Lotus

Some say, 'originality is undetected plagiarism'; it is certainly not something one could ever level against Colin Chapman nor his brilliant and innovative engineering team at Lotus. They were over the early years a veritable feast of who's who of British design: to name but a few, Frank Costin, John Frayling, Paul Haussauer, Brian Luff, Ron Hickman and Peter Kirwan-Taylor; all had enormous input into design and development at Lotus and to a man, had exceptional post Lotus careers too, all leaving their indelible mark on British design and engineering.

Julien's Perspective

Some thoughts on this model

The chap relevant to this story was Paul Haussauer, who many of you will remember, went on to establish The Clan Motor Company and famously, the Clan Crusader. Back in 1966, Paul was a senior development engineer at Lotus and it was he who built this actual car.

SJH 330D was an early S4 Prototype registered in 1966, (SJH was an local Cheshunt registration number) but developed and used exclusively by Paul prior to the actual S4 model launch March 1968.

As a Prototype, one can immediately spot a number of differences to a later stock S4, namely the +2 wheels, series 3 dash but incorporating a S4 body. The engine is an earlier 4 bolt not the production 6 bolt and as you will see it is wearing a pair of Webers instead of Strombergs. The engine is fully balanced, polished and blue printed, plus it has L2 Cams and 4 branch exhaust. You will also notice the flat bonnet, pleasingly the original bulge bonnet is available.

The Lotus has been in the same private ownership since its purchase in 1968....it was a present to himself after becoming a qualified heart specialist/surgeon some 47 years ago. I understand the deal was struck with Graham Arnold, then Sales Director for Lotus and driven by Paul Haussauer down to Regents Park where delivery took place.

Other than the few thousand miles it covered in the hands of Paul, the remaining 46,000 miles have been driven entirely by the current owner and the car remains faithful to the original build. The Carnival Red exterior was repainted by Bell & Colvill in 1980, which is now nicely patinated and totally in keeping with the virtually umarked and original interior.

For the last 37 years all major works have been handled by Miles Wilkins (Fibreglass Services). There is large history file and copious notes on the car from the owner, plus many spares which accompany this fabulous little Lotus. There is simply too much to extrapolate from the history and report here; I would be delighted to speak further with you as would the current owner, who will be able to impart 47 years of very enjoyable ownership.

This wonderful Lotus can be inspected at my Grayshott showroom - please call 07788 865700.