The Clan Crusader is a fibreglass monocoque sports two seater powered by the Rootes Imp Sport engine, with suspension and main running gear also from Rootes.  The Crusader was originally conceived by a group of Lotus engineers in the late '60s.  Paul Haussauer formed the Clan Motor Company and developed a prototype vehicle styled by John Frayling.

Initial production of the first few cars started in Washington, Tyne-and-Wear and they were completed and registered by July 1971.  A purpose built factory unit was leased taking advantage of government grants designed to improve employment in the area.  By the official start of production in September 1971 five cars a week were being produced.  Production continued despite the coal miners' strike the following winter though the consequent supply problems contributed to poor production growth, the factory being capable of four times the output.

Approximately 350 cars were built by Clan Motor Company, some at the beginning being sold in component form to beat the 25% purchase tax, ie body shell fully trimmed, all wiring, glass and piping fitted in the same way as Lotus Elans.  With the advent of VAT, component kits were dropped.  In May 1972 the Crusader was successfully crash tested at MIRA.

Production ceased in late 1973 even though sales were good because of the company's financial difficulties.  Several finished and part-finished cars were sold after the company closed.