Клан: История британского спорткара и его эволюция.

The car was designed by a group of ex Lotus engineers led by Paul Haussauer with styling by John Frayling. The company was set up in 1969, and small scale production began in July 1971. From September, official production began at a new factory in Washington set up with the aid of a government grant. Engineer Brian Luff, one of the brains behind the all conquering Lotus 72, created "a remarkably strong, yet ultra lightweight, monocoque." Aside from the engine, front and rear suspensions were also lifted from the donor Imp. Handling was described as both agile and tenacious, and more power would not have proved a problem.

In 1982 some "unofficial" body moulds were bought by Peter McCandless who started a new company Clan Cars Ltd in Newtownards, Northern Ireland, and built about 120 road cars and 10 competition cars over the next four years. The Crusader name was not used for these cars. Contemporary advertisements give an amazing price range of from £1,200 for a basic kit to £10,000 for a complete road ready car with new engine. The car, with a 998 cc Imp engine, was improved with disc brakes (from the MGB). Other differences were its pop up lights, heavier bumpers, chin spoiler, 13 inch wheels and a dashboard from the Ford Fiesta. The Clan also had standard front disc brakes and Pirelli P6 tyres. The car was available in two specifications, Clan E and Clan S. The E has while the more powerful S has , enough for a top speed of about According to Clan themselves, it would only take 30 hours to assemble a kit. After Clan cars closed the body moulds were purchased by members of the Clan Owner's Club to use to make replacement panels.

In 1985 Clan Cars developed a new, mid engined version called the Clan Clover. It used a 1,490 cc, Alfa Romeo Flat 4 engine and gearbox. It also received new glass, a rear spoiler, and blistered arches. It is believed that approximately 26 cars were made (twenty road cars and six racing versions). After well publicized quality issues, Clan Cars ran into financial difficulties and went into receivership, ceasing trading in June 1987.

The McCoy was a Mini based version of the Clan, developed in 1984 by Arthur Birchall, another of the original Clan company founders. The car used a Mini engine and other parts and was thus front engined and front wheel drive. The body too underwent some changes, with different glazing and a reworked rear end. The Mini's tall A series engine also necessitated a modified, bulkier front. Much of the original Clan's sleekness was lost, but the McCoy still looked less awkward than many other Mini based specials. The McCoy means that Clans and their derivative automobiles have been marketed with the engine mounted in the rear, front, as well as midships.

As of 2024, the Clan Club is active, where bodyshell and panels can be purchased.