Jim Clark Motorsport Museum

Visit the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum and see a triple selection of Jim Clark’s most famous cars. The museum exhibits the Jaguar D-Type in which Jim competed for the Borders Reivers in many sports car events during 1958; a Lotus Cortina he used in the British Saloon Car Championship of 1965; and new for 2024 the Lotus 38 chassis #7 which Jim took to Japan in 1966 then drove at the Indy 500 in 1967.

Our exciting arrival for this year is an example of the iconic Lotus 38 type in which Jim Clark won the Indianapolis 500 miles in 1965 – breaking records and shattering conventions. It transformed Indy Car racing through its innovative construction and rear-engined design. Lotus 38/7 was built in 1966 and driven by Al Unser at that year’s Indy 500. He crashed out with 39 laps remaining, badly enough that the event had to be paused, and after being rebuilt the car was assigned to Jim. He took it to Japan in October 1966 for a 200 miles exhibition event inaugurating international motorsport there, but was unable to start the race after suffering engine trouble. Then in 1967 he drove it at the Indy 500, unfortunately having to retire with piston problems. 38/7 has been restored to its condition at the start of the Indy 500 in 1967 and won the RAC Award in 2019 for the quality and comprehensiveness of its refurbishment.

Having joined us last year the Jaguar D-type TKF9 holds a place of significance in British sports car history as well as Jim’s own story. It was driving this car at Full Sutton in Yorkshire during spring 1958 that Jim became the first man to average over 100mph during a British sports car race. He also used the impressive machine in a variety of events, at home and abroad – including his first visit to the continent when he raced at the Spa Grand Prix later that year. With its Border Reivers team logo and white colour scheme it reminds us of Jim’s achievements before joining Team Lotus in 1960. After passing through several owners – even starring in the 1961 film ‘The Green Helmet’ – TKF9 has been restored to its 1958 glory, still showing off its beautiful lines.

Always a fans favourite the stunning Lotus Cortina JTW 497C was used by Jim Clark in saloon car races throughout 1965. It features several upgrades upon the standard Mk 1 Ford Cortina including BRM-enhanced 140bhp engine, close-ratio aluminium gearbox, coil springs on A-frame rear suspension, repositioned 20-gallon fuel tank and a rear anti-roll bar (ultimately not used). Its finest hour came during the St Mary’s Trophy at Goodwood in April when Jim steered it to victory over Ford Mustangs, Galaxies and Mini Coopers. Jim finished 7th for the championship and 3rd within Class C, adding another class win at Crystal Palace. Unfortunately his chances of retaining the British Saloon Car Championship title from 1964 were scuppered by a retirement, a disqualification, plus missing 2 events which clashed with the Syracuse Grand Prix and Indianapolis 500 miles. JTW 497C has been restored to its 1960s racing condition.

We are extremely grateful to all the owners for the loan of their cars. Visitors are welcome to get up close and see these amazing racing machines, beautifully restored and exhibited under a vaulted ceiling, with backdrop of race artwork and soundtrack echoing a 1960’s race garage.

All the cars have interpretation panels, and you can view archive photos and clips on the garage interactive visitor terminal I-pad.

Did you know… Jim Clark is most closely associated with Lotus, but during his early career he also completed in other types such as Porsche, Jaguar, Triumph and Aston Martin race cars. You can find out more in our exhibition, film and trophy room areas and by using our interactives.