Nostalgia sells. This is particularly true in the automotive industry as the trend towards reviving old model names with visual cues to the past steer us towards cars that promise to bring back the fun of our youth. Well I have news for you. The fun of our youth was due to being young and stupid, not to driving underpowered underbraked cars. So why we would want to re live them in modern sterilised versions of the past?
But it is important to remember the past and share it with the next generation as this weeks VE day celebrations remind us. It is hard to believe that many young car enthusiasts have no idea about the sporting legends of the past such as Jim Clark, probably one of the most gifted natural drivers to grace this earth.
In the spirit of celebration Lotus is honouring one of the greatest drivers of all time with the introduction of the Emira Clark Edition, in collaboration with the Jim Clark Trust. A thoroughly modern car with design ques that reach out to the past.
The legacy of Jim Clark and Team Lotus is forever etched into the history of motorsport. In 1965, Clark secured the Formula 1 World Championship with Team Lotus and triumphed in the iconic Indianapolis 500 — a remarkable double victory that remains unmatched to this day. That same year, Clark further demonstrated his extraordinary talent with championship victories in Formula 2 and the Tasman Series in Australia and New Zealand, as well as winning touring car races in a Lotus Cortina.
This unparalleled success story serves as the inspiration behind the creation of the Lotus Emira Clark Edition — a fitting tribute to a driver whose achievements continue to define excellence and innovation in racing.
The body of the exclusive Emira is finished in Clark Racing Green with a contrasting black roof, silver mirrors and an iconic yellow racing stripe flared around the front end, inspired by Clark’s 1965 Indianapolis 500-winning Lotus Type 38. A machined aluminium fuel filler cap with a blue anodised centre and yellow exhaust pipes further enhance the exclusive look. A hand-painted yellow pinstripe picks out the Emira swage line, complemented by Clark Edition branding on the doors inspired by the Clark logo used on his racing cars.
The Emira Clark Edition also has a sixties-style wooden gear knob and special commemorative Jim Clark badging featuring Clark’s personalised tartan from Lochcarron, Scotland.
Every Emira Clark Edition will have numbered carbon fibre treadplates (1 of 60) adding to the exclusive feel of this very limited edition. Each customer will also receive a bespoke hand-crafted leather holdall with unique Clark Edition details.
The Lotus Emira V6 is powered by a 400 hp supercharged 3.5-litre V6 engine with a six-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential. The Emira V6 offers a pure driving experience thanks to the unfiltered hydraulic steering feel and the Lotus Driver’s pack which includes sports suspension, Track Mode and revised exhaust sound.
The Emira Clark Edition pricing will be £115,000 in the UK (€140,000 in Germany).