The Clan Crusader typically had a Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) Monocoque (French for single [mono] and shell [coque]), body with Hillman Imp Sports Engine from the Rootes Group (later Chrysler Europe).
The Clan Crusader was designed by a group of engineers who had previously worked for Lotus and were led by Paul Haussauer with John Frayling focusing on the styling. The Clan company was set up in 1969, and production started in 1971 at a new factory in Washington set up with the help of a government grant.
The Clan Crusader was available fully built or in a kit version. Although the car received good reviews and achieved some competition success, it was expensive at £1,400 when compared with rivals and as a result the company shut down in November 1973. Total production of the first phase of the Clan Crusader was 315.
The exact specs of the Clan Crusader (licence plate: NYL 7L) in these Car Journal photos are as follows:
EngineRear mounted, 55 BHP, 4 Cylinder, 875 CC. All aluminium, Single overhead Camshaft with Twin Spromberg Carburettors. Based on the Coventry Climax Featherweight design.
TransmissionTransaxel containing 4 speed all syncromesh gearbox with Hypod bevel final drive
This Clan Crusader has been an on-going restoration project since 1992 and the car has been off the road and dry stored. It was put back on the road for the Clan Owners Club 30th anniversary on 1st June 2008.
2 comments:
I REMEBER THESE CARS ,SOMEONE I ONCE KNEW CAME FROM CYPRUS TO WORK IN THE WASHINGTON FACTORY
I bought one brand new from a dealer in Stockport in 1973, a yellow one and it was the best car I have ever had, power to weight ratio was fantastic, I used it for Autotests and it was brilliant for handbraking as the rear engine acted like a pendulum, won a few trophies with it, did some 12 car rallies in it, in fact people used to call it a fibreglass go-kart, unfortunately I sold it when times were hard but I do regret that and I really miss that car.
From Steve Hague ex Northwich area.
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