One-of-a-kind sports car made from RAF helicopter parts to be unveiled at British GP – with an eye-watering price-tag
A CHOPPER motor made from RAF helicopter parts is expected to be unveiled at British Grand Prix this weekend.
The huge car racing event will be kicking off at Silverstone circuit in the heart of England on Sunday, July 7.
The one-of-a-kind sports car will be presented there for the first time, showcasing its incredible characteristics.
The Caterham Seven 360R was constructed using components from a retired Puma HC2 helicopter that served in several war zones.
Until recently, the decommissioned chopper was used to move soldiers, weapons and ammunition on the battlefield.
The unique car’s body is finished in the same Nato Green as the Puma and its chassis is coloured Desert Sand in reference to the regions where the helicopter operated during the Gulf Wars.
The chopper’s tail and doors have been transformed into aluminium body panels and a rear bulkhead of the vehicle.
Meanwhile, the aircraft’s door jettison handle now sits in front of the rear wheels’ arch.
A bespoke black dashboard features military grade switches which were originally designed for firing missiles.
The Puma’s ammunition box, which once carried 50kcal bullets, is now home to the car’s battery.
The 360R has a three-stage ignition process akin to a helicopter for increased spectacle during startup, and the aircraft’s navigation clock serves as the focal point of the dash.
The car’s door panels and carbon fibre seats are padded with Puma’s quilted soundproofing, which is adorned with the helicopter’s evacuation protocol.
The motor can reach 60mph in 4.8 seconds and boasts a top speed of 130mph.
After being put into service in 1972, the XW232 donor aircraft flew missions with Chinooks in the Gulf Wars, Kosovo, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Northern Ireland.
The vehicle was constructed over the course of two weeks by Caterham employees and serving personnel from RAF Benson.
Raf engineers have spent 120 hours perfecting rivets alone at Caterham’s factory in Dartford, Kent.
Caterham chief executive Bob Laishley said: “When the RAF approached us about this project we jumped at the chance to be involved.
“It was an interesting build process for us as it’s the first time in our history that a Seven has been made from recycled helicopter parts.
“It’s great to know that any proceeds from the auction will go to incredibly important causes.”
In a bid to commemorate its creators, the names of those involved in the project are printed on the car’s bonet.
The rare sports car is projected to go under the hammer for £100,000 next month on online marketplace Collecting Cars.
All proceeds will go to charities Mission Motorsport and the RAF Benevolent Fund to support injured servicemen and women.