(Thu 05 Jun 08)

Lotus is honouring the memory of Jim Clark - the 1963 and 1965 World F1 Champion, who died 40 years ago this year - with a special edition version of its Elise sports car.

Just 25 examples of the Clark Type 25 Elise SC will be built. That's two mentions already of the number 25, which is indeed significant, since it's the Type designation of the car which Clark drove in his first World title-winning season, and also the number of Grand Prix wins he achieved from 72 starts.

The special Elise is based on the standard Elise SC, which has a supercharged 1.8-litre engine, accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, and has a top speed of 148mph. The Clark version has a "period" feel to it, thanks to its British Racing Green bodywork with a yellow stripe down the centre (the Lotus colour scheme during the Clark era), black wheels with silver rims, black leather seats trimmed with red and a wooden gearknob.

The car is officially being launched on June 8 during the Scottish Classic SpeedFair at Knockhill Racing Circuit, where Club Lotus will be holding its Jim Clark Remembrance Weekend. List price is £35,995, plus £950 on-the-road costs, and this includes a donation to the Jim Clark memorial fund.

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