We are proud to present the Team Lotus type 88 Heritage Holdall, the third addition to the ‘Heritage Motorsport Collection’. This stylish holdall was designed by Jordan in collaboration with Clive Chapman, Managing Director of Classic Team Lotus, and son of Colin Chapman, and is the latest creation in a 13-year official partnership between the two brands.
This latest Jordan Bespoke bag takes inspiration from Colin Chapman’s TEAM LOTUS type 88
‘The First Carbon Composite Monocoque F1 car to head to the track’
The result is a holdall which celebrates this famous Formula One racing car, its technical advanced engineering excellence, captures the spirit of the late 80s and celebrating the iconic historic motor racing era.
When we talk about attention to Details, Passion and Technical thought for the work we do, this latest item certainly covers these aspects that we are very proud of:
- Printed Cotton Canvas: the outer panels – identical replica of the Carbon/Kevlar fibres of the type 88 monocoque measured to the exact dimensions of the original weave.
- Printed Badge: type 88 replica numbers badge printed onto Cotton Canvas end panels.
- Bespoke Printed Lining: type 88 general arrangement original drawing as printed lining
Classic Team Lotus has commissioned a Special Edition of 88 holdalls.
Each holdall features:
- Team Lotus Design & Registration plate, stamped with its unique ‘chassis’ number.
- Copy of the hand-written Testing/Practise Log written by the Race Engineer of Elio de Angelis as he made history with the car’s first ever run on the 25thFebruary 1981, South circuit at Circuit Paul Ricard
- Print of Colin Chapman in the cockpit of the car, giving a proud thumbs up for his latest creation
- Segment of the original 1981 Carbon/Kevlar material from the Classic Team Lotus archive
Owners can take pride in their appreciation of the revolutionary Lotus type 88 and the pioneering spirit of Team Lotus.
Specially selected Black Scottish Bridge of Weir leather perfectly matched to The John Players Special Team Lotus colour scheme, the flawless nature of the hides reflecting the quality buyers have come to expect from Jordan Bespoke.
Our passion, crafted for life
As with all Simon Jordan creations, client-led bespoke options are available. In recognition of the time when car numbers changed from race to race, customers can choose to have their holdall customised with a number of their choice. An owner may choose a significant number to them, such as a birthday, or perhaps to depict the number displayed on their own racing car.
A subtle design feature of the Classic Team Lotus type 88 Heritage Holdall is the monogram embossed on the zip pulls, luggage tag and matching key ring. The ACBC monogram was created by Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman who chose to incorporate his personal monogram within the original Lotus logo.
Simon Jordan Founder of Jordan Bespoke, said “Working with Classic Team Lotus and the Chapman family to create this Classic Team Lotus type 88 bag was a genuine honour and privilege. Together we have created a luxurious holdall which respects the contribution Colin Chapman made to motorsport with the type 88, and the unrivalled talent of its drivers. Despite its obvious motorsport connections, the holdall offers a stylish bespoke piece of luggage to anyone who has an eye for detail and a passion for quality and design.”
Clive Chapman, Managing Director of Classic Team Lotus, said “Classic Team Lotus tries its best to celebrate the history of Team Lotus. I am privileged to work together with an outstanding team of mechanics to preserve the famous cars that established the Lotus legend. Classic Team Lotus is delighted to have joined forces with Jordan Bespoke to realise this practical and desirable holdall in the highest quality which captures the Team Lotus identity in such striking style. I am confident it will prove to be an emblem of Team Lotus history which will appeal to proud Lotus enthusiasts worldwide.”
The Black & Gold weave was especially appropriate for the type 88 when, after the demise of Essex Petroleum, it was re-liveried in the iconic Black & Gold colours of sponsor John Player Special, in place of the original livery of blue, red and silver.
Classic Team Lotus has commissioned a Special Edition of 88 Heritage Holdalls
Classic Team Lotus is fiercely proud of Team Lotus having constructed the first Carbon composite automotive monocoque. And the first to prove the concept, on track. And the first to enter an F1 race, thereby revolutionising F1, once more. The Team Lotus type 88 realised all of these firsts.
The Carbon/Kevlar fibres of the type 88 monocoque created a distinctive pattern, known affectionately as ‘Team Lotus tartan’.
This bespoke item of luggage HAND MADE IN ITALY recreates the distinctive criss-cross Carbon/Kevlar weave and features the highest quality materials and craftsmanship.
Lotus 88 and the British GP
The Lotus type 88 was a controversial design; not because of its composite monocoque but rather its even more radical twin-chassis concept. The Lotus 88 was entered for the first three Grand Prix of the 1981 season, but did not make it beyond practice, due to scrutineers and organisers coming under pressure from the FIA.
Colin Chapman hatched a plan to enter the car for the 1981 British GP as a ‘B’ specification of the type 88, reasoning that the home Grand Prix for Team Lotus and Nigel Mansell, organised by the Royal Automobile Club, would be the environment in which his famous powers of persuasion would be most likely to succeed.
Team Lotus presented three type 88Bs for scrutineering and when they were passed it seemed like things were going to plan. Then the FIA weighed in and threatened both Team Lotus and the RAC with extreme sanctions if the Lotus 88 was allowed to participate. To Colin Chapman’s fury the battle was lost.
As the Team Lotus mechanics braced themselves for an ‘all-nighter’ to convert one of the 88s into type 87 specification, Colin Chapman insisted that the three 88s be lined up in the pit lane for a poignant last photo.
BRITISH DESIGN to be used as Grand Touring Luggage, Kit Bag or Weekend Holdall, travel in style.