Caterham Cars has revealed the Seven 310 Encore, a special limited-edition model that marks the final chapter in the brand’s storied partnership with the Ford Sigma engine. Based in Dartford, the iconic British manufacturer will produce just 25 examples of the 310 Encore, destined for customers in the UK, US, and UAE. Prices start at £39,995.
The Encore pays tribute to a powertrain legacy dating back to 1973, when Ford’s 1.6-litre four-cylinder engines first powered the legendary Caterham Seven. The Sigma engine, introduced in 2007, has become one of the most celebrated and reliable units in Caterham’s lineup, widely respected for its performance both on the road and in competitive motorsport.
Peak Performance in a Compact Package
Under the bonnet, the Seven 310 Encore features the most potent iteration of the 1.6-litre Sigma engine, producing 152bhp at 7,000rpm. With a lightweight chassis, this results in an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 281bhp per tonne. Paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, the Encore accelerates from 0 to 60mph in just 4.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 127mph.
Enhancements borrowed from Caterham’s successful 310R Championship cars further elevate its performance. These include a lightened flywheel, race-spec suspension (with a widened front track, adjustable spring platforms, and a rear anti-roll bar), and high-performance braking components. The Encore is fitted with 254mm vented front discs, red quad-piston calipers, and a motorsport-grade master cylinder — enabling it to complete a lap of Donington Park’s National circuit in just 1 minute and 18 seconds.
Design Inspired by Rock Icons
Aesthetically, the Seven 310 Encore stands out with six bold colour schemes, each named after iconic pop and rock songs: Blue Monday, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Green Light, Orange Crush, Back in Black, and White Noise. Each features a unique paint finish complemented by distinctive body stripes.
Additional exterior upgrades include a 620-style aero nose cone, CUP grille, carbon fibre front wings, and a black styling pack that finishes the windscreen surround, headlight bowls, and exhaust heat shield. The car rides on 13-inch black Apollo alloy wheels wrapped in track-ready TOYO R888R tyres. The chassis is finished in a bespoke gunmetal hue.
Handcrafted Interior with Motorsport DNA
Inside, the Encore blends bespoke luxury with motorsport functionality. Black leather seats are trimmed with dark grey stitching and embroidered with an exclusive Encore logo. A carbon fibre dashboard, custom gauges, gearshift light, four-point racing harness, and a removable MOMO steering wheel reflect the car’s track-focused pedigree.
Each unit includes a numbered plaque between the seats, marking its unique position among the 25-car production run.
Remarkably, despite its extensive enhancements and limited availability, the Encore is priced just £505 above the standard Seven 360R — offering what Caterham describes as “incredible value for money.”
A Fitting Farewell
“For over 50 years, the Caterham Seven has been powered to success by various versions of Ford’s naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines,” said Caterham Cars CEO Bob Laishley. “From the original 1.6-litre Crossflow to the sophisticated Sigma, these engines have offered an unrivalled blend of exhilarating performance and affordable running costs.
“The Seven 310 Encore is a proper tribute to this long-standing partnership. Perfectly suited to both road and track, it distils half a century of success into one compelling package — a fitting celebration of the Sigma engine’s remarkable contribution to Caterham history.”