Millionaire: Colin Chapman

July 7, 2014

Collector’s Edition

Filmed in 1968, this follows Chapman through that dramatic season. Perhaps because fame is still new, he talks frankly, laughing every time the interviewer calls him a millionaire: “no-one’s ever called me that before!”. He says: “We go racing because I like it,” and there is obvious pain as he says Jim Clark was “the best friend I ever had”. It’s of its time – “the family live simply, with no servants” – but with unhindered access (remarkably clear audio of the pits conversation after Oliver’s Rouen crash) it draws an enlightening picture. It’s followed by film of Lotus mechanics recalling those days, before Clive Chapman gives a tour of CTL’s 49 R10 – both interesting extras, but not a patch on ‘Millionaire’ itself. GC

CTL and Mark Stewart Productions, www.classicteamlotus.co.uk, £15

Gordon Cruickshank

Deputy editor

Bravely ignoring his degree in industrial design after discovering night rallies in a Renault 8, GC joined Motor Sport by accident, in the Teesdale days around 1982 when Jenks and WB were office regulars and Mr Tee ruled with a rod of cardboard. He took part in some of the early historic rallies, winning one of the Pirelli Marathons, and regularly runs his Mk2 Jaguar in road events.

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