Chapman Era Classics

By Craig Wilson.

The Chapman Era of Lotus was obviously fundamental in the creation of what Lotus is today and it is important to encourage interest in and preserve the cars and the legacy of such creative brilliance.

There are a significant number of members in LCQ with what we shall term, Chapman Era Classics. These are cars that were from Colin Chapman’s creation. From the early days of space frame chassis alloy clad lightweight racers to the fibreglass masterpiece Elite monocoque, the fibreglass bodied cars on backbone chassis such as the Elan or Esprit and Elite families of models.

All these cars cover such a diverse range of interest, expertise and availability and it is becoming increasingly more important that we create an environment within the Club to support anyone who has, or is interested in owning, these classics. There are some on the road, there are many more in sheds and boxes waiting for encouragement and daylight.

We have over the past 18 months had a few impromptu gatherings to view some members projects or just catch up with some of the owners of these classics.

Recently Craig and Carolyn Wilson hosted a morning tea for around 20 very enthusiastic members and it was great to see so many wives or partners along. Unfortunately the violent storms kept the Lotus cars away except for Maggie and Mike who live nearby and decided to chance their timing to perfection in their Elan +2. Well done.

If you own one of these models and need support to “get it out of the shed”, source parts, solve a problem, or just make contact with owners with similar models, please contact the club secretary with your details and we will give you a call. This is to protect your privacy.

Lets get the Chapman Classics out there again.