Caterham 360R RAF: This unique model comes equipped with a helicopter

At British sports car manufacturer Caterham, the world still revolves around the dugout concept established by Lotus with the Super Seven: powerful front engine, rear-wheel drive, light weight and a feeling of great freedom.

Small, light, expensive

There are currently nine variants of the concept available in the UK based on a basic modular system, some of which are only offered in the British Isles, including the Caterham 360, which, in addition to the base version, is also available in a sportier R version called the Caterham 360R.

The backbone is the familiar tubular steel frame, available in two sizes (standard and large chassis). Under the long bonnet is a naturally aspirated Ford Duratec four-cylinder engine that develops 180 hp and 194 Nm from its two-liter displacement. Its drive torque is channelled to the rear wheels via a manual five-speed gearbox, guided by a de Dion axle. In the R variant, a limited-slip differential optimises traction.

Weighing around 560kg (depending on equipment), the two-seater accelerates to 100km/h in just under five seconds and has a top speed of 210km/h. In the UK, the Caterham 360 is on sale from around €45,500, with the R-Pack costing an additional €1,200.

Recycling helicopter parts

The Caterham 360R, launched by the sports car manufacturer in collaboration with the Royal Air Force (RAF), could be significantly more expensive. The unique piece is intended as a fundraiser and will be auctioned by a British auction house. The proceeds will go to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Trust, which looks after wounded soldiers. The unique piece was unveiled as part of the British Formula 1 race at Silverstone.

The bridge to the RAF is documented by the use of very specialised parts from sports cars. For example, parts from the Puma HC2 helicopter, which entered service in 1972, was used worldwide and recently reached the end of its useful life, and were converted or recycled into body panels and interior trim. Some of the aluminium skin was used directly from the tail of the Puma, and the helicopter door release handle can even be found on the rear bulkhead. Camouflage paint was quickly adopted, with adjacent surfaces painted in Nato Olive to match. The Caterham frame was additionally covered in the colour Desert Sand.

The interior features Puma details: aircraft quilted sound insulation lines the door panels and the top of the tunnel, and forms the carbon fiber seat upholstery. The helicopter evacuation instructions were retained and sewn into the fairing. The dashboard has a satin black finish to match the helicopter cockpit, and the installed switches are from Puma. The starting process was adapted to the helicopter’s three-stage process. The navigation clock occupies a central place on the dashboard. The military look is completed by an ammunition box under the bonnet, which forms a new location for the starter battery. The names of everyone involved in the project are engraved on the bonnet.

The auction for the unique Caterham will run from August 15 to September 12 on auction platform Collectingcars.com. It is expected to fetch more than £100,000 (approximately €118,000).

This is the Puma HC2

The Puma HC2 is a medium transport helicopter manufactured by the French Aérospacière (now Airbus) in collaboration with the former British manufacturer Westland. The HC2 version is a modernization of the original HC1 model which flew with the Royal Air Force from January 1971. The UK used 48 Pumas in the 1982 Falklands War, and subsequently in Iraq and Yugoslavia. Since 2011, half of the fleet has been upgraded to the current HC2 version, although this was actually due to end in 2022. The Royal Air Force is currently looking for a replacement for the Puma.However, there is no final decision on this yet.

Currently, the British Army has 23 of 24 modified Puma HC2s in service, although one was lost in a landing accident in 2015. As a troop carrier, the Puma HC2 can carry up to 12 soldiers and their equipment. Maximum payload is 16 passengers or 2 tonnes of cargo, which can be carried inside the cabin or as external load under the fuselage.