HETHEL’S HEROES

DAVE CLEMENTS

1995 LOTUS ELAN (M100)

Look no further for proof of how deeply the Lotus passion can run. Having founded the Lotus Elan Central site and owned 23 Elans prior to this rare Jim Clark Special – one of two he owns – there’s not a thing Clements doesn’t know about them. He loves their quirkiness and usability, and this example has recently had a total nut-and-bolt rebuild, making it the best of the 13 Jim Clark cars built.

STUART BAGSHAW

1986 LOTUS EXCEL SA

One of just 129 automatic Excels, Bagshaw’s SA was the third off the line. A wide-body version he bought five years ago, it’s now in regular use, the trip to Hethel being a not-insignificant 500-mile round trip. It has required precious little work, though Bagshaw’s car now runs rear coil-overs because the original suspension parts are no longer available.

NIGEL SCOTT

1979 LOTUS ESPRIT S2

Four decades ago, this stunning Champagne Gold S2 was the star of the British Motor Show stand, marking another victorious year in F1. He points out that, as a show car, this Esprit has more consistent shutlines and assembly standards than some. “I owned a Europa but had always wanted an Esprit,” says Scott. “The S2 has the S1 style, but with most of the foibles resolved.”