October

October 2007 Newsletter – Number 5

Recognising achievements

In the USA , Lotus Cars are to market a limited edition Lotus Elise, to be badged as the 72D. With production limited to 50 cars worldwide, retailing at $60,000 each, the 72D Elise’s livery of black and gold commemorates the Lotus 72D in John Player Special colours in which Emerson Fittipaldi won the 1972 Formula 1 World Championship .

Each one of these fabulous cars will be specially numbered and documented and will come with a commemorative driving helmet and a model car for the owner’s display cabinet. The Lotus stylists have made extensive use of gold coloured detailing, as seen in the cast alloy wheels, the decorative black and gold laurels and the pinstriping.

Lotus 72D

(Photo courtesy of Lotus Cars USA, Inc.)

Incidentally, in 1972 Emerson Fittipaldi became the youngest ever F1 world champion: this could change on Sunday October 21st.

CCMEC related activities.

As faithful followers of the CCMEC website and newsletters will know the committee and trustees continue to strive to establish a home for the museum.

We have been very touched and heartened by the support we have received; the number of friends of the museum has grown substantially in countries ranging from Russia to Peru . We even have one friend of the museum based in Uzbekistan !

The offers of help and support range from archive material, photos, models, actual cars, money and skills. These offers are very much appreciated and make the team realize that there is a community who believe in the value of this project as much as we do.

Progress will be reported back when we have new news.

Neil Duncan

Secretary to the Colin Chapman Museum and Education Centre.