The car was designed by a group of ex-Lotus engineers led by Paul Haussauer with styling by John Frayling.

[3] Engineer Brian Luff, one of the brains behind the all-conquering Lotus 72, created "a remarkably strong, yet ultra-lightweight, monocoque.

With the 51 hp (38 kW) at 6,100 rpm Imp Sport engine and four-speed manual transmission, top speed was 99 mph (159 km/h)[1][4] Although the little car received good reviews and achieved some competition success, it was expensive at £1400 (£1123 in kit form) when compared with rivals.

With little financial backing, constant industrial action, the fuel crisis, and the imposition of VAT on kit cars in 1973 meant that Clan soon met its end despite passing MIRA crash testing in 1972.

Meanwhile, about a dozen or so replica body shells made by copying an existing car were sold by Brian Luff.

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.

Other differences were its pop-up lights, heavier bumpers, chin spoiler, 13-inch wheels and a dashboard from the Ford Fiesta.

After well-publicized quality issues, Clan Cars ran into financial difficulties and went into receivership, ceasing trading in June 1987.

The McCoy means that Clans and their derivative automobiles have been marketed with the engine mounted in the rear, front, as well as midships.