Clan Crusader (1971-74) Engine 998cc S4 SOHC (Hillman Imp)
Production 315 (+ a few more after tooling was sold)
Registration Number XNP 811 M (Worcestershire)
CLAN ALBUM
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/albums/72157626907799249
The Clan Crusader is a fibreglass monocoque British sports car based on running gear from the Hillman Imp Sport. It was first produced in Washington, Co. Durham 1971-74but since then several efforts have been made to bring the car back to production.
The car was designed by a group of ex-Lotus engineers led by Paul Haussauer with styling by John Frayling. Small scale production began in July 1971 moving into full stream in September when the Washington factory was fully tooled. The lightweight monocoaue was dreated by Brian Luff one of the original team behing the Lotus 72 Formula One car Aside from the engine, front and rear suspensions were also lifted from the donor Imp.
The car was available in either kit or fully built form. With the 51bhp Imp Sport engine and four-speed manual transmission, top speed was 99 mph and the car was well recieved by Motoring Press, sales were hampered by its cost, at £ 1,400 fullly built or £ 1,123 as a kit. Sales were also hit by the fuel crisis, the imposition of VAT on the kit supplied cars and strikes at Chrysler affecting component supplies, the factory closed in November 1973, after 315 Crusaders had been built, although a number were later finished from incomplete cars sold by the receivers.
After closure the moulds were bought by Andreas Kaisis, a businessman from Cyprus and owner of the Kaisis Motor Company, but just before production was about to commence Turkey invaded Cyprus and production was put on hold. The moulds remained under cover until brought back to Britain a few years later. Meanwhile, about a dozen or so replica body shells made by copying an existing car were sold by Brian Luff. In 1982, Clan-fan Peter McCandless bought these moulds and intended to revive the car, there then followed a period of litigation between designer - company founder Paul Haussauer who had similar ideas. In 1982 some "unofficial" body moulds were bought by Peter McCandless who started a new company Clan Cars Ltd in Newtownards, Northern Ireland, and built about 120 road cars and 10 competition cars over the next four years, though the Crusader name could not be used for legal reasons, The car was available in two specifications, Clan E and Clan S.
Diolch am 79,978,069 o olygfeydd anhygoel, mae pob un yn cael ei werthfawrogi'n fawr.
Thanks for 79,978,069 amazing views, every one is greatly appreciated.
Shot 05.01.2020.at Bicester Heritage Centre, Bicester, Oxon 144-663
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Clan S (1982-86) Engine 998cc S4 (Hillman Imp Sport)
Production 130 (120 Road and 10 Racing)
Registration Number Q 320 OBP (Portsmouth)
CLAN ALBUM
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/albums/72157626907799249
The Clan S has its genesis Clan Crusader, designed by exLotus racing engineer Paul Haussauer with styling by John Frayling. The Crusader was a fibreglass monocoque British sports car based on running gear from the Hillman Imp Sport, including its Coventry Climax derived, rear-mounted 875 cc engine. and built in Washington, County Durham between 1971-74 Design was distinct rather than pretty, with debatable protruding headlights and slablike sides. The black plastic engine lid opened sideways, to the left. That car received good reviews but at £ 1,400 complete or £1,123 in kit form it was expensive with demand further hit by constant industrial action, the fuel crisis, and the imposition of VAT on kit cars in 1973 the project failed in 1973 after 315 cars had been built.
The body moulds were bought by Andreas Kaisis, a businessman from Cyprus and owner of the Kaisis Motor Company, but Greece plunged into civil war following the Turkish invansion and no cars were built.
In 1982, Clan-fan Peter McCandless bought these moulds and intended to revive the car, but became embroiled in a dispute with original founder Haussauer
In 1982 some "unofficial" body moulds were bought by Peter McCandless who started a new company Clan Cars Ltd in Newtownards, Northern Ireland, and built about 120 road cars and 10 competition cars over the next four years. The Crusader name was dropped and the car was improved with the 998cc engine of the Imp Sport and better brakes. The protruding headlights were rplaced by pop head lights while the car got heavier bumpers, chin spoiler, 13-inch wheels and a dashboard from the Ford Fiesta The car was available in two specifications, Clan E and Clan S. The E has 68 hp (51 kW) while the more powerful S has 78 hp (58 kW), enough for a top speed of about 180 km/h (110 mph) .
Diolch yn fawr am 67,289,439 o olygfeydd anhygoel, mwynhewch ac arhoswch yn ddiogel
Thank you 67,289,439 amazing views, enjoy and stay safe
Shot 02.09.2018 at Himley Hall, Wolverhampton Ref 136-046
Tags: Clan British 1980's 1986 ClanS ClanCrusader PaulHaussauer PeterMcCandless Sportscar Car Motor Auto Automobile Classic Klassic HimleyHall2018 Q320OBP
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Clan S (1982-86) Engine 998cc S4 (Hillman Imp Sport)
Production 130 (120 Road and 10 Racing)
Registration Number Q 320 OBP (Portsmouth)
CLAN ALBUM
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/albums/72157626907799249
The Clan S has its genesis Clan Crusader, designed by exLotus racing engineer Paul Haussauer with styling by John Frayling. The Crusader was a fibreglass monocoque British sports car based on running gear from the Hillman Imp Sport, including its Coventry Climax derived, rear-mounted 875 cc engine. and built in Washington, County Durham between 1971-74 Design was distinct rather than pretty, with debatable protruding headlights and slablike sides. The black plastic engine lid opened sideways, to the left. That car received good reviews but at £ 1,400 complete or £1,123 in kit form it was expensive with demand further hit by constant industrial action, the fuel crisis, and the imposition of VAT on kit cars in 1973 the project failed in 1973 after 315 cars had been built.
The body moulds were bought by Andreas Kaisis, a businessman from Cyprus and owner of the Kaisis Motor Company, but Greece plunged into civil war following the Turkish invansion and no cars were built.
In 1982, Clan-fan Peter McCandless bought these moulds and intended to revive the car, but became embroiled in a dispute with original founder Haussauer
In 1982 some "unofficial" body moulds were bought by Peter McCandless who started a new company Clan Cars Ltd in Newtownards, Northern Ireland, and built about 120 road cars and 10 competition cars over the next four years. The Crusader name was dropped and the car was improved with the 998cc engine of the Imp Sport and better brakes. The protruding headlights were rplaced by pop head lights while the car got heavier bumpers, chin spoiler, 13-inch wheels and a dashboard from the Ford Fiesta The car was available in two specifications, Clan E and Clan S. The E has 68 hp (51 kW) while the more powerful S has 78 hp (58 kW), enough for a top speed of about 180 km/h (110 mph) .
Diolch am 75,111,155 o olygfeydd anhygoel, mae pob un yn cael ei werthfawrogi'n fawr.
Thanks for 75,111,155 amazing views, every one is greatly appreciated.
Shot 14.07.2019 at Walsall Classic Car Show, Walsall Arboretum, Walsall 143-202
Tags: Clan British 1980's 1986 ClanS Sportscar Kitcar Car Cars Motor Auto Automobile Walsall2019 Q320OBP PaulHaussauer JohnFrayling
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Clan Clover (1985-87) Engine 1490cc HO4 OC Production 26 (20 Road and 6 Racing)
Registration Number SAZ 3982
CLAN ALBUM
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/albums/72157626907799249
The Clan Clover has its genesis Clan Crusader, designed by exLotus racing engineer Paul Haussauer with styling by John Frayling. The Crusader was a fibreglass monocoque British sports car based on running gear from the Hillman Imp Sport, including its Coventry Climax derived, rear-mounted 875 cc engine. and built in Washington, County Durham between 1971-74 Design was distinct rather than pretty, with debatable protruding headlights and slablike sides. The black plastic engine lid opened sideways, to the left. That car received good reviews but at £ 1,400 complete or £1,123 in kit form it was expensive with demand further hit by constant industrial action, the fuel crisis, and the imposition of VAT on kit cars in 1973 the project failed in 1973 after 315 cars had been built.
The body moulds were bought by Andreas Kaisis, a businessman from Cyprus and owner of the Kaisis Motor Company, but Greece plunged into civil war following the Turkish invansion and no cars were built.
In 1982, Clan-fan Peter McCandless bought these moulds and intended to revive the car, but became embroiled in a dispute with original founder Haussauer
In 1982 some "unofficial" body moulds were bought by Peter McCandless who started a new company Clan Cars Ltd in Newtownards, Northern Ireland, and built about 120 road cars and 10 competition cars over the next four years. The Crusader name was dropped and the car was improved with the 998cc engine of the Imp Sport and better brakes. The protruding headlights were rplaced by pop head lights while the car got heavier bumpers, chin spoiler, 13-inch wheels and a dashboard from the Ford Fiesta The car was available in two specifications, Clan E and Clan S. The E has 68 hp (51 kW) while the more powerful S has 78 hp (58 kW), enough for a top speed of about 180 km/h (110 mph) .
In 1985 Clan cars developed a new, mid-engined version called the Clan Clover. It used a 1,490 cc, 105 hp (78 kW) Alfa Romeo Flat-4 engine and gearbox. It also received new glass, a rear spoiler, and blistered arches. It is believed that approximately 26 cars were made (twenty road cars and six racing versions). After well-publicized quality issues, Clan Cars ran into financial difficulties and went into receivership and ceased trading in June 1987.
Shot at the Cholmondley Car Show 05.09.2010 Ref 63-252
Tags: Clan British Kit 1980's
© All Rights Reserved
Clan Clover (1985) Engine 1490cc HO4 OC Production 26
Registration Number SAZ 3982
Mid-engined Clan Clover
In 1985 Clan cars developed a new, mid-engined version called the Clan Clover. It used a 1,490 cc, 105 hp (78 kW) Alfa Romeo Flat-4 engine and gearbox. It also received new glass, a rear spoiler, and blistered arches. It is believed that approximately 26 cars were made (twenty road cars and six racing versions). After well-publicized quality issues, Clan Cars ran into financial difficulties and went into receivership and ceased trading in June 1987.
Shot at the Cholmondley Car Show 05.09.2010 Ref 63-253
Tags: Clan British Kit 1980's
© All Rights Reserved