Clan [1] (United Kingdom)

Clan Motor Co. Ltd was a British automobile manufacturer based in Washington, County Durham, which operated from 1971 to 1974. The company was established by a group of engineers, including Paul Haussauer, Brian Luff, and John Frayling, who had previously worked with Lotus. They received a government grant to set up their factory, which facilitated the production of their primary model, the Clan Crusader.

The Clan Crusader was a small GT coupé characterized by its fibreglass monocoque construction and a rear-mounted engine sourced from the Sunbeam Stiletto. The vehicle was designed to deliver a performance of 99 mph (160 km/h) and could accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in approximately 12 seconds. Despite its innovative design and engineering, the Crusader was considered expensive for its performance, retailing at £1,400.

The introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) in 1973 adversely affected the kit car market, and the subsequent uncertainty following the OPEC oil crisis further challenged the viability of small manufacturers like Clan. Ultimately, production of the Clan Crusader ceased in 1974 after a total of 315 units were produced. There were several attempts to revive the brand, including a government-supported initiative in 1984 in Belfast, but these efforts did not lead to a successful resurgence. The Clan Crusader also inspired the creation of several kit cars in the years following its production.