Statement: Graham Nearn 1933 - 2009

CATERHAM, UNITED KINGDOM – October 27, 2009: Caterham Cars notes with great regret that Graham Nearn, the man responsible for the survival and evolution of the iconic Seven, passed away on Saturday (Oct 24 2009).

Having been instrumental in the sale and development of Colin Chapman’s celebrated Seven since 1959 (including the car’s starring role in the 60s cult television series, The Prisoner), Nearn became its saviour in 1973.

Against a backdrop of power cuts, rampant inflation, the advent of VAT and the three-day week, Lotus wished to end production of the lightweight sportscar.

Graham promptly stepped in agreeing to take on the manufacturing rights of the Seven, and, in doing so, he secured its long-term future.

On that day, Mr Nearn and the company he started on Caterham-on-the-Hill in Surrey "... became custodians of the legend."

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.

Managing director, Mr 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.”

Please visit www.caterham.co.uk or call 01883 333 700.