Haddenham Classics' trips out
We like to go out as a group in our classic motors from time to time, to visit things of interest to car enthusiasts. We have one more trip out planned for 2025, with remaining tickets, so why not join us on our Morgan factory tour?
This year, so far, we have visited the Motor Museum, Gaydon, Classic Lotus Workshop, Norfolk, and MINI Plant, Oxford - write ups below.
If you know of a place you'd like to visit as a group, get in touch and we'll see what we can arrange.
upcoming trips
morgan factory tour
Join us on our visit to the Morgan Factory in Worcestershire on 16 August 2025.
£38.50 per person.
Immerse yourself in a mix of rare craft skills and the latest modern technology
that go into each Morgan sports car. Your tour guide will take you through each of the historic workshops, showcasing the unique processes which build a Morgan.
Drive from Bradmoor Farm at 8.00am through the Cotswolds.
Factory tour starts 10.40am (2 hours duration).
To book this trip, visit https://tickets.matterpay.com/s/men-with-machines-cic/ZXZlbnQ6NzA5MQ%3D%3D/morgan-factory-tour
Haddenham Classics' trip to MINI iFactory
by Lee Jones
On 12 June, a group of Haddenham Classics members attended an eagerly anticipated MINI iFactory tour in Cowley, Oxford. The trip was one of several Haddenham Classics events this year, and sold out well in advance. Members made their own way to the plant in their daily drivers, no polished classics on parade for this outing.
A warm welcome
The trip was arranged by Haddenham Classics member, Andrew Napier, and on arrival we were met by his daughter, Philippa, who works at the plant. She greeted everyone with warmth and enthusiasm as she shared insights into her career and her role. It was very clear she is a passionate ambassador for BMW MINI UK. That personal touch set the tone for the morning ahead, and everyone gave her a round of applause as it was her birthday. Now working on your birthday, that’s dedication for you!
After a look round the MINI museum and a safety briefing, the group donned hi-vis and protective glasses before entering the plant. Unlike in the 70s, when you would eat bacon rolls in a customer car, now it's no food or drink allowed. The focus was singularly on the machinery and the manufacturing process, in a plant that was basically spotless.
Into the heart of the iFactory
Once inside, the contrast with the club’s usual events at Bradmoor Farm was striking. Here, the polished charm of classic cars gave way to cutting-edge modern machinery.
The tour began in the welding area. The group observed robotic arms operating with intense precision, each movement calculated and swift in a ballet-like dance.
Watching the welding robots in action was mesmerising. Their arms swung in coordinated arcs, spot welds firing off with rhythmic precision. It was a mechanical marvel, each robot synchronised as if choreographed for a live performance.
Forty years of change
It was impossible not to reflect on just how different car manufacturing is now compared the 1980s. During the British Leyland era, in the time it took for the group to walk the welding cages, there would have been three strikes and a picket line out front. Back then, a strong union presence led to frequent strikes whenever automation threatened jobs. Now, the robots work day and night without complaint or pay. If a robot steps out of line, a man plugs in a laptop and hey presto, the robot is submissive and compliant again as if nothing had ruffled its wiring harness.
Today’s iFactory bears little resemblance to that battleground of a bygone era. Automation has evolved to replace the many thousands of humans needed to build cars. The much smaller workforce and robots now work in harmony, humans maintain, program and oversee, while machines carry out repetitive or high-precision tasks.
Quality, precision and engineering excellence
The group commented on the fine tolerances and finish of welded sections. Panel joins exhibited uniformity. There were no visual imperfections, no inaccuracies in robot paths, just surgical consistency.
It’s in these welds that the heart of modern manufacturing is laid bare. Each joint, each bead, contributes to structural integrity and safety. The group appreciated how far engineering standards have come, merging industrial strength with automotive finesse.
Assembly line – precision and the human touch
Later in the tour, the group was guided through the final assembly area, where bare car shells are gradually transformed into finished vehicles ready for the road.
Here, the factory’s human teams come into their own. Seats were fitted with care. Wiring looms were connected. Dashboards were eased into place with confident familiarity. Wheels were torqued down to the exact factory spec. Fluids were filled, each measured and delivered with digital accuracy.
Then came the heart of the car – the engine and drivetrain were hoisted into place and mated to the body. It’s a defining moment in the life of every MINI, and the operation was done smoothly, as if rehearsed thousands of times, because it has been.
After full assembly, the cars were subjected to detailed quality control, a lot of which was also automated. Teams checked panels for alignment, lights for functionality, and interior trims for marks or misfits. Each car was test-fired, calibrated, and, if necessary, sent to a rectification zone for any final tweaks.
This stage wasn’t about spectacle, it was about skill. In the same way, an experienced home mechanic knows when a bolt’s right by feel alone; these technicians moved with silent confidence.
Between past and future
Leaving the plant, the group reflected on the day’s contrasts. Today’s tour offered a glimpse into the future of automotive engineering. The polished classic cars of Haddenham Classics might embody nostalgia, but today’s MINIs demonstrate how technology and quality unite in the modern world.
Members discussed how the lean processes here deliver customisation without compromise. An iFactory MINI can be ordered in any combination of colour, interior trim or specification, and the robots respond, as though building 1000 identical cars, but each one is unique.
This tour reminded everyone that engineering is a continuum, not a relic. From the classic motorcars cherished by Haddenham members to the robot-perfected MINIs of today, the drive for quality remains constant.
Haddenham classics' nostalgic trip to Classic Team Lotus
by Lee Jones
On a sunny but chilly Saturday morning, several members of the Haddenham Classics car club gathered at Bradmoor Farm, ready for another club trip. The destination? The Classic Team Lotus museum and factory in Norfolk – a hallowed ground for motorsport enthusiasts. With our cars lined up, the convoy set off, cruising through the picturesque English countryside before regrouping at the Bird in Hand pub, where another member, having stayed overnight, joined the party. Over a hearty lunch, the group exchanged stories, and looked forward to the afternoon’s immersion into Lotus’s legendary past.
A living museum: where legends reside
Upon arrival at the Classic Team Lotus headquarters, the group was greeted by a former Team Lotus employee, a man whose anecdotes bridged the decades between Colin Chapman’s golden era and the present day. His tales were not just recollections – they were fragments of history, delivered with the kind of passion that only those who lived it can convey.
The museum itself is a treasure trove of Formula One, IndyCar and sports car heritage, housing machines that once dominated circuits worldwide. Among the exhibits stood the Lotus 49, the car that introduced the iconic Cosworth DFV engine to F1 in 1967, changing the sport forever.
Our guide recounted how Chapman’s relentless pursuit of innovation led to the car’s revolutionary monocoque chassis, a design philosophy still seen in modern racing cars.
Nearby, the Lotus 72 – one of the most successful F1 cars of all time – stood proudly, its distinctive wedge shape and inboard brakes a testament to Chapman’s engineering genius. The guide shared a gem: Emerson Fittipaldi, driving the 72, secured the 1972 World Championship, making him the youngest champion at the time (a record later broken by Fernando Alonso and then Sebastian Vettel).
Factory tour: where history meets modern restoration
The factory tour offered a rare glimpse into the meticulous restoration work that keeps these legends alive. Skilled craftsmen laboured over chassis, bodywork and engines, ensuring every nut and bolt adhered to original specifications. One member of the group marvelled at a Lotus 25 being restored – the very car that introduced the fully stressed monocoque to F1, rendering traditional spaceframe designs obsolete.
A particularly fascinating moment came when the guide pointed out a Lotus 56B, the turbine-powered IndyCar that nearly won the 1968 Indianapolis 500. Though it was eventually sidelined by reliability issues, its audacious design showcased Chapman’s willingness to challenge convention.
The Chapman legacy: stories from the golden era
No visit to Classic Team Lotus would be complete without tales of Colin Chapman himself – the visionary founder whose mantra was ‘simplify, then add lightness’. One story stood out: during the 1963 season, Jim Clark was struggling with understeer in the Lotus 25. Chapman, ever the problem-solver, ripped off part of the front bodywork mid-race weekend, dramatically improving the car’s balance. Clark went on to dominate, proving Chapman’s instinctive genius.
Another highlight was the Lotus 79, the first true ground-effect F1 car. Our guide explained how its venturi tunnels created immense downforce, making it nearly unbeatable in 1978. Mario Andretti drove it to championship glory, but not without drama – Chapman allegedly once told him, ‘If you’re not spinning, you’re not trying hard enough!’
A day to remember
As the tour concluded, the Haddenham Classics group lingered, soaking in the last moments among these mechanical masterpieces. The sunlit factory, the scent of oil and polished aluminium, the hum of history – it was a sensory feast for any car enthusiast. For those who revere British motorsport heritage, Classic Team Lotus is more than a museum – it’s a living, breathing chronicle of innovation. The Haddenham Classics visit was not just a day out – it was a pilgrimage to the heart of racing history.
Final thoughts
A good time was had by all on this trip. My favourite moments: the sight of a Lotus 18 (the car that gave Stirling Moss his legendary 1961 Monaco win), the thrill of standing beside a John Player Special-liveried Lotus 72, and the privilege of hearing first-hand accounts from those who were there.
For UK car enthusiasts, Classic Team Lotus is a must-visit – a place where the spirit of Chapman’s brilliance still lingers, and where every car has a story worth telling.
Until the next adventure …
Haddenham Classics – keeping the passion for classic motoring alive.
Some particular highlights
The vehicle shown is a Lotus 72 Formula One car, specifically the John Player Special version. Key details include:
· Designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe.
· Introduced in 1970, it raced for 6 seasons.
· It secured 20 Grand Prix wins.
· The car helped Team Lotus win the Constructors' Championship in 1970 and 1973.
The vehicle shown is a Lotus 99T Formula One car from 1987. Key details include:
· It was the first Lotus car powered by a Honda engine.
· Driven by Ayrton Senna, it marked the final victories for Lotus in Formula One until 2024.
· It featured active suspension, a computer-controlled system adjusting for optimal ride height.
· The car's design is attributed to Gérard Ducarouge.
· Its vibrant yellow colour scheme was due to sponsorship by Camel.
· The engine is a Honda RA166E, 1.5 L.
The image shows an orange Lotus Europa, a mid-engine sports car produced from 1966 to 1975. Key details include:
· It was designed with Colin Chapman's philosophy of ‘simplify, then add lightness’.
· The Europa was the first mid-engine production car from Lotus.
· It features a lightweight fibreglass body and a steel backbone chassis.
· Early models (S1) had a Renault engine, while later versions used a Lotus twin cam engine.
· Its design prioritised handling, making it feel like a Formula car on the road.
The image shows a green Lotus 51 Formula Ford race car from 1967. Key details:
· It was designed for the Formula Ford racing series.
· The car is powered by a 1.6 L Ford Crossflow engine producing 110 hp.
· It uses either a 4-speed Renault R-8 or a 5-speed Hewland transmission.
· Approximately 165 units were manufactured.
· The Lotus 51 is eligible for Classic Formula Ford races.
This vehicle is a Lotus 22 Formula Junior race car, an updated version of the Lotus 20, designed for the Formula Junior category in 1962. Key features include:
· Disc brakes: It had disc brakes on all wheels.
· Improved suspension: It featured improved rear suspension.
· Engine: It used a dry-sump Ford 105E Cosworth engine.
· Chassis: It had a spaceframe chassis.
· Evolution: Some Lotus 20 models were upgraded to Lotus 22 specifications.
· Racing history: The Lotus 22 was successful in Formula Junior racing and is still used in historic racing events.
· Restoration and eligibility: Many Lotus 22s have been restored and are eligible for prestigious vintage racing events.
The image shows a Lotus Formula One car, specifically either the 97T or 98T model, likely from the 1985 or 1986 seasons. Key details include:
· Sponsor: Prominently features ‘John Player Special’ livery, a classic black and gold design.
· Driver: Associated with Ayrton Senna, who drove for Lotus during these years and achieved his first Grand Prix win in the 97T.
· Engine: Powered by a Renault turbocharged engine.
· Tyres: Equipped with Goodyear tyres.
· Design: The 97T was designed by Gérard Ducarouge, with the 98T being a development of it. The 97T is considered to have had excellent handling.
· Performance: The 98T achieved 8 pole positions and 2 wins in 1986.
· Fuel: The 1986 season had a reduced fuel allowance, leading to the development of fuel-efficient engines and onboard computers.
The image shows a Lotus 102 Formula One car. Key details include:
· Model: Lotus 102, designed for the 1990-1992 seasons.
· Engine: Powered by a Lamborghini V12 engine, producing around 700 bhp. It is the only Lotus F1 car to use a V12 engine.
· Drivers: Driven by Derek Warwick, Martin Donnelly, and briefly by Johnny Herbert in 1990.
· Sponsors: Features branding from Raychem, MAMA, Gatorade, Oquevo, Bilstein, and OZ.
· Performance: The 1990 season was challenging, with only 3 points scored.
· Chassis 4: The chassis number 4 was the most successful, achieving a fifth-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
· Restoration: This particular car has been restored to its original race-ready condition.
Rarity: It is the only fully operational, V12 Lamborghini-engined Formula One car in the world.
The image shows a classic racing car, specifically a Lotus Formula car from the early 1960s, likely a Lotus 21 or a similar model such as the Lotus 18 or 22. Some key features and information include:
· Model: Possibly a Lotus 21, designed by Colin Chapman for the 1961 Formula One season. It could also be a Lotus 18 or 22, which share similar design elements.
· Design: It features a mid-engine layout with a tubular spaceframe and fiberglass body panels.
· Engine: Typically powered by a 1.5-liter Coventry Climax FPF 4-cylinder engine. Some models, like the Lotus 22, used a 1,100 cc Ford Cosworth engine.
· Racing History: The Lotus 21 was the first works Lotus to win a Formula One Grand Prix, at the 1961 United States Grand Prix, driven by Innes Ireland. The Lotus 18 is known for Stirling Moss's victory at the 1960 Monaco Grand Prix, marking the first F1 win for a Lotus car.
· Suspension: The Lotus 22 improved upon earlier models with a stiffer frame and updated rear suspension.
· Legacy: These cars were significant in their time, with the Lotus 22 being particularly successful in Formula Junior.
This vehicle is a Lotus 18, a race car introduced to Formula One in 1960. Some key features and information include:
· Designed by Colin Chapman to maximise tyre grip.
· Notable for its rigid spaceframe and novel suspension.
· Driven by famous drivers like John Surtees, Innes Ireland and Jim Clark.
· Achieved a first-ever F1 victory for Lotus with Sir Stirling Moss.
· The Lotus 18 was powered by a Ford engine and weighed approximately 980 lbs.
· It was the first mid-engined car built by Lotus.
· A Lotus 18, driven by Stirling Moss, won the 1961 Monaco Grand Prix.
This vehicle is a Lotus T125, an F1-inspired race car produced by Lotus Cars, also known as the Lotus Exos. Key details include:
· Near F1 specs: Designed to be as close to a Formula One car as possible for non-professional drivers.
· Engine: Equipped with a Cosworth 3.5 litre GP V8 engine producing 640 bhp.
· User-friendly: Unlike F1 cars, it can be started with a push button and doesn't require a large team for maintenance.
· Performance: Weighs approximately 1,430 lbs and can reach 100 mph from rest in about 5 seconds.
· Production: Only a limited number were produced, with estimates ranging from 5 to 7 units.
· Price: Originally sold for around $1.7 million, with initial prices starting at $650,000.
· Features: Includes a carbon fibre chassis, F1-spec wings, and a semi-automatic gearbox with paddle shift.
The left car image shows a Lotus 72 Formula One car, a groundbreaking design from the 1970s. Key features and information include:
· Designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe for the 1970 season.
· Pioneering design with inboard brakes and side-mounted radiators.
· Competed for 6 seasons, an unusually long lifespan for an F1 car.
· Won 20 Grand Prix, two Driver's Championships (1970, 1972), and three Constructor's Championships (1970, 1972, 1973).
· Driven by legendary drivers such as Jochen Rindt and Emerson Fittipaldi.
· Considered one of the most significant and successful race car designs ever.
· The car pictured is likely the Lotus 72D, recognizable by its black and gold John Player Special livery.
The image is a display featuring Colin Chapman, the founder of Lotus Cars and a key figure in Formula One.
· Colin Chapman (1928-1982) was an influential English design engineer and inventor.
· He founded Lotus Cars in 1952.
· Chapman was known for his innovative designs, focusing on lightweight and fine-handling cars.
· He pioneered ground effect aerodynamics in Formula One.
· Chapman's Lotus team achieved 6 Formula One World Drivers' Championships and 7 Constructors' titles.
· He also introduced struts in rear suspension designs.
· Chapman moved the radiators from the front to the sides of the car to improve aerodynamics.
· His contributions made him ‘the greatest, most creative designer of racing cars’.
Haddenham Classics' trip to the British Motor Museum
by Lee Jones
On 23 February 2025, Haddenham Classics set out on its first outing of the year – to the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, which houses the world's largest collection of historic British cars. A group of us, defying ominous weather forecasts, assembled at Bradmoor Farm, ready to convoy through the scenic English countryside, on a route meticulously charted by Phil Day.
Upon arrival at the museum, we were greeted by the sight of Phil's Lotus Cortina and the Haddenham Classics flag, flapping in the wind. After navigating the windswept car park, we entered the museum's main hall, where our guide, ex-RAF officer, Patrick, greeted us. With military precision and a dash of humour, he led us through a wide array of exhibits, sharing his historical insights and amusing anecdotes. After an engaging 1 hour and 45 minutes, we transitioned to the museum's second building, the Collections Centre.
Here, now under the guidance of tour guide, Roger, we explored the Jaguar Heritage Workshop and a plethora of vehicles showcasing Britain's motoring legacy. Midway, we paused for lunch in the cafe. Refreshed, we delved into the world of British prototype and concept cars – vehicles that, regrettably, never graced production lines, perhaps marking missed opportunities for manufacturers like British Leyland.
As the day concluded, we were free to wander the exhibits at leisure, capturing photographs and soaking in the rich tapestry of automotive history. The journey home was quintessentially British – torrential driving rain tested both man and machine, with my Rolls-Royce's dodgy wiper and gearbox adding to the adventure!
A special mention goes to the museum's display of the Queen Elizabeth Rover 3.5b, distinguished by its unique green wing mirrors – a nod to regal individuality. Additionally, the SS brand's evolution, transitioning to Jaguar Cars Limited in 1945, offered a poignant reflection on the importance of branding in post-war Britain. Lord only knows what they are saying with the current branding! And, we happened across the museum's simulated road surfaces and were shocked to find they were in far better nick than the current state of the roads in Bucks!
Our heartfelt thanks to Phil Day for putting together a well-organised and enjoyable outing. The day was a testament to camaraderie, a shared passion for classic cars, and the unpredictable charm of British winter weather.