ESSEX Lotus enthsiasts met at a special event to celebrate the Caterham car.

The Essex branch of the Lotus Seven Club met in Galleywood to show off Caterhams, which were created sixty years ago by car company Lotus.

The branch, run by Andrew Fielding, has seen the membership swell from a couple of people into a thriving group.

It gathers twice a month on the third Tuesday and the fourth Sunday at the Great Baddow Barn.

The meeting had a record 26 cars attend. Everyone who is interested in this contemporary slice of motoring history is welcome to come along, they do not have to own a Caterham.

The Caterham itself was created to be a cheap, accessible way into motor racing.

The Caterham Seven has since been an understated British success with cars sold all over the world, capturing drivers’ imagination and loyalty. There is a huge following in Japan.

Over the years there has been an enormous variety of models, even if they all look the same at first glance.

Due to their light weight the older types with less powerful engines are still great fun. The other extreme is the latest version that can reach 60mph in 2.8 seconds.

The cars can still be bought new or as a self-build kit. Alternatively, a second-hand version can immediately put you behind the wheel to rediscover the raw thrill of sports motoring.

Membership in the owners’ club gives the car enthusiasts the chance to participate in lots of activities ranging from organised local drives to high speed track days at iconic venues such as Silverstone.

For more information about the club visit www.lotus7.club/