Tuesday, 27 October 2009

Graham Nearn, the man who rescued the Caterham Seven brand in 1997, died on Saturday Oct 24 2009.

He was instrumental in the sale and development of the Seven since 1959, including the car's starring role in the 60s cult television series, The Prisoner.

Sale rescue

In 1997, against a backdrop of power cuts, high inflation, the advent of VAT and the three-day week, Lotus wished to end production of the lightweight sportscar. Nearn stepped in, agreeing to take on the manufacturing rights of the Seven, securing its long-term future.

In later years, whilst he remained passionately involved as chairman, it was his son, Simon, who ran Caterham Cars on a daily basis until the Nearn family sold the Company to a new management team headed by former-Lotus General Manager, Ansar Ali in 2005.

Greatest respect

Ali, said: "I have the greatest respect for what Graham achieved with Caterham Cars and fully accept that it was his personal touch that made the brand what it is today.

"I know that, despite our involvement today, Graham will always be considered the heart and soul of Caterham Cars.

"On behalf of myself, my co-directors and fellow shareholders, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Graham's family at this difficult time."