All factory Caterhams now have the more sophisticated de Dion rear end, which provide a better ride over bumpy roads, although that's not to say that this one doesn't fidget in the best tradition of Seven motoring. The intimacy and delicacy of these cars means that you can feel every small stone and road imperfection and that's part of the buzz. That said, this car's ride is softer than normal, mainly because of the balloon-like Avon CR322 tyres. The words 'fuel saving' aren't normally the kind of thing any self-respecting driving enthusiast would look for on a tyre sidewall, but that's what it says here. Unsurprisingly, grip levels aren't huge, but then low- weight, low-centre-of-gravity cars such as these are still nimble enough and when they do relinquish their grip on the tarmac it's very progressive. You're helped by steering that gives you as much information as you'd ever need and is instant in its response.

Driving a Caterham is an intense assault on your senses and although this one may not be the fastest ever, all the sensations are still there in abundance. Of course it's not earth-shatteringly quick in the way we've come to expect from modern Sevens, but in the real world it's no slouch, despite just 105bhp from the 1.4-litre K-series engine. Well, the whole car does weigh just 540kg after all. Throttle response is sharp too, and there's a satisfyingly raspy sound- track from the side exit exhaust.

With large expanses of naked aluminium, big chrome headlights and 'Brooklands' aeroscreens it almost looks more vintage than classic, and the narrow track at the front is reminiscent of the S1 cars built by Lotus back in the 1950s. Those screens demand dedication to live with because they provide very little protection for the occupants - 60mph is pretty uncomfortable and much above that forces so much air into your nose and mouth that it literally takes your breath away and you struggle to breathe.

Where the Classic really scores is in its simplicity. Even in Seven terms this one is raw, but there's plenty to keep the keen driver entertained and as a weekend toy to stash in the garage for those summer blasts it makes a huge amount of sense.

If you want to learn about car control and enjoy a gentle intro into the extreme world of Caterham, then this could be the one. And if you want to save yourself ΂£2250 off the list price you can still order it in bits and bolt them together yourself.