Caterham winds back the clock with new Seven Sprint

Caterham has unveiled a new special-edition version of its Seven sports car that commemorates 60 years of the original Lotus 7.

Called the Seven Sprint, the new retro-themed Caterham is based on the firm's entry-level 160 model that's still available in the UK.

That means it comes powered with the same Suzuki-sourced 60kW/107Nm turbocharged 660cc three-cylinder engine.

Despite that lack of firepower, a kerb weight of just 490kg means it should hit 100km/h in less than seven seconds.

To be offered in six of the original body colours available back in 1966, Seven Spirit customers will have the choice of Cream, Mellow Yellow, Regency Red, Camberwick Green, British Racing Green and Misty Blue.

The period-accurate theme continues with the details like the flared front wings, a polished exhaust silencer, retro rear tail-lights and steel wheels with hubcaps.

Inside, there's a wood-rimmed steering wheel, wooden dash and instruments that look like they could have come from the 1960s.

Unlike the standard Seven 160, the Sprint also comes with special seat upholstery that mimics what was available at the time, while both the interior and luggage space come fully carpeted.

Just 60 Sprints will be made and sold globally, each costing £27,995 -- around $A46,000.

Caterham says it will continue its '60 years of Seven' celebrations into 2017 as it builds up to a dedicated festival next year in the British summer.