The Lotus legend has become one of the great success stories in automotive history, both in the world of motor racing and high performance cars. The cars designed by Colin Chapman have taken drivers to international success from Europe and the United States to New Zealand and Australia. Today the company continues to produce breath-taking automotive designs and has a world renowned engineering facility helping other car makers achieve success with their own products.
Our storyClub Lotus (CLNZ) was started in New Zealand in 1976 and modelled on the Australian and English clubs. Active branches were started in Auckland and Wellington, which held regular meetings and events such as car trials, sprints, and general get-togethers. In 1983, it was recognised that a branch to cater for Lotus owners and interested parties in the southern region was in demand. Consequently, our southern branch was formed, to foster a common interest in Lotus Cars and to promote the marque's achievements by increasing public awareness, through use of Lotus cars on the road and the race track.
In 1991, our club became independent of, although co-operational with, CLNZ and changed its name to the Southern Lotus Register to fully concentrate our efforts in this region. We are an incorporated society. The Club has been very successful in recent years, with membership increasing to nearly 70 individuals plus their families. While most current members own at least one Lotus car, ownership of a Lotus is not a requirement to join our Club. The emphasis of our Club is a common interest in performance cars. An extensive history of publications, news, images and information from both Clubs has been archived on a separate website. Lotus NZ Archives is still being added to; if you are in possession of Club documentation that isn't in the archive, please contact us! |
What we doCar Runs
Over the warmer months, we take the cars for a spin on monthly organised runs over the more challenging sealed roads in Canterbury. When the days are longer, we also venture out on weekday evenings for shorter local runs. Evening Socials Most months, we have a 'Garage Raid' or a social evening, where we get together to visit different places of interest, whether it be a local business or someone's personal garage, to view projects, collections or just to have a natter. If all else fails, there's always the pub! The TransAlpine In late October we hold our TransAlpine rally, where we venture further afield to meet up with members located throughout the South Island. Track Days Once a year, we aim for a Ruapuna track day in association with other Car clubs (most often the Fiat Lancia Club), to give members the chance to stretch their cars' legs. Keener members also run track cars more frequently throughout the year. |
If you wish to join the Club then you are most welcome, and you can contact any of the Committee members for further information on membership.
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Southern Lotus Register Incorporated #643792
