Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

This Friday will mark the 50th anniversary of the 1958 Boxing Day race meeting at Brands Hatch. The most noteworthy event of the day was Jim Clark narrowly losing to Colin Chapman, both in pre-production Elites. Clark was ahead of Chapman for most of the race. Clark managed to lose while avoiding a back marker thus allowing Chapman to slip by. Legend has it that this was the beginning of the relationship between Chapman and Clark that went on to produce many victories and several world championships. Looking at the Club Elite registry I see that at least five of the fifteen pre-production Elites were in this event: Colin Chapman in 1007, Chris Barber in 1009, Jim Clark in 1010, Mike Costin in 1011 and Lt. Merle Roberson in 1014. Something to ponder with port and stilton in front of the fire on Friday. If only tickets for time travel were available now!

Just been reading the excellent Tony Dron in Octane magazine heartily wishing that the Brands Boxing Day bash could be revived.

Cheers,
Pete.

And there's a great shot of an Elan in mid flight on the Mallorca Rally in the same issue

Tim

And on page 98 of the Jan. issue there`s a mention of the great Jim Jackson who rallies an Elan.
Jim