Dario Franchitti’s ex-Jim Clark Lotus Cortina has arrived at the new Jim Clark Motorsport Museum in the Scottish Borders ahead of the visitor attraction opening to the public on Thursday 11 July.
The 1964 British Saloon Car Championship winning car will be joined in the new museum by Clark’s Lotus 25/R6 – a car which took him to numerous Grand Prix victories as well as the Goodwood Motor Circuit lap record.
The Jim Clark Trust has been instrumental in securing the vehicles for the new museum.
Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti personally delivered the Lotus Cortina to the museum in Duns, Berwickshire this week.
He said: “I think the new museum is fabulous. From the moment you walk in the door, it’s brilliant. It’s a fitting tribute to Jim. The car I have brought down is Jim’s car, I’ve just been looking after it. I’m very proud it is featuring in the museum, where other people will get to see it and enjoy it.”
Following an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Lotus 25/R6 will arrive in the Scottish Borders ahead of the museum opening to the public. It is being loaned by Tinguely Museum in Basle, Switzerland.
Jim Clark raced the Lotus 25/R6 in 10 Grand Prix races between 1963 and 1965, including victories in the British, Dutch and Belgian Grand Prix in 1964 and in France the following year. He also raced it to victory at Goodwood twice.
Andrew Tulloch, curator from charity Live Borders said: “It is hard to put into words how appreciative we are of Dario and Tinguely Museum loaning these legendary vehicles to the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum, putting them right at the heart of this new attraction.
“There are very few of Jim’s former race cars on public display and there is little doubt that these will be among the stars of the show when the museum opens later this month.
“Having these vehicles here alone will undoubtedly attract visitors from across the world, complementing the trophies, film footage and memorabilia in what will be a must visit for motor racing fans and those looking for a great day out.”
The new museum is being delivered by Scottish Borders Council in partnership with charity Live Borders, The Jim Clark Trust and the Jim Clark Memorial Room Trust.
Funding for the project has come from the Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Museums Galleries Scotland and The Jim Clark Trust, the latter including a grant from the Fallago Environment Fund and individual donations from around the world.
Ben Smith, Secretary of The Jim Clark Trust, said: “On behalf of The Jim Clark Trust we are extremely grateful to the Tinguely Museum and Dario Franchitti, a Patron of the Trust, for allowing these iconic cars to be displayed in public.
“It is humbling to see these world famous, beautiful cars, in which Jim raced to success all those years ago, in his home town of Duns, Scotland. They are sure to be the star attractions of the new museum, bringing to life the story of Jim Clark and inspiring future generations.”
The Jim Clark Motorsport Museum is a partnership project with Scottish Borders Council, The Jim Clark Trust and charity Live Borders. Thank you to Tony Marsh for the video.
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