The air crackles with nostalgia and excitement as Caterham and esteemed sports car dealership HWM unveil a tribute to British motorsport history: the Seven HWM Edition. This isn’t just a car—it’s a roaring, rolling homage to the legendary 1951 HWM-Alta grand prix machine, a race car that blazed its way into the annals of motorsport lore.
HWM, or Hersham and Walton Motors, has roots stretching back to 1938, its story steeped in the romance and grit of post-war racing. As the first British team to clinch a Grand Prix victory in the modern era, HWM’s legacy is defined by passion and perseverance. But it was the indomitable 1951 HWM-Alta—piloted by none other than Sir Stirling Moss and a cadre of fearless racers—that truly immortalised the marque. Seven wins. Seven second-place finishes. Ten hard-fought podiums. The HWM-Alta was a force to be reckoned with, and now, its spirit lives on.
Fast forward to today: only 19 lucky enthusiasts in the UK will get their hands on this exclusive Seven HWM Edition, priced from £57,990. Each car is a masterclass in motorsport homage, finished in the unmistakable HWM Green—painstakingly matched to the very hue that streaked around circuits in 1951. The details are delicious: race car-inspired side panel louvres, a bespoke grille, and suspension components finished in Retro Grey. A custom HWM Caterham nose badge and a centrally-mounted chrome fuel filler cap add further flair, ensuring this Seven is every bit as distinctive as its inspiration.
Step inside, and the celebration of history continues. The SuperSprint dashboard gleams with hand-turned aluminium, flanked by SMITHS chrome dials and a solid metal master cut-off switch—a tactile nod to vintage competition cars. The quick-release Moto-Lita steering wheel, crafted from polished wood, invites drivers to grip the past. Even the gear knob and handbrake, finished in chrome atop a body-coloured transmission tunnel, evoke the golden era of racing. Choose between sumptuous leather or competition-grade composite seats, both proudly emblazoned with the HWM logo, and you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Beneath the bespoke skin, the Seven HWM Edition is based on the formidable 420 model. Here, a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Duratec four-cylinder engine sings to the tune of 210bhp at a heady 7,600rpm, launching the lightweight roadster from 0-60mph in a blistering 3.8 seconds. With a top speed of 136mph and a power-to-weight ratio of 375bhp-per-tonne, this car doesn’t just look the part—it delivers a driving experience worthy of its racing forebears.
But exclusivity is the final flourish. Each car features a ‘1 of 19’ plaque on the passenger side dashboard, a subtle reminder that this isn’t just a Caterham—it’s a piece of racing history, reborn for the road.
Today, HWM calls Walton-on-Thames in Surrey home, renowned as a purveyor of luxury sports cars and, since 2023, the appointed Caterham retailer for the South East. With a legacy of building race cars and a partnership with Caterham’s engineering team, HWM has poured its soul into the Seven HWM Edition—a car brimming with unique features and historic reverence.
The collaboration has stirred deep emotion among both brands. Trevor Steel, Senior Vice President of Operations & CFO at Caterham Cars, shares: “It’s been a real privilege to work with HWM on this special limited edition. Drawing inspiration from the legendary HWM-Alta racer, this car pays tribute to Walton-on-Thames’ rich racing heritage while celebrating the lightweight, driver-focused ethos that defines what Caterham is today.”
Guy Jenner, CEO at HWM, echoes the sentiment: “We are immensely proud to celebrate HWM’s remarkable history as a works team and grand prix car constructor. This project has given us a unique opportunity to tell the story of how a small outfit from Walton-on-Thames took on the greatest teams in European grand prix racing during one of motor racing’s most inspiring eras.”
With thanks to Caterham’s unwavering enthusiasm and expertise, each of the 19 hand-built Sevens stands as a testament to exquisite detailing and British craftsmanship—a true collector’s dream.
- You can visit the Caterham website here: https://caterhamcars.com/en
- You can also visit the HWM website and prepare to be swept up in a legacy where racing history and modern engineering meet at full throttle. https://www.hwm.co.uk/new-cars/hwmcaterhamspecial/
