Celebrating 25 years of Classic Team Lotus
In 25 years CTL has achieved a huge amount in terms of restoration, competition, merchandising and licensing. We have restored 50 Team Lotus racing cars, including 38 F1 and Indycars.
As historic motorsport has developed, so has CTL and we are grateful to the organisers of the many excellent events which have stimulated such interest in the historic Team Lotus racing cars.
Group Lotus has provided vital support, especially the use of the Hethel test track. In turn we are proud of all we have done to promote the Lotus Marque.
Commercial activities such as licensing, merchandising, showcars and demonstration events have generated vital revenue which has funded the restoration and maintenance of the Works Collection. A special thank you to our licensees.
Most importantly the CTL customers have been the vital ingredient in our success. It has been a pleasure to help them enjoy their ownership of the most important representation of Team Lotus history, which are the cars that established the Lotus legend. They have waved the Lotus flag with great style and celebrated the fantastic achievements of all the Team Lotus personnel, including the drivers trophies for customers.
Classic Team Lotus effectively represents my working life, and what I have achieved is thanks to the very able and generous team mates I have been fortunate to work with. Without Manning Buckle I doubt CTL would have started. Chris Dinnage has been team manager for most of the 25 years. Eddie Dennis and Nick Yallop were stalwarts for many years. Steve Allen started at Team Lotus in 1975. Bob Dance started in 1960! There is one person who until just recently could beat this; and was my fellow Director, my Mum. Hazel Chapman, of course; who sadly passed away in late 2021, aged 94. I salute the many volunteers over the years who have helped the team to cope with the demands of going racing with 30, 40, 50 and now even 60 year old F1 cars. Thanks to the efforts of these talented and dedicated enthusiasts.
