Club Lotus Avon


  New Ian Walker book from Coterie Press  Posted July 13th, 2012
http://www.coteriepress.com/IanWalkerTheManandHisCars?forumboardid=170&forumtopicid=173

The book is due to be out in July / August 2012.

Julian Balme, the author of this book, will give a talk to Club Lotus Avon about this subject in January 2013.

  Alan Mann  22 August 1936 - 17 March 2012  Posted July 13th, 2012
Lotuseer Alan Mann passed away on 17th March 2012.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/apr/17/alan-mann

  Vintage Lotus photo  Posted July 13th, 2012
Indy, May 1963

  50 Years of Vintage Tyres  Posted June 28th, 2012
50th Anniversary, 1962 to 2012: http://www.vintagetyres.com

  Another Lotuseer passes away  Posted April 30th, 2012
Nick Fulcher passed away on Friday 20th April 2012 after battling a brain tumour. We have great memories of a superb talk from Nick, and a totally enjoyable, fun evening. Nick was a superb craftsman, "Simply the best".

Rob Ford

Nick Fulcher 1
Nick Fulcher 2

  Tom Barnard autobiography  Posted April 3rd, 2012
Tom Barnard, who was one of the earliest Lotus drivers, has just published his autobiography 'I Gathered No Moss'.

In 1954 the original Team Lotus was formed with Mike Anthony, Peter Gammon, and Colin as drivers. That autumn Tom went to see Colin to discuss running two Lotus models in a new Team he was forming for the 1955 season. The result was the Six Mile Stable with Tom and Dmitri Kasterine in Lotus Climaxes, and Noel Cunningham Reid in a Lister Bristol.

For the next three years Tom drove in as many events as possible. His 1957 successes included three Firsts, six Seconds, and seven Thirds. As a result of this he qualified for full membership of the British Racing Drivers' Club.

The book is a full autobiography and includes a childhood spoiled by World War Two, an amusing account of his time in the army, his creation of the Barnard Formula Six, and his many projects as a race track designer in the UK and abroad.

Available by post for £11.99 including P&P.
Please make cheques out to "T. Barnard". 128 Furzebrook Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5AR
(Note postage outside the UK increases the cost.)

An order form for Tom's book can be downloaded from his Facebook page.

  Mk 14 Components Ltd. change of ownership  Posted February 28th, 2012
Details of the change of ownership of Lotus Elite Type 14 parts supplier, Mk 14 Components Ltd.:

Mk 14 Sale flyer.pdf

  Graham Warner taken ill  Posted February 15th, 2012
Rob has just been notified by Barry Sheraton that Lotuseer Graham Warner has had a stroke.

Rob had Graham scheduled in for later this year as he was launching his book, A Chequered Life.

We wish Graham a complete and speedy recovery.

  LEADFOOTS gathering  Posted February 9th, 2012
26th January:

In response to a growing enthusiasm for a LEADFOOTS gathering in Goulburn again, I have contacted the GEAR club with a view to including our Elites in their meeting on Wednesday, April 11th. The initial response has been positive and I expect to hear from them after the suggestion has been through the committee in a few days.

So, I now need an indication of how many people would attend a function there if it included participation at the GEAR meeting, with an accommodation and dinner package on the Wednesday evening at a suitable location. If you would like to be part of our gathering, please let me know (ASAP) your intentions and indicate if you would be bringing an Elite with you and how many participants there would be in your party. Like any LEADFOOTS meeting, vehicle ownership is not necessary to be part of the occasion.

The sooner I have an indication of numbers, the sooner I can start negotiations for accommodation and our dinner gathering.

Cheers,
Brian

E-Mail: briantc AT bigpond DOT com

  New Cortina book  Posted February 5th, 2012
Russell Hayes has completed a new book on the Ford Cortina.

  URGENT message to members  Posted February 3rd, 2012
Would all members please note that The Bath Model Centre ("The Modeller's Den") will close its doors for the last time this Saturday, 4th February 2012.

Founded in 1946, my favourite model shop will shut up shop after 66 years this coming Saturday, so why not pop in on Saturday, 4th February and pick up a bargain.

I will be popping in to say goodbye to one of my favourite haunts.

This is the end of yet another 'Era'.

Very best regards,

Rob Ford

  Lotuseer Robin Read passes away  Posted January 20th, 2012
Sad news,

We have lost another Elite link, this time my good friend Robin Read has passed away on 7th January 2012 after a short illness.

Robin was a very nice guy and played a very important part relating to the Elite in the UK and especially the link with the Elite in the USA in the late Fifties and early Sixties.

He gave many talks to Club Lotus Avon and was very generous with his time and knowledge, not only to us, but to everyone.

Robin came to visit the club in November 2009 and said that he would be making the talk his last talk to us, as he thought that everyone had heard all that he had to say on Lotus.

Robin was working on the manuscript for his book on Airships which would have been titled Helium and Humbug.

He was a great guy and we will miss him.

Sadly, time is not on our side.

Very best regards,

Rob Ford

  New vintage F1 prints  Posted November 15th, 2011
http://www.formulaonedriversofthesixties.com

Previously unseen photographs of Formula One world champions from 1959 to 1973, digitally restored and presented in an archival box set.

  Club Lotus Avon area 50th celebrations in 2012  Posted October 2nd, 2011
50th celebrations for 2012 are due for the Lotus Elan and the Ford Cortina. So far, I am thinking about the following to make a broad scope of Lotus topics for 2012:

Russell Hayes - Cortina
Sir John Whitmore - Cortina
John Miles - Elan
John Wagstaff - Elite
Bill Allen - Elite
Gordon Murray - his new connection to Lotus
Jeff Bloxham - Motorsport Photography
Brian Buckland - Elan
Alan Morgan - Chairman, Club Lotus
Andy Widnall of Spyder
Peter and Allison Cotes

Another 50th anniversary to note is the Moulton Bicycle: 1962 to 2012.

Very best regards,

Rob

  Vintage Tyres Newsletter  Posted October 2nd, 2011
http://system.newzapp.co.uk/GLink.asp?LID=NTE4OTMwNiwxODc5Nzk0Mjc=

  Gordon Murray Joins Group Lotus  Posted September 11th, 2011
News from Lotus:

30 August 2011


Gordon Murray Joins Group Lotus

Group Lotus add design legend to the Lotus Advisory Council

Group Lotus is delighted to announce the appointment of Gordon Murray to the Lotus Advisory Council. Murray will work alongside automotive industry icons Bob Lutz, Tom Purves, Prof. Dr. Burkhard Göschel, and Frank Tuch to advise Group Lotus on current and future development.

The purpose of the Lotus Advisory Council is to give advice and guidance on strategic issues such as product strategy, technology, quality, brand, marketing, and distribution for Group Lotus.

It's a little known fact that when Gordon began his motorsport career in 1969, he actually wanted to work for Lotus, but a chance meeting with Brabham designer Ron Tauranac lead to him working for Brabham where he was later appointed Chief Designer by team boss Bernie Ecclestone.

During his time in F1, Gordon was responsible for designing many Grand Prix winning cars and was heralded by many as leading the way in terms of innovation and pioneering new technologies.

More recently, Gordon established Gordon Murray Design to develop an innovative and disruptive automotive manufacturing technology trademarked iStream®. The design and prototyping of their T.25 Petrol and T.27 Electric Ultra Compact City Cars has been central to both the development and validation of this process.

Commenting on the appointment, Group Lotus Chief Executive Dany Bahar said: "Gordon has never been afraid to trail blaze, take risks, and do things differently; these are attributes that we are very familiar with and very proud of at Lotus. With his incredible and unique motorsport and design experience, he will complement the existing council line up perfectly. We're very much looking forward to working with him."

Gordon Murray said: "For years I've been a huge admirer of Lotus, I have great respect for the legacy that Colin Chapman created and I think what Dany and the team are doing is a really good thing for the brand. He's taking the strength from Chapman's principles and taking the business to the next level whilst still keeping the general ethos - not an easy task! I'm really looking forward to contributing to Group Lotus during this exciting time."



Legendary designer Gordon Murray joins Group Lotus:
http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/57850.html

Gordon Murray Design:
http://www.gordonmurraydesign.com

  LEADFOOTS Luncheon  Posted September 11th, 2011
Here are details from Brian Caldersmith of the next LEADFOOTS Luncheon, which will take place on Wednesday, 14th September 2011:

LEADFOOTS lunch Sept 2011.pdf

E-Mail: briantc AT bigpond DOT com

  Octane magazine subscription offer for Club Lotus members  Posted August 10th, 2011
CLUB LOTUS MEMBERS
Claim 3 issues of Octane for just £1*

Limited time offer, see the attached order form

Dear Club Lotus Member,

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For a limited time you can claim three issues of Octane for £1 (worth £13.20) and you'll also:
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Why subscribe to Octane?
------------------------------
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Receive monthly issues packed full of:
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Remember, this offer will guarantee you receive three copies of Octane, that's three months worth of news, reviews, analysis and buyers guides which you can refer back to at any point - all for just a single £1.

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https://octane.subscribeonline.co.uk/octane-all-titles/octane?offer=N1107LP

  Club meeting pictures  Posted August 10th, 2011
July:
Spyder Elan Plus 2 Zetec
Spyder Elan Plus 2 Zetec
Spyder Elan Plus 2 Zetec
Guest speaker Andy Widnal at the July 5th 2011 Club Lotus Avon meeting
Andy Widnal
Spyder Elan Plus 2 Zetec
Spyder Elan Plus 2 Zetec
Spyder Elan Plus 2 Zetec
Guest speaker Andy Widnal at the July 5th 2011 Club Lotus Avon meeting
Spyder Elan Plus 2 Zetec
Spyder Elan Plus 2 Zetec
Spyder Elan Plus 2 Zetec
Guest speaker Andy Widnal at the July 5th 2011 Club Lotus Avon meeting
 
Thanks to Brian Buckland for arranging Andy's visit at short notice.

March:
Guest speaker Julian Balme at the March 1st 2011 Club Lotus Avon meeting
Guest speaker Julian Balme at the March 1st 2011 Club Lotus Avon meeting
Guest speaker Julian Balme at the March 1st 2011 Club Lotus Avon meeting
Julian Balme

December 2010:
Guest speaker Alvin Cohen at the December 7th 2010 Club Lotus Avon meeting
Alvin Cohen

November 2010:
Guest speaker Charles Helps at the November 2nd 2010 Club Lotus Avon meeting
Charles Helps (second from right) and members

October 2010:
Guest speaker Mike Marsden at the October 5th 2010 Club Lotus Avon meeting
Graham Capel (left) talking to Mike Marsden
Guest speaker Mike Marsden at the October 5th 2010 Club Lotus Avon meeting
Guest speaker Mike Marsden at the October 5th 2010 Club Lotus Avon meeting
Mike Marsden with members

July (#2) 2010:
Guest speaker John Lawry at the July 20th 2010 Club Lotus Avon meeting
Graham Capel (left) talking to John Lawry
Guest speaker John Lawry at the July 20th 2010 Club Lotus Avon meeting
John Lawry
Guest speaker John Lawry at the July 20th 2010 Club Lotus Avon meeting
Mrs. Lawry with Barry Sheraton in the background

  Late change of speaker  Posted July 4th, 2011
There is a last minute change of speaker for tomorrow's meeting. Brian Angus is ill; our new guest speaker will be Andy Widnal of Spyder. Brian's talk on the 900 series engines has been rescheduled to Tuesday, 6th March 2012.

  Request for help  Posted July 4th, 2011
WANTED. Help to get my Lotus Elan +2 back on the road. I am a 70 year old pensioner who has had to downsize, and now have a restricted income. I am not destitute but am unable to afford normal garage rates, also unable to do the jobs I used to do. We down sized 24 months ago and up until then the Lotus had never been out in the rain. Unfortunately no garage at new address, bought car cover to protect car, only for the paint to bubble in places, but mainly it's still OK. Also, the clutch has seized and I have a very noisy tappet. I now have a garage to put it in but it is quite cramped.

I have been the proud owner of my Elan for over 20 years, and when first purchased back in 1988, we stripped it down to a bare chassis and commenced with a total rebuild. Suspension and all painted parts were powder coated and re-bushed prior to fitting. Engine has been bored and put back to standard. Flywheel, crank, etc. balanced and lightened, head skimmed. Complete rewire. The body was removed, stripped, and re-sprayed with a two pack paint finish. Twelve months on it passed its MOT and took to the road. Since then I have continued with the ongoing restoration.

If there is anyone who could help me get my Lotus back on the road I would be extremely grateful.

I can be contacted at johnandsuestreet AT tiscali DOT co. uk or on 01453 882735.

John Street,
Stroud, Gloucestershire

  Donington  Posted July 4th, 2011
Dear Club Lotus member,

With less than two weeks to go before we're back at Donington on August 13th & 14th, this is just a quick reminder that as a Club member, if you book in advance you can buy tickets for only £9.00, saving £1.00 on the regular entry price.

The show is shaping up to be the biggest ever and of course there's also Lotus racing over the weekend as well. For the latest news, see: http://www.clublotus.co.uk

To book your tickets, just contact us at Club HQ. Either send a cheque, call us on 01362 694459/691144, or e-mail: events AT clublotus DOT co. uk

Best wishes,

Alan Morgan

  Meeting  Posted May 19th, 2011
The Mike Costin Evening.pdf

  Links of interest  Posted May 19th, 2011
Team Lotus F1 boss buys Caterham:
http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/team-lotus-f1-boss-buys-caterham/256703

Issues with increasing percentages of ethanol in petrol:
http://www.millersoils.net/1_Millers_frame_AUTO_CLASSIC.htm

Ecotricity Nemesis electric supercar:
http://electriccarsreport.com/2011/01/ecotricity-nemesis-electric-supercar/

  Change of speaker  Posted April 30th, 2011
There is a late change of speaker for the Tuesday, 3rd of May meeting. Our guest speaker will now be Gerry Bath on building Specials.

http://website.lineone.net/~pete.stowe/Gerry_Bath_Specials.htm

  Lotus Elites at the AGP  Posted April 22nd, 2011
Check this video for a look at part of the parade lap for the historic participants at the Australian Grand Prix.

Sponsored by Shannons, the Historics had sessions on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and were given some parade laps on Sunday with passengers. This video was taken by my son Darren from my Elite and features the green Elite of Richard Fewster. It commences from the Historic paddock.

Cheers,

Brian

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J41B0c2aAKk

  Lotus classic parts sale and the Donington Historic Festival  Posted April 1st, 2011
Dear Club Lotus member,

Lotus Cars are having a sale of selected classic parts and accessories, and as a Club Lotus member you're amongst the first to know about it. If you visit our website, www.clublotus.co.uk, you'll find a list of what's available, plus an order form with a special e-mail address for you to send in your order.

Although these parts are mainly for Elise S1/2, Esprit, Elan M100, 340R, and Excel, have a look, as you never know what you might find. There are some big discounts, but some parts are in limited supply and it's first come, first served. Don't forget to send your order form direct to Lotus and not to us.

Changing the subject, Donington Park are offering all Club Lotus members a special discount on tickets for their inaugural Donington Historic Festival on April 30th - May 1st. Members can buy two tickets for the whole weekend (including free paddock access) for just £30 (i.e. £15 each) as opposed to the on-the-gate entry price of £22 per person per day. You'll also be parked in the club display area at the heart of all the action, and Donington may also be offering parade laps for a limited number of cars from clubs who attend - details to follow!

For more information on the Donington Historic Festival, see www.doningtonhistoric.com.

Discount club tickets can be booked through www.doningtonhistoric.com, or by calling the 24-hour ticket hotline: 0844 873 7355. To receive your discount you need to book in advance and quote our unique booking code which is LOTUSDHF11.

Best wishes,

Alan Morgan

  April 5th meeting  Posted March 12th, 2011
My Mike Costin meeting on Tuesday 5th April 2011 will be at the Cross Hands Hotel, Old Sodbury, about 2 miles on the other side of junction 18 of the M4 (on the way out towards Castle Combe, Cross Hands is just on the right hand side by the set of traffic lights).

Cross Hands Hotel (Function Room)
Tetbury Rd,
Old Sodbury,
Gloucestershire,
BS37 6RJ

Tel.: 01454 313 000


There will be a dinner, followed by a members' Q & A session.

The following have indicated that they will be attending:

Mike & Rhoda Costin
Alan Morgan, Chairman of Club Lotus.
Ernie Unger
Bill Allen, Lotus racer and father of James Allen.
Keith Hall, Lotus racer & Ann Hall
Graham Capel, Lotus racer
Barry Sheraton, Lotus Elite Type 14 man
Brian Buckland, ElanMan
Malcolm Ricketts, Gentleman racer
John Wagstaff, Lotus racer
Chris Barber, Lotus racer and Jazz band leader.
Graham Warner, Lotus racer
Sir John Whitmore, Lotus racer
Jem & Lyn Marsh. MARCOS: MARsh and COStin, founded by Jem Marsh and Mike's brother, Frank Costin.
John Campbell-Jones, Lotus racer & Simon Campbell-Jones

Very best regards,

Rob


Ed. Sadly, Ben Rood was due to attend (see below).

  Ben Rood passes away  Posted March 9th, 2011
We have lost another friend. Ben Rood, one of the four founder directors of COSWORTH, has passed away on Tuesday 1st March, aged 84.

Ben Rood is second from the right in this photo. The late Keith Duckworth is on the far left, with Mike Costin on the far right.

From left to right, the 'Four Musketeers' at Cosworth with the DFV are: Bill Brown, Keith Duckworth, Mike Costin, and Ben Rood.

  Lotuseer Ron Hickman passes away  Posted February 20th, 2011
We have lost another Lotuseer. Ron Hickman O.B.E. has passed away, aged 78.

Ron Hickman obituary

  Lotuseer Jim Endruweit passes away  Posted January 24th, 2011
I have some sad news. Jim Endruweit passed away on 4th January 2011, after being unwell for quite some time. Jim, who was 83, was well-known as Chief Mechanic of Team Lotus during the most successful years of the Team in the 1960s.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been made, but the funeral will be held in Norwich where Jim and his wife Celia lived for 45 years.

With great sadness,

Warren King


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