Classic Team Lotus

2023

Re-creating the First Journey Re-creating the First Journey

In 1948 Hazel & Colin Chapman constructed their first car which became the Lotus Mark I. To celebrate 75 years of Lotus, on the 16th of December 2023, Hazel & Colin’s daughter Jane, and son Clive completed a recreation of the first ever Lotus drive that took place early in the spring of 1948.

Ayrton Senna’s first Grand Prix winning Lotus back on track Ayrton Senna’s first Grand Prix winning Lotus back on track

Ayrton Senna raced his Lotus Renault type 97T chassis number 2 to his first Grand Prix victory, at Estoril in the 1985 Portuguese GP. Earlier this year there was a chance this famous car was headed for the Brazilian GP at Interlagos for a very high profile demonstration run.

Colin James Crombac Colin James Crombac

Sad news. Today we learnt of the passing of Colin Crombac who died yesterday at his home in Paris. Colin James Crombac was the son of Gérard "Jabby" Crombac and his wife Catherine and was named Colin James in honour of close friends Colin Chapman and Jim Clark.

Clive Green's Goodwood Revival top ten images Clive Green's Goodwood Revival top ten images

Clive Green of CTL chooses his favourite ten (Lotus) photographs from the 2023 Goodwood Revival meeting

CTL at the Goodwood Revival 2023 CTL at the Goodwood Revival 2023

The 2023 Goodwood Revival was billed as "The Greatest Show on Earth" and, for many Lotus fans it quite possibly was. As part of this year’s 75th Anniversary celebrations of the brand, Lotus was the featured marque of what is now a full four-day extravaganza of all things automotive. Team Manager Chris Dinnage coordinated the 11 mechanics for the 11 customer race cars, realising the outstanding accomplishment of 10 race finishers. CTL were unquestionably the prime movers in showcasing the Lotus brand, including 10 additional cars that joined in the daily Lotus Parade. The now customary CTL Team Photo taken late on Saturday, featuring Marks 1, 2 and 3, and with almost everyone involved in the weekends efforts, was a big one!

Lotus 1-2-3 at Silverstone Historic Festival Lotus 1-2-3 at Silverstone Historic Festival

The Silverstone Historic Festival in August was a pretty special moment for any Lotus fan. For the first time ever, the Lotus Mark I, Mark II and Mark III cars were seen together in the same place, at the same time. Quite an occasion for the history books.

Lotus Mk I recreation ready for 75 Years of Lotus parade at Goodwood Revival Lotus Mk I recreation ready for 75 Years of Lotus parade at Goodwood Revival

Colin and Hazel Chapman constructed their first car together in 1948, which became the Lotus Mark I. Seventy-five years later their son, Clive, has realised a faithful recreation of the car that became the foundation of the Lotus marque. Fresh from trials on the Lotus test track at Hethel, Hazel and Colin’s daughter Jane, grand-daughter Alice and great grand-daughter Martha were all set to pilot the Mk I on its first public outing as part of the 75 years of Lotus Parade at the Goodwood Revival.

Film of Classic Team Lotus garden party released Film of Classic Team Lotus garden party released

Classic Team Lotus is delighted to share with you this splendid film of the inaugural Garden Party, held at East Carleton Manor on 20th May. Film maker Donovan Jones was commissioned to capture the spirit of this happy occasion. Together with contributions by drone operator Matthew Farrow and stills photographer Stephanie Ewen we are pleased to announce that the resulting film is now available for your viewing pleasure.

CTL at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed CTL at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed

CTL were at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July to help celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Lotus in style. The impressive line up of Lotus F1 cars in the paddock (Types 18, 21, 25, 33, 49, 72, 79 and 99T) represented the majority of the 79 Grand Prix races won by Lotus. John Bowers kindy sent 25/R4 along for the weekend, although it and the 99T were display only on this occasion. Clive Chapman was on hand to drive 79/3 on both Thursday and Friday.

The Garden Party is a Huge Success: Part 1 The Garden Party is a Huge Success: Part 1

On May 20th, 2023 the Chapman family were pleased to be able to welcome guests to Hazel’s & Colin’s home East Carleton Manor and share the house and grounds with the 250 Lotus enthusiasts who attended the inaugural Classic Team Lotus Garden Party.

The Garden Party is a Huge Success: Part 2 The Garden Party is a Huge Success: Part 2

East Carleton Manor represents Hazel and Colin Chapman Heritage in so many special ways and this was a truly unique and significant occasion. The Lotus Mark I, Mark II and Mark III were on display together for the first time ever.

Two More Show Cars Leave for Lotus China Two More Show Cars Leave for Lotus China

A month or so ago the final two showcars left Hethel bound for Lotus Cars in China. They will be used to introduce and promote the Heritage side of the Lotus brand to the rapidly growing market for luxury cars in the Far East.

Willow Springs Test Willow Springs Test

In preparation for the 1982 Long Beach Grand Prix in April Team Lotus took the Type 91 to test at Willow Springs in California where Elio De Angelis drove. 40 Years later, almost to the day, CTL took 91-8 to Willow Springs for Kevin Weeda to give the car a shake down prior to this weekend's Historic F1 race at this years Long Beach Indycar GP.

CTL Type 49 takes centre stage at F1X (exhibition) in Madrid CTL Type 49 takes centre stage at F1X (exhibition) in Madrid

IFEMA MADRID became the venue for the first official exhibition of Formula 1, in which both legendary teams, experts and renowned people of the sport collaborated to provide a breathtaking adventure through the extraordinary world of Formula 1.

CTL Garden Party CTL Garden Party

The Chapman family is pleased to announce that the inaugural Classic Team Lotus Garden Party will be held on May 20th. Tickets can now be booked for this exciting and highly prestigious event. A extensive selection of exceptional and historically significant Lotus cars as well as a host of fascinating exhibits will be on display in the beautiful gardens of East Carleton Manor in Norfolk.

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