Caterham has built this Seven 360R from... bits of an old helicopter

Caterham and the Royal Air Force (RAF) have teamed up to create this: a one-off Caterham Seven 360R with the components of a Puma HC2 helicopter. And it's got us a bit giddy.

It’s all in an effort to commemorate the chopper post-retirement. Why not build a car from repurposed bits? Isn't that what upcycling is all about?

Caterham tells us the aluminium skin from the Puma’s tail and doors have been refashioned into panels for the Seven and interior bulkhead. The door jettison handle has been left in situ as a reminder of what it once was.

The helicopter’s ammunition box holds the car battery, and the panels are NATO Green and Desert Sand. But of course.

Inside, the Caterham’s carbon fibre seats and door panels have been padded out with the aircraft’s quilted soundproofing. How much damping or comfort it really provides is yet to be seen, mind.

Across the dash, the chopper’s navigation clock is the centrepiece. The 360R’s regular switchgear has been given a military upgrade and we’re also told the software has been configured to give a helicopter-style three-stage ignition. So. Cool.

Flying since 1972, 'XW232' - as the Puma HC2 was known - was a medium support chopper used for tactical movement of troops, extraction of those injured on the frontline and deployed for humanitarian and disaster relief operations.

Names of all those from RAF Benson’s Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) team and Caterham appear on the bonnet. Corporal McCreadie said: “It has been an honour to be a part of the Caterham project. As an Aircraft Technician (mechanical), I volunteered my time to remove the decommissioned materials from the Puma for the Caterham RAF Seven 360. To see the transformation of the materials has been fascinating.

“Through the course of the project I had the opportunity to refine my skills and learn some new engineering techniques. I am proud to have been a part of the team that made this car and to promote Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics within the RAF.”

Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham, said: “When the RAF approached us about this project we jumped at the chance to be involved. Firstly, because 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 was a true team effort as well, with engineers from the RAF supporting us throughout the build. But, more importantly, it’s great to know that any proceeds from the auction will go to incredibly important causes.”