Caterham Seven HWM Edition Inspired by 1951 HWM-Alta

Picture of By Rob Harvey
By Rob Harvey

Caterham has revealed a new limited-edition version of the Seven, in the form of the Seven HWM Edition. Created in collaboration with sports car retailer HWM, the new car celebrates the racing history of Hersham and Walton Motors and pays tribute to the 1951 HWM-Alta grand prix car.

Only 19 examples of the Caterham Seven HWM Edition will be available in the UK, with prices starting at £57,990.


A Tribute to British Racing History

HWM (Hersham and Walton Motors) was founded in 1938 and built its reputation in motorsport during the post-war era. They became the first British team to achieve a Grand Prix victory after World War II. However, it was the HWM-Alta of 1951 that took things to another level with seven wins, seven second places, and ten third-place finishes in international events.

The car was driven by a number of drivers, including Sir Stirling Moss.


Design Inspired by the 1951 HWM-Alta

Every Caterham Seven HWM Edition will be finished in HWM Green as standard. This has been scanned from the original 1951 HWM-Alta racer. The historic inspiration continues through several bespoke exterior features, including HWM-Alta-inspired side panel louvres and a specially designed nosecone grille.

Additional details such as the suspension wishbones, anti-roll bar, and headlight brackets are finished in Retro Grey, and a bespoke HWM Caterham badge is fitted on the nose.

“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.
“Bringing together two iconically British brands with deep roots in motorsport made this project especially meaningful. It reflects a shared commitment to engineering purity, performance and craftsmanship – values that have shaped both our histories and continue to drive us forward. We’re proud to honour that with a car created for true enthusiasts.”

Trevor Steel, Senior Vice President of Operations & CFO, Caterham Cars

Classic Detailing

Inside, the Caterham Seven HWM Edition cabin continues the historic theme with a SuperSprint dashboard made from hand-turned aluminium. SMITHS chrome dials sit ahead of the driver, alongside a solid metal master cut-off switch and a polished wooden quick-release Moto-Lita steering wheel.

Chrome detailing extends to the gear knob and handbrake, which sit on a body-coloured transmission tunnel. Buyers can choose between leather seats or composite race seats, both featuring the HWM logo.

Each of the 19 cars will also feature a “1 of 19” plaque on the passenger side of the dashboard.

 “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.
“Our sincere thanks go to Caterham for being such an enthusiastic and committed partner. Each of the 19 hand-built cars showcases exquisite detailing, with an outstanding sense of quality and craftsmanship.”

Guy Jenner, CEO at HWM

Based on the Seven 420

The Caterham Seven HWM Edition is based on the Seven 420. Power comes from a naturally aspirated 2-litre Duratec four-cylinder engine producing 210bhp at 7,600rpm.

With a power-to-weight ratio of 375bhp per tonne and a five-speed manual gearbox, the lightweight sports car can accelerate from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 136mph.

Caterham Seven HWM Edition Specifications
Pricing (UK): From £57,990

Engine2.0 Duratec Naturally Aspirated
Transmission5-Speed Manual Gearbox
Chassis Size (Standard)L: 3180mm, W: 1470mm, H: 1090mm
Max Power210 bhp @ 7,600 rpm
Max Torque203 nm @ 6,300 rpm
Weight560 kg
0-60 MPH3.8 seconds
Top Speed136 mph
Brakes– Solid discs with twin piston calipers
– Standard brake master cylinder
HWM EditionDetails
Exterior– Standard size chassis (optional large chassis)
– Full windscreen, hood and side screens
– HWM-inspired vertical bar grille with starter hole
– Weather equipment – Black vinylStandard roll bar
– Retroham rear panel badge
– Union Jack badges
– Painted headlight bowlsBespoke
– HWM Caterham nose cone badge
– HWM Green paintwork
– HWM-Alta race car-inspired side panel louvres
– Retro Grey powder coat frame, wishbones, anti-roll bar, headlight brackets and anti-roll bar mounts
– Composite cycle wings and rear wings
– Composite nosecone
– Polished exhaustCentre fuel filler with chrome fuel cap
Transmission, Suspension & Handling– 5-speed manual transmission
– Open differential
– De Dion rear suspension
– Sports Suspension Pack
– Wide track suspension
– Standard brake master cylinder
– Front – solid discs with twin piston calipers
InteriorComponents finish – chrome & silver
– Dash plaque – HWM Special 1 of 19
– Body coloured aluminium tunnel top with black leather gear gaitor
– Interior panels black with silver rivets
– Dashboard – SuperSprint layout with turned aluminium design
– Battery master cut-off switch – SuperSprint design
– Composite race seats with HWM logo in headrest
– SMITHS chrome dials
– Quick-release Moto-Lita steering wheel
– 4-point Retroham harnesses
– Shift light
Wheels & Tyres13” Silver Apollo alloy wheels (6” front and 8” rear)
Make It Your OwnOptional Extras
Performance– Track suspension (30% stiffer than road/sport suspension)
– Race suspension – as fitted to CSCUK race cars
Aero wishbones
– Front – Ventilated discs with quad piston calipers
– Uprated brake master cylinder
– Limited-slip differential
Wheels13” Black Apollo alloy wheels (6” front and 8” rear)
Track– Track day exhaust system (not polished)
– Plumbed-in fire extinguisher
– Track day roll bar
– Track day roll cage (easy access)
– Sport roll cage
– Race roll cage (not compatible with weather equipment)
Weather Protection– Brooklands Aeroscreens (not compatible with weather equipment or large chassis)
– Aeroscreen composite
– Aeroscreen carbon fibre
– Full weather equipment finished in Mohair
Interior– Fully carpeted interior
– Seats – black leather
– 3-point inertia reel seat belts (only with leather seat option)
– Leather seat in Graham of Montrose Tartan and Biscuit
– Carbon fibre seats with Signature trim pads (black / green stitching) and HWM roundel
– Carbon fibre heated seats with Signature trim pads (black / green stitching) and HWM roundel
– Steering wheel – MOMO suede quick-release
– Steering wheel – MOMO leather quick-release
– HeaterSequential shift lights
– Lowered floors
– Map pocket

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