Special-edition Lotus Exige Type 25 pays tribute to legendary car 50 years after F1 ace Jim Clark’s tragic death
Limited to just 25 models, car celebrates Jim Clark’s Formula 1 Lotus Type 25 of the 1960s
Lotus has revealed the latest in a long line of special-edition models. Named the Exige Cup 430 Type 25, it’s an ultra-limited edition model of the Exige Cup 430 and pays homage to the company’s legendary Type 25 Formula 1 car.
The Type 25 competed from 1962 to ’67 and brought Lotus its first Drivers’ and Constructors’ championship title in 1963, piloted by Jim Clark, who also won the F1 World Championship in 1963 and 1965, as well as the Indianapolis 500 in 1965. The limited-edition model pays tribute with a unique paint scheme – finished either in Lotus Racing Green or Old English White, with contrasting pinstripe detailing.
Far from just a styling exercise, though, each Type 25 will be supplied with specially commissioned heritage documentation. Signed by Lotus chief executive Jean-Marc Gales, the certificates of authenticity will be matched by a unique plate detailing the car’s place in the 25-unit production run.
This is the incredible Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25.This model comes with bespoke exterior and interior livery and there's only going to be 25 hand built examples. pic.twitter.com/VcrzbrTS6I
— Snows Lotus (@Snows_Lotus) April 6, 2018
Each car also comes with a copy of Clark’s biography, signed by Clive Chapman – son of Lotus founder Colin Chapman – and Bob Dance, one of Clark’s principal mechanics during his Formula 1 career.
Under the skin, the Type 25 shares its mechanicals with the rest of the Exige Cup 430 range. It’s powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, which is supercharged and produces 430bhp. Lotus’s focus on light weight ensures more than ample performance, and the Type 25 doesn’t disappoint – it’s capable of sprinting from 0-60mph in just 3.2 seconds and reaching a top speed of 180mph.
The interior has received a Type 25 makeover. In addition to the unique manufacturer’s plate, it features body-colour inserts on the seats and centre console, anodised aluminium and carbon-fibre elements throughout, and a wooden gear knob for the open-gate manual ’box. Though it’s supplied as standard with air conditioning, full carpeting and a stereo, these items can be removed for further weight saving at no extra cost.
April 7 marks the 50th anniversary of Clark’s tragic death at the Hockenheimring, in what was then West Germany, when his Lotus 48 left the track, somersaulted and hit a tree. It is believed a deflating rear tyre caused the crash.