CLAN (England)
Paul Haussauer and John Frayling designed in order of Colin Chapman
the Lotus Europa. When Chapman didn't accept the plans for a follow-up,
the two decided to start a business on their own.
The English government saw the good of their plans and gave them
enough guaranties to open a little factory in Washington nearby
Durham, where the Clan Crusader was built.
The two-seater had a synthetic body. The engine was from a Sunbeam
Imp and was placed in the back. The four-cylinder was canted under
45*. The car's weight was only 613 kg, so the car was good enough
for a top speed of 160 km/h.
Unfortunately, the firm had little success with the Crusader, which
was a very expensive car: 1400 pounds. On the long run, they tried
to sell the Crusader as a kit car, but when the oil crisis increased
the demand for sports cars, there was no choice left but to close
the factory in 1974.
Nowadays, there are Crusaders for sale as kit cars since the two
men started again.
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