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.

More about Clan