Behind the doors of Classic Team Lotus

I was recently given the opportunity to have a look around the workshop of Classic Team Lotus - the company responsible for restoring, maintaining and racing a growing network of historic Lotus race cars. The whole setup is run by Clive Chapman, Colin’s son - making this as much a family enterprise as the original team was.

In fact, several of the original mechanics still work on the cars that they raced some 50 years ago. This is one of many reasons that a number of well-heeled classic racers bring their cars back to their spiritual home. Aficionados will know that Lotus’ F1 efforts were originally run from the nearby Ketteringham hall. Although still owned by the family, a stately home is a somewhat expensive thing to run for a small firm so instead they use the buildings previously inhabited by the RAF during WWII.

Lotus do own a number of cars themselves, they estimate the number at around 25, as well as an extensive “Aladdin’s cave” of spare parts - dating right back to the 1960s. But the most valuable resource in the building is no doubt the knowledge contained. Between the superb mechanics they employ and the extensive library of technical drawings, if a piece is missing on a vehicle then it can be remade to the exact specification.

Attention to detail is paramount here. Work isn’t done to the same pace as it always was - but the standards are impeccable. Their attention to detail is such that no car would ever leave for a race with cable ties holding wires together - they didn’t have them in the 60s, so all of Classic’s cars have healthy amounts of electrical tape keeping things tidy. Just as they did.

The buildings are small and the team are always busy. For various reasons I have been to the workshop three times in two months and each time there is something new and unusual there. I’ve included a few snaps here to whet the appetite, but if you want to visit them they offer regular tours and these tours can even be booked in conjunction with a tour of the modern Lotus factory. Very popular for visitors travelling from afar. I can highly recommend the experience, as it costs around £39 (prices vary), lasts a couple of hours, is very friendly and informative and best of all - the money they get goes straight into PG tips for the boys & Avon historic tyres for the cars!

I’m not associated with the operation in any way, shape or form - but I am sure these pictures will be of great interest to many on here. The last time I visited there were three world championship winning cars in the building. And the best bit of all - most are still competing today.

For more information, visit the Classic Team Lotus site: http://www.classicteamlotus.co.uk/

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