Clark's last winning F1 Lotus up for sale

©ChromeCars

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©ChromeCars

Heads-up Jim Clark fans and well-heeled collectors, for an important piece of motorsport and Clark memorabilia has hit the market.

Classic car dealer Chrome Cars in Germany is the custodian of this superbly restored Lotus 49, chassis R4, the very car that powered Clark to his 25th and final Grand Prix win, achieved at Kyalami on January 1, 1968.

After its win in the South African GP, the Cosworth DFV-powered machine was sold by Colin Chapman to British privateer Rob Walker.

Unfortunately, Walker's driver Jo Siffert damaged the car in practice for the Race of Champions at Brands Hatch, while a fire at Walker's workshop all but destroyed R4.

After bouncing around workshops for a few decades, the '49' eventually ended up in the hands of renowned Grand Prix car experts Hall and Fowler (now Hall and Hall) who set about restoring the car to its original specifications and livery.

Regardless of where the Lotus 49 will end up, it would certainly make a great addition to the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum in Duns.

©ChromeCars

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.