An open letter to owners of Lotus single-seat, open-wheel racing cars:

Dear Owner,

The Lotus marque is recognised throughout the world for its proud achievements in motorsport. It is important that its unique history continues to be remembered and there is no more powerful medium than the actual cars which established the essence of the Lotus legend. Therefore it has been decided as appropriate to initiate some sort of official factory register for the benefit of surviving cars’ owners.

I am pleased to announce the instigation of the Team Lotus International Register. The idea is to create a chronicle for all single-seat open-wheel racing Lotuses from the type 12 to the Type 102. More than 1200 chassis were produced that fit this classification and the ultimate goal will be to establish the history of each one in as much detail as possible.

The success of this endeavour will rely very much on the support of Lotus owners around the world. Owners are kindly invited to write to the Register providing essential details of individual chassis, including history and current condition. This information will be compiled in association with the factory’s own records to create a unique and comprehensive archive.

I sincerely hope that this exciting initiative will attract your support. I look forward to it becoming established as a fitting tribute not just to my late father’s memory but to all those who have contributed to the Team Lotus racing history.

Clive Chapman, Team Lotus International Register,

Potash Lane, Hethel, Wymondham, Norfolk NR14 8EY.