Imagine a place where the sun shines all year round, where winding mountain roads meet ocean views, and where driving isn’t just transportation—it’s an experience. Welcome to Tenerife, where two passionate Belgians have redefined the art of driving. With 7 Drive Tenerife, Frédéric De Backer and Christophe Lambert invite you to take the wheel of a legendary Caterham and rediscover the pure joy of the open road. This is not just a scenic tour—it’s an adrenaline-fueled escape through one of Europe’s most extraordinary islands.
What is 7 Drive Tenerife, and how did the project begin?
FDB: “7 Drive Tenerife is the creation of two Belgian automotive enthusiasts and long-time friends, Christophe Lambert and myself. Our shared love for exceptional cars and unforgettable journeys inspired us to launch a unique experience that combines pure driving pleasure with the breathtaking landscapes of Tenerife. The name “7 Drive” is a tribute to the legendary Lotus Seven, a symbol of stripped-down performance and driving joy, perfectly embodied by the Caterham 340 S SV we offer to our clients.”
Why did you choose Caterham?
FDB: “In recent years, the joy of driving has faded somewhat, largely due to the rise of electrification and automated driving systems. But we believe many people still crave that raw, mechanical connection between driver and machine. That’s why we chose Caterham. With a weight of only 560 kilograms, a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine delivering 170 horsepower, and absolutely no electronic driving aids, the Caterham is all about pure, analog driving. It’s handcrafted in England, looks stunning, hugs the road like no other, and even keeps emissions low thanks to its lightweight construction.”
Do you have a favorite Caterham yourself?
FDB: “My favourite Caterham is the one we offer as a test drive to our customers: the 340 S SV. It’s the most versatile, especially as we’ve opted for a wide chassis and a low floor as an option, so that people of all shapes and sizes can feel comfortable in the car.”
Do you remember the first time you drove a Caterham, and what that experience was like?
FDB: “I’ve been lucky enough to drive a number of Caterhams during my long career as a journalist. The first was a 165 S with the 3-cylinder Suzuki engine. It was on a circuit and it was raining. It was a memorable experience because these cars have absolutely no driver assistance.”
You also offer a B&B concept — could you tell us a bit more about that?
FDB: “As far as the Air B&B is concerned, we offer two. One belongs to my partner, the other to me. Mine is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom flat with private access and terrace in our beautiful oceanfront villa. On request and subject to availability, we can offer services such as breakfast or dinner (photos attached). The other is a two-bedroom flat with double terrace in a luxury residence with swimming pool in the city centre. No meals available. Both are located in Puerto de la Cruz, 1 hour from the southern airport and 30 minutes from the northern airport. This is also where the 7 Drive Tenerife showroom and offices are located.”
What kind of experiences can guests expect?
FDB: “Every guest begins their journey on a professional driving simulator that precisely mimics the behavior of a Caterham. You feel the weight, the resistance of the steering, the precision of the manual gearbox—everything. After that, we offer an accompanied drive to help guests familiarize themselves with the car. Then the real adventure begins. We provide a selection of roadbooks tailored to different parts of the island, allowing guests to explore Tenerife at their own pace. Whether it’s for an hour, half a day, or a full day, each experience is designed to deliver maximum driving pleasure and freedom.”
Why Tenerife ?
FDB: “For so many reasons. First of all, the climate. Tenerife enjoys only ten days of rain a year, and temperatures stay above 20 degrees no matter the season. That means you can drive with the top down all year round. The island itself is a natural wonder. You move from dramatic coastlines to the foot of a volcano, passing lava fields and lush pine forests along the way. The roads are of exceptional quality, perfect for sporty driving. And geographically, it’s very accessible from Europe—just over four hours from Belgium with several daily direct flights. We’re based in the north of the island, in Puerto de la Cruz, surrounded by greenery, banana plantations, avocado trees, and views of Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak.”
Are there tailor-made travel options available?
FDB: “We’re working with several local partners to create seamless, personalized experiences. Whether it’s a private celebration, a corporate retreat, or a romantic getaway, we can craft bespoke packages to suit each client’s needs and wishes. For instance, we’ve teamed up with the historic Taoro Hotel, which will not only host our guests in style but also take care of their transfers from either of Tenerife’s two airports. “
Do you work with partners ?
FDB: “‘”Yes of course. Verbaere Motorsport our Caterham partner near Lille in France is one of the companies that made this dream come true.”
What makes 7 Drive Tenerife the ideal base for a holiday?
FDB: “We’re located just across from Loro Parque, one of the most popular animal parks in Europe, attracting over 1.5 million visitors a year. Tenerife is also a paradise for outdoor activities—think scuba diving, whale watching, , golfing, paragliding, and much more. On the culinary side, we guide our guests to hidden gems called guachinches, small family-run farms where you can enjoy delicious homemade food and local wine. Thanks to our deep knowledge of the island, we’re always ready to recommend the best places to explore, relax, or indulge.”
7drivetenerife.com
fred@7drivetenerife.com
Instagram: frederic.debacker
Facebook: Frédéric De Backer
