Caterham and the Royal Air Force (RAF) have joined forces to create a unique car built from components of a decommissioned Puma HC2 helicopter. This special edition one-off Caterham Seven 360R aims to raise over $100,000 for injured service men and women through an online auction on Collecting Cars.
The project, a collaboration involving the RAF, Caterham, Mission Motorsport and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, honors the Puma HC2’s 50-year service history. Notably, the helicopter saw action in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq, among other regions and has now been transformed into a tribute vehicle.
This special build incorporates the helicopter’s aluminum skin, interior quilted soundproofing and military-grade switchgear. A standout feature is the authentic three-stage ignition sequence, mimicking the helicopter’s start-up process. The car’s dashboard includes a navigational clock from the aircraft and the exterior remains partly unpainted for authenticity.
Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its unique nature and the importance of the causes it supports. Cpl McCreadie and Sqn Ldr Morley from RAF Benson, who contributed to the car’s assembly, emphasized the project’s role in promoting STEM within the RAF and showcasing engineering skills.
The car will debut at the Formula 1 British Grand Prix and be displayed at various events over the summer, with bidding set to run from August 15 to September 12.
