Classic Team Lotus – Racerhead Gift Guide

Apparel, models, artworks, memorabilia

If you are of a certain age, you’ll remember the glory years of Team Lotus. Colin Chapman’s Formula 1 team was a motorsport force the equal of Ferrari and McLaren in period. Who can forget the Lotus 49, 72, 79 or 88? There were classic sponsorships from Gold Leaf, John Player and Camel. World champions drove for Lotus: Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jochen Rindt and our own Mario Andretti. Ayrton Senna developed into the mythic driver he became while at Lotus.

Many other greats drove factory or private Lotus’ too. Ronnie Peterson, Jacky Ickx, Jo Siffert and Stirling Moss amongst others.

Carrying on the spirit at Classic Team Lotus

Not many years after the death of Colin Chapman in 1982 and despite huge efforts by many, the team ceased racing in F1. However, the flame still burns bright in the heart of many fans for Team Lotus. Clive Chapman, son of Colin, and his Classic Team Lotus carries the torch for Lotus lovers and they have a great selection of merchandise to celebrate Lotus F1.

If you missed any models when they came out, Classic Team Lotus has many of them still available. That includes many scales of finished and kit models. They also have a great selection of apparel based on the team clothing in period. There’s artwork, books and DVDs as well. For those with larger budgets, there’s replica bodywork, engine parts and insignias.

Lovers of racing and humor will want one of the late Jim Bamber’s Lotus caricatures. These works are becoming rare and Classic Team Lotus still has the Camel version with “Ayrton” raising his beloved Brazilian flag in triumph, as he frequently did! Grab one before they are gone. It appears the JPS version already is…

Wait, wait! There’s more!

If you are a rabid Lotus fan or (even better) an owner, there are guided tours of the original Team Lotus workshops at the Hethel, England workshops. Classic Team Lotus still uses these same shops today. There are plenty of vintage Lotus race cars to be seen in various stages of prep, restoration or display. It’s the ultimate for the thousands who still worship at the cathedral of all that is Lotus holy.

To see the whole collection at the Classic Team Lotus website.

For more great gift ideas, look no further than our Gift Guide.