Ask a modern Drive to Survive-era F1 fan who the greatest driver of all time is, and you’re likely to hear names like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, or perhaps even a cheeky shout for Nicholas Latifi (not really). The more informed might say Ayrton Senna or Niki Lauda. But the true motorsport purists, the ones who’ve inhaled the octane-soaked history of racing, will drop a name that feels like it’s from a forgotten golden era — Jim Clark.
Now, 60 years after what is widely considered a single driver’s most dominant and versatile season in racing history, Lotus is honouring its legendary former driver with the launch of the Emira Clark Edition. Limited to just 60 units worldwide, this machine is a rolling tribute to one of the greatest racing drivers of all time.
Jim Clark — Statistically, The OG GOAT!
Born in Scotland in 1936, Jim Clark was nothing short of a motorsport guru. Driving really fast and winning races were two things that came naturally to Clark. Clark’s natural ability, razor-sharp reflexes, and cool-headed brilliance made him a god among men behind the wheel.
His career stats tell part of the story:
- 25 F1 wins and 32 podiums from just 72 Grand Prix starts.
- Two Formula 1 World Championships (1963, 1965).
- Winner of the 1965 Indianapolis 500, leading a staggering 190 of 200 laps.
- Champion of the 1965 Formula 1 season, Formula 2 season, Indy 500, Tasman Series, and British Touring Car races — all in the same year.
- Only ever crashed out due to his own error once in F1 — the 1966 German Grand Prix.
- Finished off the podium only four times in races where he didn’t suffer a mechanical issue. Let that sink in.
Clark drove and won in nearly everything: F1, Indy, F2, touring cars, sports cars. His 1965 season is still regarded as the single greatest campaign by any driver, ever — F1 title, Indy 500, F2 title, Tasman Series domination, and wins in British saloon cars. All in one calendar year.
Lotus Emira Clark Edition — A Fitting Tribute
Unveiled at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, the Lotus Emira Clark Edition is a masterpiece built for collectors and connoisseurs of motorsport heritage. Based on the acclaimed Lotus Emira V6, this limited-run special is powered by a 400 hp supercharged 3.5-litre Toyota-sourced V6, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential — because that’s how Jim would’ve wanted it.
Exterior: A Rolling Tribute to the Type 38
The Emira Clark Edition wears a livery steeped in history — the Clark Racing Green paint and yellow striping directly reference the Lotus Type 38, the machine Clark drove to win the Indy 500. Each car is numbered and marked as 1 of 60, reinforcing its exclusivity and collector appeal.
Other details include:
- Yellow exhaust tips
- Silver mirrors
- Hand-painted yellow pinstripe along the swage line
- Blue anodized aluminium fuel filler cap — a nod to the Type 38’s detailing
- Clark Edition badges on the doors and interior
Retro Racing-Inspired Interior
Inside, the Emira Clark Edition goes full nostalgia:
- Driver’s seat in red leather and Alcantara®, passenger seat in black — inspired by 1960s Team Lotus cars.
- A classic wooden gearknob adds vintage flair.
- Jim Clark’s signature adorns the dashboard.
- Team Lotus motifs on the seats.
- A badge on the driver’s seat listing his 1965 accomplishments.
- Carbon-fibre treadplates stamped with the car’s limited-edition number.
- Tartan accents honouring Clark’s Scottish roots.
As a cherry on top, each buyer also receives a bespoke leather holdall, complete with Clark Edition detailing — the kind of thing you’d take to Goodwood Revival or keep displayed next to your helmet collection.
Impressive Performance
Beneath the throwback aesthetics lies a genuine driver’s car. The Emira Clark Edition carries the DNA of Lotus — lightweight, agile, and focused. Hydraulic steering ensures every corner feels alive. The Lotus Driver’s Pack is included as standard, bringing with it — sports suspension, track mode, and an enhanced exhaust tuning for a raw sound experience.
Only 60 Worldwide – The Race Is On
With just 60 examples being produced, the Emira Clark Edition is a tribute, a time capsule, and a collector’s dream. Priced at £115,000 (AED 564,461), it’s expected to be snapped up by motorsport enthusiasts, Lotus loyalists, and Clark admirers in record time. With the Emira Clark Edition, Lotus isn’t just celebrating its own heritage — it’s preserving the legacy of a driver who defined what it means to be great. And for those lucky enough to own one, it’s bound to be an honour.
