This page last updated: November 12th, 2001
It would be hard to be a fan of the 21 without wanting one, and I'm no exception. It would also be rather strange if I were to be running the Caterham 21 Register but not be an owner myself. Well, that's now the case since Emily found a new home. I was lucky to be one of the first few 21 owners and especially as Emily was powered by an engine which Caterham could not (at that time) use! For me at least, the Rover K-series 1.8i VVC is the ideal engine for the 21, combining good power and economy with a broad spread of torque to counter the extra 100kg or so which the 21 weighs over the Seven. It is good to know that Rover eventually gave Caterham the chance to use it.
The engine is so flexible that I was able to fit the 5-speed gearbox with a 3.62:1 rear diff. despite using the standard 16" wheels. As well reaching the motorway speed limit in second gear, this gives relaxed cruising in the over-drive top. As I want to be able to take Emily to Scotland (not to mention other places) each summer, this touring ability is welcome (sadly, very little such touring ever really took place). Add the 400+ mile range and large boot and it is clear a 21 is more suited to this role than the road tests would have you believe.
At the end of 1997 Emily went back to see the boys at the factory and that made her better than ever. High level air vents are a MUST and make driving with the hood up an acceptable option (of course, drivers of Sevens would never consider this a plus). Other additions proved their worth as I went touring that first summer, but having the starter motor sorted was perhaps the most important fix at the time. With it done I had confidence to back the enjoyment (and a battery master switch to ensure things don't go flat when she's not in use).
My last project was to improve the night-time driving experience by adding some driving lights (a curse, I know) to supplement the rather poor main-beam. I think the headlight covers (as well as making it hard to adapt them for use on the continent) disperse the light a little so the straight-ahead is not clear enough. Also, I find the main-beam lamp on the dash rather on the bright side so a bit of masking tape to reduce the amount it shows is the cheapest part of the fix! Full details of the project to come soon...
To sum up, Emily is as follows:
Emily was designed to be an ideal car for cruising (tall for a Caterham top gear for some refinement and 400+ mile range, with great 2nd and 3rd gear over-taking potential), yet also safe for track-work (dry-sump, big brakes and traction control) if wanted.
You can see some pictures, read the (incomplete) story of the first year or the story of the second year. Note that the story has not been updated since I met Katrina - I hope to fill in the blanks once our lives settle down a bit (some chance).
Return to the Caterham 21 Register page.