Steve Hole – författare

Few cars have left such a lasting mark as the Lotus Seven. First unveiled in 1957, its unmistakable silhouette remains instantly recognisable almost 70 years later. What began as a lightweight sports car from Lotus soon became a legend under the stewardship of Caterham Cars, who took over the design in 1973 after years as an official dealer. Richly illustrated with both historical and contemporary photographs, this book explores the complete story of the Seven, including: The background and history of the Lotus Seven (1957–1973), Details of the changing fortunes of Caterham Cars, including ownership, locations and milestones, Coverage of every Seven model produced Insightful discussion of key moments in the Seven’s remarkable journey, Timeless, instantly recognisable and thrilling to drive, the Caterham Seven is nothing short of a motoring icon. First launched as the Lotus Seven in 1957, its unmistakable shape has endured for nearly seven decades. In the last few years, Caterham Cars has undergone a remarkable journey, including two changes of ownership, a bold but brief venture into Formula One and even experiments with bicycles, motorcycles and go-karts – all of which have come and gone. However, through it all, the indomitable Seven has remained at the heart of the brand, still standing tall against all the odds. The company has also moved into three new premises (two of them related to the F1 team), culminating in the summer of 2024 with the opening of ‘Dartford X’ – a state-of-the-art factory where Caterham promises the Seven will continue to be built. This book brings the Seven’s story right up to date, while also revisiting other notable chapters in Caterham’s history, including past models like the 21 and the CSR. The Seven’s journey is the story of an underdog that grew into a specialist car industry giant. Imitated by many but equalled by none, it remains the purest expression of driving pleasure. Road or track, there is a Seven for everyone.

Simca (Société Industrielle de Mécanique et Carrosserie Automobile) was founded by Italian entrepreneur Enrico ‘Henri’ Pigozzi in November 1934 and became very successful assembling Fiat 508 Balillas for the French market, followed by other models from the Italian giant’s range. In 1936, the Simca Cinq, which was a re-badged ‘replica’ of the Fiat 500, was launched in France.Pigozzi was an amazing automotive character and an ambitious chap. He developed his own range of cars, using Fiat mechanicals, with the most successful being the Simca 1000 of 1961, which would regularly sell 160,000 units per year, thus rivalling big-hitters such as Renault and competing head-on with the Dauphine in France. Pigozzi was good friends with Fiat owner Gianni Agnelli which opened many doors for him including those of the Fiat Development Department led by Dante Giacosa. Access was almost unheard of to outsiders, although Carlo Abarth was another of the few that were granted entry and with him Pigozzi devised the brilliant SIMCA-ABARTH 1300.Respected automotive journalist Steve Hole charts the fortunes of the Simca marque as it grew to develop a strong foothold in the French market.

Dutton Cars are the best-known UK kit-car maker and have an international reputation. Tim Dutton began producing cars in 1967 having learnt his skills from his father, who specialised in restoring Bentleys and Rolls-Royces. Tim supplemented this with an apprenticeship in toolmaking after leaving school. Dutton Cars went on to create thirty-five different models, at its height employing eighty people across four sites and producing twenty-two cars a week. In 1989, after supplying in excess of 10,000 kit cars, Tim switched to making amphibious ‘floating cars’ until 2024. Now he has gone back to his roots and is preparing to launch a new kit car.Steve Hole details Dutton Cars and the colourful character that is Tim Dutton through a wealth of rare and previously unpublished images.