Automotive Instrument Design

Caterham Cars

Caterham have a reputation for manufacturing high performance affordable vehicles. We have been working with them since the early 90's, accommodating the various changes in styles and facelifts over the years by providing systems ranging from conventionally driven floodlit designs to those based on CAN based backlit technologies.  

In 2016,we were commissioned by Caterham Cars to produce a set of instruments for the limited edition Caterham Seven Harrods designed car.  The launch heralds Caterham's first ever formalised personalisation programme – Caterham Signature – with the special edition 'Seven' designed by world-famous department store, Harrods.

The instruments feature magnolia dials with a half round black bezel and the Caterham Seven Logo. LED backlit and custom styling. This kind of project demonstrates our wide range of skills and capabilities and our ability to respond quickly to the customers bespoke requirements.

 Hi-Tech Automotive

We have had a long association with Hitech (Superperformance) in South Africa and still manufacture gauges to the original 'Smiths' specification for them, we have developed electronic instruments which retain the original aesthetics to cope with some of the later engine and gearbox combinations.

Morgan Motor Company

The Morgan Motor Company is an icon of British motor manufacturing, we have been working with them since early in 2000. We have customised many vehicle sets for Morgan including those for anniversary models. We have assisted with digital communication development by designing and supplying CAN gateways. It says Morgan on the car, but 'Smiths' is written all over it. 

 Ginetta Cars Ltd

Ginetta G40, was a project that was undertaken in 2010, comprising a range of backlit gauges and motorsport sensors specified and developed for the customer. They featured customised graphics and lighting with highly accurate stepper motor movements.

 Noble Automotive

We have been working with Noble Automotive for over 15 Years. We were involved in their successful M12 project and are now featuring in the Noble M600 a car much acclaimed in the press as a British hand made supercar.

The gauges are in-keeping with the M600's carbon body which is super-light and sleek. The instruments comprise of the Speedometer (pictured left), Tachometer, Fuel Gauge, Water Temperature Gauge and Oil Temperature Gauge.

Great British Sports Cars

One of the UK’s leading kit car manufacturers, Great British Sports Cars, required classic styling combined with high performance to compliment their Lotus Seven styled Zero.  The requirement was met with a customised version of our stepper motor based Flight range.

Jaguar Land Rover

CAI have a long history of supplying SMITHS instruments to both Jaguar and Landrover including instruments for the Landrover Defender and many of the early Jaguar models. In 2017 we were approached by Jaguar Landrover to re-produce an instrument for the Jaguar Land Rover Experience “The Range Rover Story” which launched in Solihull in April this year. The event showcases 50 years of the Land Rover and Range Rover and encompasses partnerships with, amongst others, the Royal family.

The gauge we designed was remodelled from the original SMITHS gauge used to measure the marching speed of the Royal Procession. Our engineering team were called upon to customise a standard Speedometer and re-program to measure a marching pace.

This project shows our ability to not only accurately reproduce historic gauges but also apply modern design and programming techniques.

Our partnership with JLR continues as we work on projects to resurrect both old models, and develop new products for use in classic vehicles with current day technologies.