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"...he was a subtle visionary, a wise interpreter of technical regulations and
so talented because of his ability to produce ideas ahead of their time"
Enzo Ferrari |
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"There are two engineers that in my opinion were outstandingly brilliant...
one was Colin Chapman and the other is Alec Issigonis (designer Mini)"
Gian Paolo Dallarn,
Chief Engineer,
Lamborghini Miura |
Colin Chapman's 1965 Ford Galaxie 500
In appreciation of the Lotus Ford victory at the 1965 Indianapolis 500, the Ford Motor Company presented Colin Chapman and Jim Clark each with a limited edition 1965 Ford Galaxie 500, in richt hand drive specification. Despite Chapman's well known reputation of engineering elegance, he enjoyed driving the Galaxie, especially on the long blasts up to norfolk to inspect progress on the new factory at Hethel.
In 1966 there where no speed limits. Lotus staff recall with mixed emotions the "privilege" of traveling with "The Guv"nor" in the Galaxie. Basically Colin Chapman would drive as fast as the huge engine in the car would take them, even in thick fog when there was no way of knowing what lay ahead.
After the first Goodwood Revival meeting in 1998, Clive Chapman was inspired to get the car out of " The Piggery " and back on the road. Since the the car has made the annual pilgrimage to Goodwood whithout missing a beat and it has become a firm favourite with the Chapman grandchildren.
Classic Team Lotus @ 40 years Hethel
"There is no question in my mind that without the nurturing and the support of Colin who told me how it was, I would never have reached the heights in motor racing which i have reached... Colin was like a second father to me"
Nigel Mansell
"To add speed, just add lichtness"
Colin Chapman |
