Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Clan Cars

Clan Cars was a small, independent British sports car manufacturer born from ambition and engineering talent in the early 1970s. Though short-lived, the company created a unique and spirited car — the Clan Crusader — which captured the attention of enthusiasts with its lightweight fiberglass body, Hillman Imp running gear, and distinctive wedge styling.

Though commercial pressures eventually shuttered production, the legacy of Clan Cars lives on through the Clan Owners Club, which preserves, restores, and celebrates the small but passionate world of Clan car enthusiasts.

The Origins of Clan Cars

The Early 1970s: Engineering Talent and the Hillman Imp

Clan Cars Ltd was founded in 1971 in Washington, Tyne and Wear, by a group of former Lotus engineers, including Paul Haussauer and Brian Luff. These individuals had worked under Lotus founder Colin Chapman and were well-versed in lightweight sports car design. Their goal was to create a British car that was affordable, sporty, and innovative — a competitor to the Mini Marcos or Ginetta G15.

The team chose to base their car on the underpinnings of the Hillman Imp, a small rear-engined car produced by the Rootes Group. The Imp’s light aluminum 875cc engine, independent rear suspension, and compact size made it ideal for sports car adaptation.

Design and Development

Styling duties were handled by designer John Frayling, who had worked on the Lotus Elite. The result was a low-slung coupe with a monocoque fiberglass body bonded to an integral chassis — a highly rigid and lightweight structure. With minimal body overhangs and a pointed wedge nose, the Clan Crusader exuded 1970s modernism.

The Clan Crusader

Launch and Specifications

The first production car was released in 1971. It was powered by the rear-mounted 875cc aluminum engine from the Hillman Imp Sport, delivering around 51 horsepower. While modest by modern standards, the car weighed under 600 kg, giving it respectable performance.

• Engine: 875cc Imp Sport inline-4
• Top speed: Approx. 100 mph (160 km/h)
• 0–60 mph: Around 12 seconds
• Transmission: 4-speed manual
• Body: One-piece fiberglass monocoque

The Crusader’s combination of lightweight structure, simple mechanics, and affordability made it a hit with driving enthusiasts. It was also praised for its predictable handling, nimbleness, and low running costs.

Racing Success

The Clan Crusader proved competitive on the motorsport circuit, particularly in rallying and autocross. Thanks to its balance and agility, many privateers raced Clans in the 1970s and early 1980s, with strong showings in club-level events. Its success on the track helped build a loyal following among grassroots racers.

The Fall of Clan Cars

Production Problems and Economic Challenges

Despite critical praise, Clan Cars struggled financially. Britain’s economy in the early 1970s was beset by inflation, labor unrest, and a general downturn. Additionally, the company lacked sufficient dealership support and marketing reach to expand production beyond a niche level.

Between 1971 and 1974, around 315 Clan Crusaders were built before the company ceased operations. The energy crisis, rising costs, and limited capital made continuing impossible. Though production ended, the cars themselves remained desirable to a small group of enthusiasts.

The Aftermath and Surviving Cars

After the original company’s collapse, molds and rights changed hands several times. Various attempts to resurrect the Crusader in small numbers occurred throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. Notably, in Ireland, some kit car versions were built under the Clan name, but these were never officially endorsed by the original team.

Clan Clover: The 1980s Revival

Reimagining the Clan Concept

In the early 1980s, a new version of the Clan appeared — the Clan Clover. This updated model featured a redesigned body and a front-mounted Alfa Romeo engine, marking a major departure from the rear-engine layout of the Crusader. The project was led by engineer and former Clan enthusiast Peter McCandless, who wanted to modernize the concept.

Technical Overview

The Clover was powered by the 1.5-litre Alfa Romeo boxer engine from the Alfasud, producing around 95 hp. With a weight of roughly 700 kg, performance was significantly improved over the Crusader.

However, like its predecessor, the Clover suffered from limited production capacity and financial pressures. Fewer than 30 Clovers were built, making them extremely rare today.

The Clan Owners Club

Preserving the Legacy

In the wake of Clan Cars’ closure, the Clan Owners Club was formed to support and preserve the remaining vehicles. The club became the hub of Clan ownership, connecting enthusiasts across the UK and internationally. It provides technical advice, spare parts sourcing, restoration help, and organizes regular events and meetups.

Activities and Support

The club publishes a quarterly magazine, runs a website with classifieds and forums, and participates in classic car shows and rallies. They also help track and document surviving Clans, many of which are still roadworthy thanks to the cars’ simple mechanical layout and the club’s passionate support.

Events and Gatherings

Annual Clan gatherings are held at venues such as the National Kit Car Show and other UK classic car festivals. These events allow owners to showcase their restorations, swap parts, and share stories. The club fosters a tight-knit, welcoming community of owners, many of whom have owned their Clans for decades.

Clan in Modern Times

Restoration and Customization

With only a few hundred Clans ever built, each surviving vehicle is treated as a cherished artifact. Owners often restore their Crusaders from the ground up, updating electrics, interiors, and even swapping engines while preserving the original driving spirit.

Modified Clans occasionally feature more powerful Imp engines, or even engine transplants from modern compact cars. Despite these updates, the character of the original car — lightweight, nimble, and direct — remains intact.

Rarity and Value

Clan Crusaders have gradually increased in value due to their rarity and historic significance. They’re considered cult classics among British kit and sports cars. While values remain accessible compared to Lotus or Ginetta models, interest continues to grow, especially for well-preserved or competition-prepared examples.

Conclusion

Though it operated for just a few short years, Clan Cars left an outsized mark on the British motoring landscape. The Crusader represented the best of grassroots automotive engineering — light, clever, fun to drive, and affordable. Its blend of Lotus-inspired design, Hillman Imp mechanics, and fiberglass innovation makes it a fascinating piece of motoring history.

Today, the Clan Owners Club continues to champion this rare marque, ensuring the surviving cars are appreciated, maintained, and enjoyed. From windswept rallies to summer car meets, the spirit of Clan lives on through its loyal community.