Lotus has unveiled its first special edition supercharged Elise. Dubbed Clark Type 25 Elise SC, the new model commemorates legendary F1 driver Jim Clark, who died 40 years ago at Hockenheim.
Inspiration comes from the Type 25 F1 car Jim Clark won the 1963 world championship in, so the SC is British racing green with a central yellow stripe, plus black and silver Lotus Sport wheels.
There’s a removable hardtop as standard, while inside there are black leather seats with red leather trim plus a nod to the past with a wooden gearknob.
Are there any mechanical changes on the Clark Type 25 Elise SC?
Nope, it’s entirely unchanged. But that still means a 1.8-litre supercharged engine producing 218bhp and 156lb ft. Add in a paltry 870kg kerbweight and that means 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds and a 148mph top speed.
You say it’s a limited edition, so just how limited is the Clark Type 25?
Just 25 cars will be made, 25 being the number on Clark’s 1963 car and the total number of his F1 wins. The Clark family has authorised the car and Lotus will make a donation to the Jim Clark memorial fund for each car sold. The Clark Type 25 will be unveiled this weekend at the Scottish Classic SpeedFair at Knockhill.
The car will only be available in the UK and Ireland for £35,995, although Lotus say it comes with £5750 worth of options for just an extra £3445.
Next up for Lotus is the Eagle, which will be unveiled at the British Motor Show in July 2008. Click here for the full story.
Cynical marketing exercise or a tribute to a great F1 driver? Click ‘Add your comment’ below and have your say on the Lotus Clark Type 25 Elise SC.