top of page
Opposite stock logo

Modern Classics Specialist

Opposite stock logo

Caterham R500

£47,950

8,000 miles
||
1 previous keeper
||
2013
||
Quaife 60G Sequential
||
Julian Godfrey ‘Ultimate 2 litre’

Caterham R500

£47,950

Opposite Stock is proud to present this extraordinary 2013 Caterham R500 Superlight, a machine engineered for pure, unadulterated speed and precision. Originally ordered and specified by its single, passionate owner, this R500 is a masterpiece of performance and engineering, dressed in the eye-catching ‘Ballistic Orange’ with a Matt Black stripe. Its appearance is as striking as its capabilities, embodying the raw, adrenaline-fueled spirit of the Caterham brand.

Initially conceived as a road car, this Caterham R500 spent its early years as a summer toy, offering exhilarating open-air driving experiences. However, by 2019, the car's owner decided to take it to the next level, converting it into a dedicated track machine. The transformation, carried out by the renowned race car builder and restorer JHD Ltd, was extensive, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of track dominance.

At the heart of this conversion lies a meticulously crafted 2.0-litre Duratec engine, rebuilt by the legendary Julian Godfrey. This all-steel, fully ported and gas-flowed engine features SBD 280 cams, double valve springs, and an MBE unlocked ECU, delivering an astounding 268bhp at the rear wheels. The result is a flat, responsive torque curve that offers blistering acceleration and seamless power delivery.

This potent engine is mated to a brand new Quaife 60G sequential gearbox with custom shifter and ratios, enabling rapid gear changes and a top speed of around 145mph. This setup makes the R500 one of the most formidable track day cars you’re likely to encounter in the UK.

The R500's transformation didn’t stop at the engine and gearbox. Weight-saving measures were rigorously applied, including the removal of the windscreen, weather gear, and heater fan, and the installation of a lightweight lithium battery with a master cut-off switch. The car is fitted with custom Bilstein springs and helper springs at the rear, complemented by a full geometry adjustment and corner-weighting. The result is a wet weight of just 495.5kg, giving this beast an incredible power-to-weight ratio of nearly 600bhp per tonne.

Since its conversion, this R500 has proven itself as one of the fastest track day cars in the UK, easily outperforming even the formidable Caterham 620R. Maintained regardless of cost by JHD Ltd, this car is mechanically flawless and ready to dominate the track. It hasn't been used on the road since 2021 but remains fully road-legal, capable of passing an MOT for any driver bold enough to unleash it on public roads.

This Caterham comes with a host of extras, including a rare Brian James Minno Shuttle enclosed trailer (available by separate negotiation), spares such as the original windscreen, full weather gear, and a full set of brand new wet tires. The car's original paintwork carries the patina of a true race warrior, with factory-applied PPF on the nose cone and rear quarters, and some surface corrosion on exposed suspension components – a badge of honour for a machine of this pedigree.

If you’re searching for a seriously fast, meticulously built, and expertly maintained track car, look no further. This Caterham R500 Superlight is a rare opportunity to own a vehicle that embodies the spirit of motorsport, with performance that is hard to match at any price point.

Viewing is highly recommended, and any inspection is welcome. For further information or to arrange an appointment to view this exceptional vehicle at our showroom in Berwick-upon-Tweed, please contact us. Part-exchange is welcome.

Opposite Stock – Your Destination for the Finest Hand-Picked Modern Classics

Service History

01/03/13 – Delivery – Caterham North
16/04/13 – 1047 Miles – Dreadnought Caterham (Running In Service)
02/04/14 – 3613 miles – Dreadnought Caterham
13/04/15 – 4953 miles – Dreadnought Caterham
24/03/16 – 5784 miles – Dreadnought Caterham
29/05/18 – 6997 miles – JHD Ltd
28/09/18 – 7102 miles – Engine rebuilt by Julian Godfrey
01/05/20 – 7102 miles – Conversion work completed
May 2020 – July 2024 – All fluids changed very regularly – every 200-300 miles.

Specification Highlights

Engine: Julian Godfrey ‘Ultimate 2 litre’ Duratec, fully ported and gas-flowed
Power Output: 268bhp at the rear wheels
Transmission: Quaife 60G sequential gearbox with custom shifter and ratios
Top Speed: Approximately 145 mph
Weight: 495.5kg (wet weight)
Power-to-Weight Ratio: Close to 600bhp per tonne
Suspension: Custom Bilstein springs, full geometry adjustment, and corner-weighting
Exterior: Ballistic Orange with Matt Black stripe, original factory PPF, carbon nose cone, painted carbon rear wings
Interior: Stripped for track use, lightweight lithium battery with master cut-off switch, lowered floors, FIA spec roll cage
Tyres: Avon ZZR tyres with brand new set of ZZS included

Interior Gallery