Caton presents a two-seater sports car based on a 1950s classic Car News

A new British manufacturer has previewed a restomod based on an “iconic two-seater British sports car from the 1950s”.

Caton, a new company set up by automotive engineering specialists Envisage, will preview the new car at London’s Salon Privé from April 21-23. The teaser image doesn’t give much away, but you can see a classic low-slung roadster with a long hood, flowing bodywork and wraparound windshield.

The Coventry-based marque promises the new car won’t be too far removed from the original classic it’s based on, saying it built the car wondering: “What would the original creators have done if they had had the latest technology and manufacturing methods at their disposal?”

Caton says the new car will “rigidly adhere to the DNA of the original car”, although modern technology and a “significant performance upgrade” are also included to create a more user-friendly experience.

To build the new car, Caton created a digital model of the car’s body and will use computer numerical control (CNC) machines to create tools with a tolerance of just 0.2mm. Alongside these high-tech construction techniques, Caton will also use traditional methods – for example, the panels are hand-formed in aluminum using an English wheel.

Caton will use Envisage’s facilities and equipment to mill and 3D print the car parts. Caton will also use Envisage’s finishing department and paint lab. Envisage undertakes a wide range of projects, including continuation cars and car show concepts, for a number of manufacturers.

Tim Strafford, CEO of Envisage, said: “Cato was our investors’ vision, to create a unique brand that uses precision engineering, bespoke craftsmanship and British skill, to create products that are unrivaled in the automotive field and beyond.

“Caton will stand on its own as a specialty brand inspired by precision engineering. It will offer ultra-exclusive and highly ambitious British-designed products in the automotive sector and beyond. This exciting new brand will demonstrate what is possible when design and technical development are taken to the highest possible level with exceptional luxury creations.