Date: Mon, 2 Mar 1998 07:50:07 +0100 (MET)
From: Gary Harding
Subject: RE: clans

Nick,
    I go with the rally driver theory of reducing the economy to below 30 MPG!!

Gary

Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 14:56:18 +0100 (MET)
From: PIETER.POSTHUMA@nlrtm.ponl.com
Subject: Clans in Holland.

Hello all,

Never saw this message boomeranging back to me from coolist so here again.
--
Last weekend I saw this really great looking Clan Crusader for sale. It had original left hand steering, some damage to the right hand side. But new part had been grafted in.

Does anybody have specific/typical Clan deficiencies, non Imp part related, are there points on the body which need checking, mounting points front area ? or other. Is a folding roof standard ?

I really liked the car although my 6ft 6inch (2 meters) didnot really fit, but then I could always try to lower the seats.

Regards
Pieter

Super Imp 1967, Sunbeam Imp 1970, e.o.'s

Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 15:20:31 -0500 (EST)
From: chris holden
Subject: RE: Clans in Holland.

Hi Pieter,

well i'm currently on the look out for a new car too and have been to see two clans.

if you've been to frankas site, i'm sure you'll be aware of the history of the marque. so far the only thing i've encountered regarding the strength of the body shell is at the back of the car, the cross member and/or rear suspension mounting area i think : this was strengthened with the introduction of the irish clan, but an owner of an original crusader has told me it's common to strengthen this area on the older cars to be safe.
Otherwise, the usual fibreglass body issues are the same - just ask any lotus owner ! check for cracking that may require structural patching rather than just cosmetic refinishing, as well as the other usual suspects, microblistering and gelcoat crazing.

front and rear suspension is standard imp, it's basically just the body (obviously) and the interior which isn't imp based i think.

they're great cars to be sure, particularly with a 998 fitted ! unfortunately i'm rather taken with the lotus europa too, so i've held off buying for now. anyone care to try and persuade me back into the imp fold ? ;-)

for the record i've had 100mph downhill out of my imp super with a sport head and twin strombergs fitted. it boiled shortly afterwards. actually, what impressed me about this particular car was the 12 second 0- 60mph time i got out of it rather than the top speed.

regards,

chris holden.

Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 08:55:50 +0100 (MET)
From: Bert Clewits
Subject: Re: Clans in Holland.

I've a Clan register of dutch clans. If you like I can look up, trace the history of it. just mention the licence and maybe the chassi number and colour (have a look if it is resprayed too and what colour is underneath) I might be able to tell you the former owners.

regards

Bert

Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 22:15:12 +0100 (MET)
From: Nickcleak
Subject: Re: Clans in Holland.

> Does anybody have specific/typical Clan deficiencies

The rear suspension crossmember used to crack the body , but they have all been modified now ... ( check first ! )

> I really liked the car although my 6ft 6inch (2 meters) didnot really
> fit, but then I could always try to lower the seats.

I am 6 ft 5 in i lowered the seat mountings and modified them slightly , i got it to go back and down , it is just about right , my head just lightly brushes the roof lining , i don't know how i would manage with a racing helmet ...

nick ...

Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 16:10:38 -0500 (EST)
From: Nickcleak
Subject: Re: Clans in Holland.

Have you ever checked the thickness of the bodyshell ? It is all stressed unlike the lotus which is thin . My Clan's central tunnel is at least 10mm thick , you can't move the wings if you press them by hand ... it's not a problem ....
The paintwork was of a very high standard , 14 coats from the factory ...
The shell is very ridgid , jack up a rear wheel and see the front wheel come off the ground too !

Nick ( Clan owner too , since my 1987 restoration ) driven it 65000 miles since ...