Lotus Elan 60th anniversary picnic at Lotus Hethel

[The Modifier]

The Classic Lotus Elan Register (CLER) is pleased to invite all Elan (Types 26, 36, 45 & 50) owners and enthusiasts to gather for a ‘Picnic at Hethel’ to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the launch of the Lotus Elan in October 1962.

By kind permission of Lotus Cars Ltd, we aim to have a simple free-to-enter gathering at Hethel on Sunday 25th September 2022. Come and park up at the home of Lotus, meet old friends and new, bring your own picnic too. Gates will be open from 0830 hours and visitors should be away from the site by 1700 hours.

Please note there will be no access to the factory or the test track. There will be portable conveniences bought in especially for the event, but there will be no trade stands or food outlets.

For full details please visit www.classiclotuselan.com

CLER ELAN PICNIC EVENT.pdf

[The Modifier]

Just to bump this topic with an update in that Classic Team Lotus will be opening up for tours of their works in return for a £25 donation for charity, details are on the website www.classiclotuselan.com

Also we are taking "interest" bookings for Lotus factory tours to be run by Guy Munday

If you are planning on coming along in your Elan, please register for a free ticket on the website.

 

Regards

 

Alan Thomas

Edited August 17, 2022 by The Modifier

[ADF]

Anyone got any photos?

[Bibs]

 

[The Modifier]

Here's my pictures in no particular order. Phil Harrison and myself travelled up the day before and took a detour to see the old factory at Cheshunt. The owner of The Monster Gym (Steve) turned up, saw our cars and came over to say hello and would we like him to open the gate so we could take the cars down the alley to the ramp for some photos. He's a really nice guy and we chatted about the buildings to learn that he has three years left on the lease at which point The Monster Gym and the office/assembly building will be no more. He said he was making sure to remove the commemorative plaque before this happens to keep it safe, I know that some of you keep in touch with Steve and it's good that he takes an interest and is always so welcoming.
I chatted to Clive Chapman when he visited the event and showed him the photos, he's aware that the buildings are going and mentioned that he was going to try and salvage the gantry that lowered the finished cars down to ground level.

These are pictures hosted off site, if you click on the thumbnails they open the pictures in a new tab.

Go to www.classiclotuselan.com for the report



                              

 

Edited September 27, 2022 by The Modifier

[Rambo]

Is that Jim Clark's old Lotus type 25? (4th photo down, RHS)

[The Modifier]

Just now, Rambo said:

Is that Jim Clark's old Lotus type 25? (4th photo down, RHS)

Yes that's right, it won again last week at Goodwood driven by Andy Middlehurst, absolutely creamed the rest of the field. link to Youtube video

[ADF]

Many thanks for that it looks like it was a great day,  feel a bit gutted I couldn't go.

The photos brought back a few memories from when we (me and the old man) took the elan S4 SE up to the factory a long time ago. Accidentally met Clive at classic team lotus, bit different in those days, didn't know who he was but seemed thoroughly nice. I remember seeing the vx220 production line. But the highlight for me was having an indepth discussion about the Elise S2 suspension and tyre development whilst going sideways around the test track with a nice chap called gavan.

[Bibs]

Haha, Gavan is still there and is 'Attributes Director' at Lotus, he's a legend