Classic Team Lotus Garden Party
The Chapman Family were pleased to welcome guests to East Carleton Manor, for this, the second celebration of Hazel & Colin Heritage.
The 2024 Garden Party over the weekend of June 15-16 saw the first ever gathering of one example of each of the first 12 Lotus car designs, the Mark 1 to the Type 14. This historic variety of innovative car designs took Colin and Hazel Chapman on their extraordinary journey from the humble lock-up in North London, to the glamour of the Monaco Grand Prix – and beyond - in just 10 years.
In another first, the unprecedented presentation of the early years of Lotus was accompanied by the recent discovery of Stan Chapman’s personal film archive which provides never seen footage of the very earliest days, from the Mk II onwards. Garden Party guests were excited to enjoy the first public viewing of this ‘buried treasure’.
Many other Lotus racing and road cars were exhibited throughout the grounds and gardens. The marquee on the Horseshoe Lawn provided guests with seated hospitality and acted as the focus for an entertaining programme of presentations, including appearances by special guests Mike Costin, Martin Waide, Peter Wright, Martin Donnelly and Steve Hallam.
For many guests the highlight of both days was the opportunity to see and hear the featured cars driving to and from the display area via the forecourt of ECM. Owners Nigel Halliday and James Moores drove the Mark 2 and Mark 3 respectively, while Chris Dinnage was on hand to drive a Series 1 Lotus Seven.
The packed schedule for each day still found a time slot to fire-up and run two Formula 1 cars that were driven down the main drive by Clive Chapman and his son Magnus. The distinctive sound of the Cosworth DFV in the Type 79 was unquestionably overshadowed by the incredible sound of the Pratt & Whitney jet-turbine powered Type 56B driven by Magnus on both days. On Sunday Martin Donnelly deputised for Clive and did the honours in the 79.
Lotus Cars supported the event with examples of the full product range including Type 66, Emeya, Evija and Emira, and AIM Racing sent their GT4 racecar. Guests were able to be part of the show on both days by displaying their Classic Lotus cars on the main lawns.
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