Jim Clark Motorsport Museum
Iconic Race Cars
Visit the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum and see three of the most famous Jim Clark cars. The museum exhibits the Border Reiver Jaguar D-Type as well as one of the most iconic Formula 1 race cars of all time, the Lotus Type 25 chassis R6, with the recent addition of Mk1 Lotus Cortina
New to the museum for 2023 is Jaguar D-type TKF9 which 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 (Yorkshire) in 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 the Spa Grand Prix later that year. With its Border Reiver 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 film ‘Green Helmet’ – TKF9 has been restored to its 1958 glory.
Recently added, the stunning Mk 1 Lotus Cortina JTW 497C was used by Jim Clark in saloon car races throughout 1965. It features several upgrades on a standard 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
The glorious Lotus Type 25 R6 is powered by a 1.5 litre Coventry Climax V8, which Jim Clark drove in 10 Grand Prix’s in 1963, 1964 and 1965, including victories in the Dutch, Belgian, British and France races. The Lotus 25 is on loan from the Tinguely Museum in Basel, Switzerland. Jim Clark race cars are incredibly rare and sought after by museums and private collectors all over the world.
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 race cars, beautifully restored and exhibited under a vaulted ceiling with a sound track to echo a 1960’s race garage. Did you know… Jim Clark is most closely associated with Lotus, but during his early career he also completed in Porsche, Jaguar and Aston Martin race cars, you can find out more in our exhibition, film and Trophy Collection areas.
Trophy Collection
At the heart of the new Jim Clark Motorsport Museum is one of the world’s greatest trophy collections in all of motorsport. The Jim Clark Trophy Collection features over 130 trophies, medals, cups and items of memorabilia. The collection ranges from 1956’s local club racing successes with Berwick & District Motor Club and Border Reivers to globe-spanning seasons driving saloons, sports cars, single-seater in Formula 1 & Formula 2 and everything in between across UK, Europe, US, Asia and Africa. The Trophy Collection is displayed in a modern recreation of the original Jim Clark Room first opened in 1969 and features interactive digital tablets relaying information, imagery and film bespoke to each trophy. The Trophy Collection was gifted for public display in Duns by Jim’s parent’s James and Helen after his death in 1968 and remains in Trust under the guardianship of the Clark Family to this day.
Set apart from the Trophy Collection displayed in the main exhibition room is Jim Clark’s 1963 & 1965 Formula 1 World Championship winning trophies and 1965 Indianapolis 500 trophy.
A Legacy Captured in Photography
Jim Clark was one of the most photographed sports stars of his era. He was hugely popular in Europe, US and Australasia, when newspapers and magazines dominated the media before television became mainstream. Even though his natural inclination was to shy away from the spotlight, his celebrity status was akin to a 1960’s film or rock star. Photography features prominently throughout the museum in an era when black and white was gradually moving to colour. Each year the museum plans to feature a new theme in a dedicated gallery space.
Cinema & Film
The museum features a selection of 3 films available on a touch screen cinema taking visitors back in time, including rare archive film, British Pathe and interviews from the 1960’s with Jim Clark, his team mechanics and those he raced against. Some of the most revealing and emotional films include interviews with his close friends and family. These films now have subtitles.
Young Visitors
As well as our cinema area and interactive displays, there is plenty else to keep young visitors entertained, including our ‘Lap of the Museum’ kids trail: can you track down every toy car? Also keep an eye out for our Easter or autumn treasure hunts, regular ‘Start Your Engines’ kids activity days in the school holidays, plus family simulator weekends. We also have a comprehensive offering for nurseries, schools, colleges, youth organisations and education groups.