engined cars don't like sudden changes in grip.
I very nearly bought a 21 but the fixed side windows were a deal breaker for me as I wanted to use it as a daily driver. I ended up buying an Elise instead (which I've still got although it's fair to say that it's something I'd a Trigger's Broom!) and,a few years later, got a track only 7 to scratch that itch too.
Excellent video, earned my sub! Interesting comments about accessible limits and playful oversteer. I think id rather have a 7 than an elise for that reason
Another great video! Thanks for bringing these cars of my adolescence on the channel, it brings back memories!😊
if you want performance and comfort, get a BM / porker etc, for poverty spec and ultimate fun, get a 7, sensible option is as always.....Mazda MX5
I think, from what you've said Jack, I'd prefer a Caterham for its on/near the limit handling characteristics. Probably a 7, with 100% road biased suspension set-up, 13" wheels, 5 speed box, and an open diff. One day...
Great interesting review. I like it!
Perhaps the front grille looks a bit odd.
Seems to me it was the basic alloy & mid engine platform of the elise that beat it with the extra practicality that brought.
Mind you even my Sylva Stylus has wind up windows!
Taking it to Caterham's crumbling F1 headquarters was harsh. I wonder what might have been with some Fernades cash. I asked Gez Coates once why they didn't put a v6 in it to make a product that sat between an Elise and a TVR. He said "no comment". Apparently they were working on it. The Caterham 25
I just felt an all Ali v6 that could be tuned to sound like a Busso would have changed the personality of the car away from the Elise. Might have had to revert to the 5 spd if the torque was to high. It was impressive that it was 50kg lighter than an Elise but some of that could have been traded off for a 6 cyl engine that was a usp in a car that compact. I love the change of character the v6 mx5's possess.
So really, the Caterham 21 is a good car, let down by lack of ventilation and a few other practical features, and being a bit too expensive. A good car with a few faults... How do prices compare now with a Lotus Elise in similar spec and condition?
The real mistake, of course, was to use Ford Mondeo rear lights! It is more like an MX5 in its layout, rather than an Elise. Slower on a track, but nicer on the road.
100% agree with that, I can't look beyond them!
Mondeo rear lights didn't seem to do the Noble M12 any harm...
Yeah, they seemed to work better with that car.
Dude they aren't that bad. Smh
If you make a basic front engine, rear drive roadster more practical, at a certain point it will be compared to an MX-5 Miata, especially in the power range of the 5:04 Caterham. The Elise is a similar comparison, but on the less vs more practicality spectrum. It’s too bad, I love the thought behind the 21. I think the same thing about the Ariel Atom today, “if only it were a bit more useful in inclement weather, I could perhaps drive it daily.” No no, the Ariel is perfect in its flawed minimalism, want something fast fun and practical, purchase a Boxster. Some will say, the answer always is the Miata.
Let's be honest. The reason the car looks like crap is because of the headlight height laws. The reason the wheelbase is too short is because of legalities in the UK which would require new crash testing. The fact it smells like Formaldehyde and has permafrost inside the cockpit is all Caterham.
Had totally forgotten about this. Looks lots of fun in isolation, even if owning an Elise gave another frame of reference.
I soon realized this has vibes of the modern Fiat 124 Spider, or 'Fiata' as we MX-5 ND2 owners call them. The panel gap on the left door is visually painful.
At 12:00...is that panel gap at the front edge of the door real of was the, "bonnet" not closed?
Impressive little car that had the misfortune to be in production at the same time as the Elise. Saw one of these at a Motor Show but don't recall ever seeing one being driven on the road.
Hi Jack. Interesting road review. However the Caterham would run rings around the Elise in a competition environment such as Hill Climb or Sprints. If you look at Resultsman from Shelsley Walsh you would see that the Elise would struggle to get with 2 seconds of any Caterham in the same competition environment. You make reference to front end turn in. 2 hours damper set up with the fully adjustable dampers would easily dial that out. It is set up for road use not competition so it’s not really a good comparison.
It's a puzzler - and not just a problem in the car industry. Didn't somebody at some point say: "Hang on guys! That's not going to work"? Perhaps they did and got overruled.
Usual story, a car that doesn't much interest me but Jack has made it interesting.
If my memory serves me correctly the most powerful version was given the vhpd monicker-----
Great, informative video but... I really don't like the way you're wearing that seat belt. Wearing only one shoulder strap of a 4-point harness is seriously dangerous. Unless there is a special system that converts it to an actual 3-point that lock at your side and not along the centre line of your body. I've never seen something like that but if that was the case, you should have mentioned it, man.
Thanks Jack, didn't realise they were as rare as that, but not surprising!
Everything else put aside, the panel gap at the hinge of the door is hilarious. No wonder it had no chance against the elise, based on first impressions.
I did not like the car when I read the magazine article but I like it after seeing the video. I think it is a 1990s version of a 'cottage industry' sports car from late 1950s Britain such as an Elva Courier, Turner-Climax or Buckler. Would you agree?
Jack l do like to see rare and obscure cars when l saw the thumbnail l was wondering who made it and once l saw it was from Caterham and what is was like and the 21 was built in small numbers l do like the how it looks and you buy a 7 to enjoy basic pure motoring they have nothing in creature comforts although this 21 has windows they are fixed and a very tight fit
That man on the bike at the beginning will never be run down. You can see him from the space station each morning.
I think you misrepresent the Caterham 21. It made sense at the time, when Caterham was a fairly insecure one trick pony. Logically, a full- bodied car, basically Ginetta style, based on Caterham 7 was a range extender. It was not a disaster, the company took no damage from the car. As it turned out, track cars and racing were the future for Caterham. Road cars sell on the back of that income stream.
The 21 looked great ( your car is a very poor colour choice) but was expensive to build.
In no way was the 21 intended to be a competitor for the Elise, so tbe premise of the video is wrong. Perhaps Caterham realised early on that the 21 was not cost effective and let it go.
For looks and rarity value, I would certainly have one over a Caterham 7.
Hadn't even heard that type of Caterham had existed. Nice one Jack.
I'd like to see your take on any of the more recent Ginetta sports cars......
Yes Jack the Elise is a better car. They constantly beat me at our hillclimb. I didn't realise how wide that sill is on the 21, I thought the Elise had a wide sill. Front engine rear wheel drive is always going to be easier to drive than a mid-engine car. But learn how to drive a mid-engine car and it will always be a faster car in the corners.
Thanks for this. I didn't know the '21 existed and my initial thought was "A somewhat practicable '7 is exactly the car I want."
I know Caterham is a small company and the Elise was always going to be far more popular, but given any number of kit car companies could have done at least as well for far less money how did they get it so wrong?
By the end of your video my opinion on the '21 had changed to "Not in a million years!"
In Australia all this stuff is out of the financial reach of most. The MX5 is our only real choice. Ironic given the climate we enjoy . From Sydney to north of Brisbane you could almost daily drive a 7. Mind I'd fit a hard top and put in extra firewall heat insulation and given the distances we tend to drive making the suspension a little more comfortable may be on the cards.
I remember upsetting somebody telling them the Elise chassis was glued together. And then doubled down by going on by telling them it was the same technology used to glue aeroplane wings together.....
Are these space framed like the seven? I don't think the fixed side windows would be a deal breaker as they keep out the draft. I would like to try one and own one. A contemporary, slightly older, car worth comparing to would be the TMC Costin space framed car (looks like a Targa seven).
The rear did not enthuse me. Had I been on the design team then I would have gone for circular rear lights because they do not look like they have been taken from a parts bin.
Some in the comments liken it to a kit car. What would have been wrong with a ready built 'kit car' that looked like this but was something you really could strip down, take apart and do things with? Something deliberately aimed at those that do like to do their own mechanics would have found a niche if combined with an inexpensive racing series.
Without the ability to wind down the windows it's a no from me. I'd much rather have a trad seven. Absolutely my favourite car to drive. Jack, can you look at doing an Elise/VX220/Europa comparison?
Didn't know of this variant of the 7, the looks made me think it's more of a Marcos instead.
Tbh, making a bodied version of the 7 makes sense because it certainly offers better protection from the elements (when combined with a soft top/hardtop, of course, which we didn't see here). Plus, we didn't see whether it has a boot or not, but the 7 does lack a boot for sure and that would also make the 21 more practical. Air conditioning doesn't make sense in such a light car, but the side sills could be thinner and the side windows could be rolling up and down. These are its biggest letdowns to me, not the price.
You can get 2 sets of golf clubs (if you're that way inclined) in the boot of a 21, easily enough space for a couple of weeks touring luggage without having to 'pack light'
@@powderpuffn7So it has a proper boot. Very nice.
Wasn´t the 21 designed by Ian Callum?
Only an Englishman could review a sports car and use a Lotus as a quality and practicality benchmark!! Cheers, mate. I owned a Lotus once, gave it away in the end.
Isn't Jack Italian?
I've never even heard of this car! I'll bet it's a blast to drive. Thanks for putting this out.
Everyone hating on this thing is ridiculous