1996 Caterham Seven (S3) 1.7L Petrol · C7 MWA
1996 Caterham Seven (S3) (1.7L, petrol). First registered 19/08/1996. Recorded mileage 29,150 miles. MOT valid until 28/05/2027. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- CATERHAM SEVEN (S3)
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Cardiff
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 28/05/2027
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 29,150 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.7L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 1996
- Engine
- 1699cc
C7 MWA Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 29/05/2026
- 29,150 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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C7 MWA Mileage History
- 27/06/202228,509 mi
- 22/06/202329,043 mi+534 mi
- 30/05/202529,127 mi+84 mi
- 29/05/202629,150 mi+23 mi
Average of roughly 164 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
C7 MWA MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1996 Caterham Seven (S3) (C7 MWA) between June 2022 and May 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 6 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (3 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 6 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 1996 Caterham Seven S3 (C7MWA) is a well-preserved, low-mileage example with a largely clean MOT record and is worth serious consideration for a keen driver. The minor advisories noted over recent years are typical for a 30-year-old lightweight sports car and do not indicate serious structural or mechanical concern.
When viewing this Caterham, prioritise verifying the service history given the age of the vehicle, as MOT records alone will not confirm routine maintenance such as cambelt or chain intervals on the 1.7-litre unit. The 2023 MOT noted a perishing offside steering rack gator and slight coolant and oil leaks, so ask the seller what remedial work was carried out after that test and request evidence.
As a 1996 petrol sports car, C7MWA will fall into a lower historic road tax band, though exact VED should be confirmed with DVLA. Insurance group data is not provided, but Caterham Sevens are typically rated individually by specialist insurers rather than standard groups, and premiums reflect limited use and classic status.
Inspect the rear shock absorbers closely, as the 2025 MOT recorded light misting of oil on both nearside and offside rear units (5.3.2 (b)); confirm they are not now leaking and assess ride quality. The 2023 test noted nearside front wheel bearing slight play and an offside steering rack gator perishing, so check for any current play, listen for bearing noise, and examine gaiters for splits.
C7MWA is a black 1996 Caterham Seven S3 powered by a 1.7-litre petrol engine, showing just 29,150 miles at its most recent MOT in May 2026. The MOT history from 2021 to 2026 shows five consecutive passes with only minor advisories such as rear shock misting, slight wheel bearing play, and minor leaks. With no failures recorded and very low annual mileage accumulation, the vehicle presents as a carefully used classic sports car.
No aggregate MOT reliability data is available for the Caterham Seven S3, so assessment is limited to this vehicle's individual history which shows no major failures.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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