Caterham has not been on the Formula 1 grid for over a decade, but that will not stop the bespoke sports car manufacturer from taking advantage of a good marketing opportunity. This weekend’s Miami Grand Prix marks the opportunity to paint special editions in various neon shades of teal and pink, and Caterham is taking that chance, whether it makes sense or not.
This is the Miami Special Edition of the company’s signature Seven R model, complete in exactly the colors you would hope to see on a car themed after Florida’s most audacious city. Caterham plans to build twelve of these, ten of which will be available to American buyers through its dealership network.
Changes are limited to a unique visual package, headlined by aqua paint with pink and white accents. Miami script is seen on the side and along the seats, while a map of the Miami Autodrome track that hosts this weekend’s race is featured on the back.
Buyers actually hoping to drive their Miami-branded Caterham through the city will be disappointed to learn that this particular Seven R is a track-only model. Performance is in line with the usual Seven R, complete with a 210 hp Ford four-cylinder that can take the open-top roadster from 0-60 in just under 4 seconds. It may not be the ultimate Miami beach cruiser, but it should stand out as one of the more unique entries at any given track day.
Fred Smith’s love of cars comes from his fascination with auto racing. Unfortunately, that passion led him to daily drive a high-mileage, first-year Porsche Panamera. He is still thinking about the last lap of the 2011 Indianapolis 500.