A MASS rally involving hundreds of iconic cars will remember the man who put Caterham on the motoring map.

Graham Nearn, 76, was the founder of Caterham Cars and also the inspiration behind the renowned Caterham Seven sports car.

He died last October – 50 years after he first set up his car business.

And on Sunday, September 5 several hundred Caterham Sevens are expected to converge on an airfield near Maldon in Essex for a convention in his memory. Many will meet at the Caterham Cars' showroom in Station Avenue, Caterham, before proceeding in convoy.

Mr Nearn started out running Caterham Sales and Coachworks on a site behind a petrol station off Town End.

In 1993 Caterham Cars received the Queen's Award for Export.

Nowadays the company sells its vehicles in about 15 countries, generating an annual turnover of more than £15 million.