When I sold my car I let most of the spares go too but I have still got a SPARK 1/43 (#S1228) LOTUS EXIGE S1 2000 – It is NEW and the box is SIGNED BY Steve Crijns and Russell Carr. So, this is the Spark S1 model that every S1 owner craves but what makes this one special is that the box is signed by Lotus designers, Steve Crijns and Russell Carr.
Born in Belgium, Steve Crijns studied Industrial Design before attaining a place at the Royal College of Art for a Masters degree in Vehicle Design. He joined Lotus in 1994 and was soon working on the Esprit GT3 which he catapulted to fame by using orange for both the interior and exterior finish. Julian Thompson (Head of Design at that time) nicknamed him ‘The Cheeky Belgique’, a soubriquet that holds - in some quarters at least - today. Other projects soon followed, including designing the new six-spoke wheel for the V8 Esprit, He also began working closely with Russell Carr, Chief Designer at Lotus, on the 340R and also helped Matt Hill on the Elise Sport, as seen in the Autobytel racing series of the time and it was, of course, this design that became the road-going Exige. Then came his star prize, the new Elise, while also working on the M250. The success of Steve’s design is now a matter of record. But the work carried on and Steve played his part in the design and launch of the 111 and 111S. Russell Carr, by now Head of Lotus Design, led the Evora’s design team with Steve.
Russell Carr was appointed Chief Designer of Lotus Cars in 1999. He first joined the Lotus design department in 1989. Carr and his team at the Lotus Design Studio ensure that Colin Chapman’s original vision is imbued into every distinctive Lotus vehicle design. The team is responsible for design, clay modelling and digital surface development and Russell is responsible for the design direction of all new Lotus cars as well as managing design and concept car build programmes for its external clients. Prior to his current position as head of the design department, Carr was involved with Lotus concept and production projects such as the Exige, Esprit, Elise GT1 Racecar, the Lotus M250
concept and the new Lotus Evora. Russell Carr and the rest of the Lotus Design team have already elevated Lotus Design to a globally recognised level.
Before I put this on Ebay I thought Exigers might like to have first shout. I’d be looking at about £50 for the model but with these signtaures I’m looking for a bit more. The model has never been on display (I have had four or five of these altogether) and so it is effectively new.
If anyone is interested why not PM me - or wait and take your chances on Ebay. Here is a a couple of photos.
(I know I could put this in the For Sale section but, a) I’m not sure what it is worth and b) S1 afficiandos get first dibs…)
i’ll have it then. you have pm
Actually, I did it for ebay and then thought that I should put it on here first.
