{"id":1973,"date":"2015-02-16T14:24:12","date_gmt":"2015-02-16T14:24:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/colinchapmanmuseum.org.uk\/?page_id=1973"},"modified":"2022-06-24T08:19:18","modified_gmt":"2022-06-24T08:19:18","slug":"february","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/colinchapmanmuseum.co.uk\/?page_id=1973","title":{"rendered":"February"},"content":{"rendered":"

Colin Chapman Museum and Education Centre Newsletter February 2015<\/strong><\/p>\n

Newsletter – Number 51<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Save Lotus!<\/li>\n
  2. Lotus City car concept<\/li>\n
  3. Art of Lightness Museums worth visiting<\/li>\n
  4. Questions from our readers<\/li>\n
  5. Consultancy and or Manufacture<\/li>\n
  6. Seven sales to the sunset<\/li>\n
  7. Pop art Lotus<\/li>\n
  8. Collectables<\/li>\n
  9. Youtube<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    All previous articles relating to these are held on the website.<\/p>\n

    Update to Save Lotus!<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Following much objection by many readers of the newsletter, we are pleased to announce that the application for demolition was refused. Please see below for the summary of the planners’ decision.<\/p>\n

    The proposed development would result in the demolition of Locally Listed Building which is a non-designated heritage of historic significance, the proposal is therefore considered to be contrary to London Plan Policy 7.8, Local Plan Policy SP12, Saved Haringey Unitary Development Plan Policy CSV6 and the NPPF.<\/em><\/p>\n

    The external storage proposed alongside Tottenham Lane are considered to result in a poor quality design which would not respond to the local context or take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of the area contrary to Policies 3.4 and 3.5 of the London Plan 2011 and supporting guidance, Policy SP11 of the Haringey Local Plan 2013, Saved Policy UD3 of the Haringey Unitary Development Plan 2006, and The NPPF.<\/em><\/p>\n

    The proposed development would result in the unjustified loss of a non-designated heritage asset (Locally Listed Building of historic significance which is considered to be contrary to London Plan Policy 7.8, Local Plan Policy SP12, Saved Haringey Unitary Development Plan Policy CSV6 and the NPPF.<\/em><\/p>\n

    1. Save Lotus!<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Anyone interested in local history, Lotus Cars or F1 may wish to know about a recent planning application to demolish the site where Lotus racing Cars began in Tottenham Lane in 1953<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Planning Application No. http:\/\/opn8.co.uk\/lotusN8<\/a><\/p>\n

    HGY\/2015\/0311I have just submitted my own objection (below) and urge others to look at the application and make their own comments to the application.<\/p>\n

    Objection<\/p>\n

    I wish to state that I object to the application to demolish existing buildings on site at 11 Tottenham Lane N8 next to what was The Railway Hotel and the original home to Colin Chapman\u2019s Lotus Motor Car Racing Company Factory.<\/p>\n

    Although the address of the application is stated as 11 Tottenham Lane it does include what is listed at\u00a0http:\/\/www.haringey.gov.uk\/sites\/haringeygovuk\/files\/register_of_lo…<\/a>\u00a0as No. 7 Tottenham Lane, the site of Lotus cars in the 1950s.<\/p>\n

    In 1984, with the agreement of Haringey Council, Club Lotus erected a memorial plaque on one of the original Lotus office buildings.<\/p>\n

    In 2004 Haringey Council added 7 Tottenham Lane to its Register of Local Listed Buildings.<\/p>\n

    Yet on the application, by a person in Yorkshire, with seemingly no local connection, interest or knowledge to demolish many buildings on this historic site (now Jewson\u2019s Builders yard) seems to make no mention of Colin Chapman, Lotus cars, listed building status or the plaque.<\/p>\n

    No mention is made of plans to even relocate the plaque.<\/p>\n

    I am very concerned that yet again one of Hornsey\u2019s remaining buildings of historic interest and importance will disappear with the collusion of Haringey Council\u2019s Planning Department and Committee.<\/p>\n

    We are currently seeing our historic bathhouse frontage being demolished with no attempt by the council to protect it despite concerns by local residents.<\/p>\n

    I am particularly upset by the potential loss of this site as\u00a0Hornsey Village – A Walk<\/em>\u00a0which I co-wrote was only published in August 2014 (by Hornsey Historical Society, of which I am a member) where the historic importance of the site was highlighted on page 21 as follows:-<\/p>\n

    This was originally The Railway Hotel, a country inn with a spacious tea garden, adjacent to Great Northern Railway, which opened in 1850, with Hornsey as the first station out of London. The Railway Hotel was later managed by the father of Colin Chapman who established the Lotus Engineering Company here in 1951 and developed Lotus sports cars. These motor racing, award-winning cars were built behind the pub until 1959 when the company moved to Cheshunt. A\u00a0plaque<\/strong>\u00a0commemorating Chapman and the Lotus Company is on the building to the right of the entrance to Jewson\u2019s builders yard.<\/em><\/p>\n

    A photo of the plaque can be seen at\u00a0http:\/\/colinchapmanmuseum.org.uk\/<\/a><\/p>\n

    To find that one of the featured sites will be gone in less than a year after publication is shocking.<\/p>\n

    I wonder if this would be allowed to happen elsewhere in the borough other than Hornsey?<\/p>\n

    Is the council aware that this is a locally listed building?<\/p>\n

    Why has the owner not been made to refer to the listed status and the plaque in the application?<\/p>\n

    I hope the council do not permit such desecration of our historic past and lack of respect for Colin Chapman, a man of recognised national importance.<\/p>\n

    I strongly object to this planning application<\/p>\n

    Thank you John Douglas for this<\/em><\/p>\n

    Hi, I have taking with the organisers of the Hornsey carnival, which\u00a0runs an annual parade through Hornsey & Crouch End. I have suggested\u00a0that it needs more elements relating to Hornsey’s history, the number\u00a0one being the birth of Lotus cars. So I am looking for any local Lotus\u00a0owners (old Lotus’ rather than new) who would be interested in joining\u00a0the parade from 2-4pm, Sat 4th July 2015. It may also serve as a\u00a0rallying point to stop Jewsons knocking down the old showroom.<\/p>\n

    Chris Arnold (son of Graham Arnold) 07778 05 66 86<\/p>\n

    Thank you Chris Arnold and Lesley Ramm<\/p>\n

    2. Lotus City Car Concept<\/b><\/p>\n

    \"1\"<\/a><\/p>\n

    3.\u00a0<\/b>The Art of Lightness – Museums worth visiting<\/strong><\/p>\n

    MUSEUM REVIEW: Forthcoming Exhibition:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cLotus \u2013The Art of Lightness\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

    ADDRESS: AACA Museum
    \n161 Museum Drive
    \nHershey, PA 17033<\/p>\n

    Phone: 717.566.7100
    \nFax: 717.566.7300<\/p>\n

    Email: info@AACAMuseum.org<\/a><\/p>\n

    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Recently the A&R reviewed the exhibition entitled \u201cThe Amazing Bugattis\u201d and questioned why there had been no significant museum exhibition devoted to Colin Chapman and Lotus.<\/p>\n

    We are now pleased to acknowledge that the AACA Museum is holding a substantial exhibition this year.<\/p>\n

    The editors have examined the proposal [see below] and this exhibition contains the seeds of great potential and it\u2019s highly recommended. We hope to obtain early visitor feedback.<\/p>\n

    The AACA Museum: Origin and Objectives<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The AACA museum is the product of the Antique Automobile Club of America. It\u2019s believed that this club was formed by enthusiasts in 1935.Its members include active collectors.<\/p>\n

    Their museum is based in Pennsylvania, USA.The museum seems a repository of vehicles members have donated loaned or the museum acquired. In addition the museum houses an extensive library. It\u2019s believed that the museum is run as a non for profit organization.<\/p>\n

    The museum charts the evolution of transport in America with especial reference to American marques.Exhibits extend over a period of eight decades; and each example is set in a visual background context[ check out website]<\/p>\n

    Although possibly little known in Europe the museum has an excellent permanent collection and holds possibly two or more themed exhibitions per year<\/p>\n

    Declared Mission [from website]<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The AACA Museum is dedicated to the preservation and presentation of motor vehicle history in a manner that provides for the education and entertainment of our guests.<\/p>\n

    Our goal is to deliver a world class automotive experience through innovative and interactive exhibits that appeal to all ages and illustrate the historical evolution and potential future impacts of one of the most culturally defining innovations of modern times.<\/p>\n

    As noted the museum as an extensive, deep and through integrated library of reference works. [See website\/ on line catalogue]<\/p>\n

    Lotus: The Art of Lightness<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

    January 24 \u2013 April 26, 2015<\/p>\n

    \"2\"<\/a><\/p>\n

    Image courtesy of Michael Furman.<\/p>\n

    Lotus and the genius of Colin Chapman have been at the forefront of racing technology and automotive design since 1948. \u00a0Colin Chapman\u2019s philosophy of light weight and efficiency of design resulted in\u00a0\u00a07 Formula 1 World Championships\u00a0as well as\u00a0wins at Le Mans, and Indianapolis, saloon car racing and the World Rally Championship. \u00a0Chapman\u2019s mantras of simplification, light weight and the least amount of parts effectively deployed that went into his racing car design were directly translated into Lotus\u2019 road cars and produced iconic machines such as the Seven, Elan, Esprit, and Elise. The rest of the automotive world is finally realizing that horsepower makes you fast in the straights, but light weight makes you faster everywhere \u2013 and more fuel efficient to boot!<\/p>\n

    For over 60 years Lotus has continued to produce\u00a0class-leading \u00a0sports cars and are a globally respected automotive engineering consultancy, working with many of the world\u2019s most prestigious car manufacturers.<\/p>\n

    This exhibit will feature a variety of Lotus models both road and race throughout that 60 year history.<\/p>\n

    Exhibits: Proposed Content:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Lotus:<\/span><\/strong>
    \n1956 Mark VI \u2013 Kyle, Irena and Colin Kaulback \u2013 Bethel, PA<\/p>\n

    1958 Lotus Eleven (Series II), Brainard Parker \u2013 Annapolis, MD<\/p>\n

    1959 Elite (Type 14) \u2013 Joe Marchione \u2013 Absecon, NJ
    \n1959 Type 18 \u2013 Jerry Morici -Clifton, NJ
    \n1962 Type 22 \u2013 Jerry Morici \u2013 Clifton, NJ
    \n1962 Seven S2 \u2013 Gary and Sandy David \u2013 Macedonia, OH
    \n1963 Type 23
    \n1964 Elan S1 (Type 26) \u2013 Greg Moore\u00a0 \u2013 Merchantville, NJ<\/p>\n

    1965 Lotus 23 Twin Cam \u2013 Brainard Parker \u2013 Annapolis, MD
    \n1966 Lotus Cortina (Type 28) \u2013 Gary and Sandy David \u2013\u00a0 Macedonia, OH
    \n1967 Europa S1B (Type46) \u2013 Bob Fogle \u2013 Woodbury, CT
    \n1969 Elan S4 Coupe Rolling Chassis (Type 36) \u2013 Clark Lance \u2013 Long Valley, NJ
    \n1970 Type 61MX \u2013 Kyle, Irena and Colin Kaulback \u2013 Bethel, PA
    \n1971 Type 69 \u2013 Kyle, Irena and Colin Kaulback \u2013 Bethel, PA
    \n1972 Europa Twin Cam (Type74) \u2013 Kyle, Irena and Colin Kaulback \u2013 Bethel, PA
    \n1972 Elan Sprint (Type 45) \u2013 Dee and Kenny Mance \u2013 New York, NY
    \n1979 Esprit S2 (World Championship Commemorative Edition) \u2013 Art Mason \u2013 Macungie, PA
    \n1984 Type 95T \u2013 Barber Museum \u2013 Birmingham, AL
    \n1987 Esprit Turbo (Type 82) \u2013 Gordon M. Biehl, Jr
    \n1991 Elan (Type 100) \u2013 Ted Taylor \u2013 Haddon Heights, NJ<\/p>\n

    1992 Type 108 \u2013 Barber Museum \u2013 Birmingham, AL
    \n1996 Type 110 \u2013 Kyle, Irena and Colin Kaulback \u2013 Bethel, PA<\/p>\n

    1997 Esprit V8 CART-PPG Indycar World Series Pace Car (Type 82) \u2013 Dale Murray \u2013 Mt Joy PA
    \n2009 Exige S260 (Type 117) \u2013 Jon Walton \u2013 Newark, DE
    \n2014 Evora S (Type 122)- Lotus Cars USA<\/p>\n

    Lotus engineered:<\/span><\/strong>
    \n1981 DeLorean DMC12 \u2013 Justin and Rachel Mettee \u2013 Glen Rock, PA
    \n1985 Sinclair C5 \u2013 Barber Museum \u2013 Birmingham, AL
    \n1993 Corvette ZR1 \u2013 Dave Nagler \u2013 Chester, NY
    \nLotus Ultralight Aircraft Engine -Barber Museum\u00a0 -Birmingham, AL
    \nType 23 spaceframe chassis -Barber Museum \u2013 Birmingham, AL
    \nLotus Wobbly Web Wheel<\/p>\n

    Exhibition Potential<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The A&R editors having studied the background of the AACA Museum and proposed consent of the forthcoming exhibition .They consider it to be exciting ambitious courageous and inspiring. It\u2019s inspired that a wide selection of cars are being assembled and displayed under a serious intellectual focus.<\/p>\n

    The exhibition is evidently well supported and organized as evidenced by the span and quality of proposed exhibits and examples of Chapman\u2019s industrial Design.<\/p>\n

    The editors believe this exhibition has the potential to interpret and indeed illustrate to visitors that the \u201cArt and Lightness\u201d of Chapman design contained many of the following aspects:-<\/p>\n