Unique Caterham Seven uses parts from an RAF helicopter

Caterham has revealed a one-off example of the Seven 360R, built using parts from an RAF helicopter. 

As part of a project to raise money for injured servicemen and women, components from a Puma HC2 helicopter have been repurposed for use in the Caterham sports car.

Following its debut at the British Grand Prix, the special Seven 360R will appear at various events throughout the summer before being auctioned.

From chopper to roadster

Puma XW232 first entered service in 1972, and was deployed for operations in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Iraq – the latter during both Gulf conflicts.

Now at the end of its working life, XW232 contributed various components to the Seven 360R. Building it was a joint effort between Caterham engineers and serving personnel from RAF Benson, where the Puma was based. 

Aluminium skin from the doors and tail rotor of the helicopter is used to form the Seven’s bodywork. This includes the internal rear bulkhead, which still features the helicopter’s door release handle. 

NATO Green paint is kept for the bodywork, with a Desert Sand hue used on the car’s chassis.

All for a good cause

On the inside, the helicopter’s quilted soundproofing lines the door panels and transmission tunnel. The Puma’s evacuation instructions are still stitched into the material. 

A unique satin black dashboard features military grade switches, including a three-stage ignition process for extra theatre. A navigation clock forms a centrepiece on the dash panel, too.

Caterham plans to display the special Seven at selected events over the coming months, then auction it through the Collecting Cars online platform. 

Bidding will be open from 15 August to 12 September 2024, with the funds raised going to Mission Motorsport and the RAF Benevolent fund.