Report Abuse

“Light weight and very rigid fibreglass composite...”

written by Lotus e Clan on 11/02/2009

Bad Points
Just niggles really. Door hinges need a rethink as they wear quickly - doors have a heavy steel crash brace ala 70s/80s Lotus Elite/Eclat/Excel/Esprit - good for protection though. Cloth sun roofs eventually leak - better to fibreglass the roof in IMHO. Various water leaks from screen rubbers can be cured but don't buy if you haven't got a garage to keep it in. Light pods are a matter of taste but are easily modded to suit with modern lighting systems now available.
NB best to be 5 foot 9 inch or less to fit although I know 6ft 4 inchers who can fit with mods to seats and floor.

General Comments
Light weight and very rigid fibreglass composite monocoque, with quick steering and Lotus tuned suspension (albeit IMP-based) equals a brilliant driving experience on A and B roads. Ride and handling quality of the original Clan Crusader is all Lotus because the designers / makers of this fantastic 70s car were Lotus employees. This is in fact the Lotus that never was (read Lotus books from Brian Robson). I also have a real Lotus to compare so I have no doubts about the DNA connection.
Fitted with a 115BHP 1040cc rally/sprint spec engine and a 9000 rpm gear change into 2nd, you can get 0-60 in a smidge less than 6 secs. But you don't need to speed and break the Law to get a driving feel that ALL moderns lack within National speed limits!
You buy this car for the driving experience. Even a standard 875 Imp sport engined version is a hoot in the Lanes!
I've had 2 Clans since 1979..I regret selling the 1st one which was my only car until family expansion forced a sale.

Only about 180 examples on the road but 300 plus were built. Nearly all of the remainder are still around but are works in progress. Join the Clan Owners Club and the Imp Club and it's not too difficult to find one for sale.