Hello World

Hi, I'm Nicolas. Welcome to my blog.

It will be dedicated to my experience owning, driving, improving and taking care of a Caterham 170 S.

Documenting everything here is above all a way to make sure everything is logged for my future self.

Until now, it's quite unique, as my experience is one of somebody living in continental Europe rather than the UK, with all the specifics of a left-hand-drive car, and the joys of sourcing parts and accessories for a British toy.

It's written in English even though my mother language is French. I'd rather share with the world than stay stuck talking to just the Frogs! (coeur avec les doigts)

Today we are actually the 10th of October 2024, but I will write this blog as if everything was posted in real time from January on.

Most will think that getting a Caterham is a midlife crisis thing, or some kind of an impulse purchase. 

Truth be told, I've been lurking at those since at least 2002, with various odd folders full of pictures from various iterations like the Superlight R500 and the 620R to prove it.

My trigger was missing the freedom of the motorcycle for the first time in nearly 15 years. 

It was on January 28th, we were driving back from Signal de Botrange, in the High Fens. Rising 694 meters above sea level, it's the highest point in Belgium. 

A region situated between the Ardennes and Eifel highlands which I would soon explore time and again with the Caterham.

Looking at the classifieds, I was asked by a coworker how much a new one would cost. That's how I came to discover that there was an official dealer in Belgium, and best of all, they're located 20 minutes from me.