Clan Clover

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LooLooSud33Spider
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Clan Clover

Post by LooLooSud33Spider »

Here we have a few photos from my Dads scrap book.
C761A242-CF70-4E78-A178-38BCA5D53429.jpeg
The year is late 1985. Westune had just become an independent Alfa Specialist after being a full dealer for over 15 yrs.
5352469B-135B-46D4-89FA-8FC899FEA8D3.jpeg

A chap by the name of Peter McCandless contacted us about an “Exciting” opportunity to become dealers for the newly developed Clan Clover. He came over to see us and came in this particular car. Sadly when we looked at the financials and the various structures we’d be involved in it became a non starter. I still have an original sales brochure for the Clan Clover.
3983EED5-AA39-4AB1-B34F-218B59BDD869.jpeg

However a couple of years later we had dealings with a chap Called Gordon Sweetapple in the IOM. Gordon was the Director of Ronaldsway airport and former Director At Manchester Airport and ex champion kart racer. He bought a kit from Peter and we sent him various bits and bobs to help him complete his car ( I think we may even have built his engine aswell) and we became good friends.
Gordon passed away in 2010 and I lost track of his car.
Louise

Btw. If anyone knows where there a Clover for sale I could be tempted.
Last edited by LooLooSud33Spider on Thu Jun 27, 2019 6:41 am, edited 2 times in total.
Alfasud Ti 1984
Alfa Spider 2.0 Ts 916
Alfa Spider 20v Turbo

Kegsti66
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Re: Clan Clover

Post by Kegsti66 »

Great story Lou, those photos just ooozzz "the 1980's".
Have seen one turn up at a few shows in Northants in the last few years. Saw one at a Spring Alfa day.

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Spacenut
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Re: Clan Clover

Post by Spacenut »

Hi Lou, thanks for posting these pictures. I think the Clover was a great idea, although the rear wheelarch extensions necessary to accommodate the Alfasud front track aren't very flattering! I must admit I have never seen a Clover in person before, although I have met a few Crusader and Irish Clan owners at various kit car shows. It's probably just as well your Dad didn't take on this opportunity as the Clover had some very well publicised quality control problems (I think they were selling brand new cars with decidedly secondhand engines), so production stopped after two years and just 25 cars, so there aren't many around...

The original Crusader monocoque was so strong that the car was homologated for UK rallying without the need for a roll cage 8-)

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LooLooSud33Spider
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Re: Clan Clover

Post by LooLooSud33Spider »

Lauren . A number of factors were involved in the decision to pass on the opportunity. The car looked nice and drove well(ish). But sadly the fit and finish was far from what would of been acceptable. And Sadly it still had a cheap feel. We think he was trying to raise cash by creating a “Dealer” network for a product that just wasn’t quite ready to hit the market. And Clan did indeed cease trading again in 87. The old engine story sounds about right as it was the eighties and as we all know there was a lots of rusted out old Suds about.
Alfasud Ti 1984
Alfa Spider 2.0 Ts 916
Alfa Spider 20v Turbo

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Spacenut
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Re: Clan Clover

Post by Spacenut »

LooLooSud33Spider wrote:Btw. If anyone knows where there a Clover for sale I could be tempted.
Wouldn't you prefer a Raffo Tipo 12? Square tube spaceframe, mid-mounted Alfasud engine and transmission, all clothed in an open sports-racer body not a million miles away from a Tipo 33/3...

John Raffo was a club racer so all his designs were proven on the track, with the exception of the Ford powered Belva, which was designed from the outset as a road car.

The only trouble with the Tipo 12 is that it is just as rare as the Clover!

Lauren

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LooLooSud33Spider
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Re: Clan Clover

Post by LooLooSud33Spider »

I would agree with you on that Lauren. I knew John well. as he used to work for my Dad.
Alfasud Ti 1984
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Jez Jones
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Joined: Tue Oct 24, 2023 8:34 pm

Re: Clan Clover

Post by Jez Jones »

Hi.
I've just bought Gordon Sweetapple's Clan Clover and have all his old paperwork.
The car is at a local garage getting sorted, so much to do.
It was great to read your write up and find out some of the car's early history.
I am dreading the pedals with my big feet. I think I could depress all three pedals with one shoe width, so it's going to be interesting.
Hopefully get along to an Alfa show in the not too distant future.
By the way, my wife sent me out to buy a decent car and this is what I came home with!
Jez

Kegsti66
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Re: Clan Clover

Post by Kegsti66 »

Hi Jez, welcome to the forum.
Great to have a new member to boost interest. Looking forward to seeing updates on the car.
Good luck with the foot pedals, you may need to get some slim pumps just for driving :lol:

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