Classic Cars
From the U.K.
GROUP LOTUS Plc
Originally begun in 1952 as Lotus Engineering Ltd by Colin Chapman, but in
1986, General Motors rescued the company from bankruptcy only to on-sell it to
A.C.B.N. Holdings S.A. of Luxembourg in 1993.
Join my Forum and have your say.
At the time, A.C.B.N. also
owned Bugatti. In 1996, a majority share in the company was bought by Proton of
Malaysia although production continues at its Norfolk, England factory.
Between 1952 and 1957 the company produced some of the more successful racing
cars winning several Formula 1 races around the world.
(*1)
My story begins in 1958 with the first street car, the Lotus Elite 2 seat coupe of which
1,030 were produced until 1963.
The entire load bearing structure was made of a composite material giving it a
total weight of an incredible 1,110lb (503.5kg), in turn, giving it sports car
performance from a mere 1216cc straight 4 engine.
The considerable successes in Formula and other races, set the stage for a
bright future.
Following the Elite, the Lotus Elan began as a 2 door, 2 seat roadster but a coupe was
later added. It was introduced in 1962 and production continued until 1971.
The 1.5L engine was housed in similar composite material bodywork with only
1,300lb bodyweight. (*2)
Production was approximately 12,000.
Not such an impressive body style for a Lotus but the collaboration between
Chapman's Lotus and Ford gave birth to the Lotus Cortina range of Mark I and
Mark II beginning in 1963 and ending in 1970. We can debate whether this is
truly a Lotus or a Ford Cortina, but it was badged Lotus, had a Lotus 1558cc
engine. Ford supplied the 2 door body shells and handled marketing and sales.
Lotus based composite material was used for doors, bonnet and boot, and the
gearbox was essentially Lotus.
(*2)
You decide.!!
Five years after the introduction of the first generation Lotus Elan, the Elan
+2 was a huge improvement and sold over 5,200 units until its production also
ceased in 1975. The 1,558cc engine, 2 door coupe, 4 speed manual transmission
were all repeated. The numeric success of the Elans allowed the company to
continue its Formula racing activities. Why they would want to, I am yet
to be convinced.
About 9,300
Lotus Europa were built between 1966 and 1975. Stylistically
unique with its rear panels, the 2 door coupe made a memorable debut into the
French market using a 1470cc Renault 16 mid-engine before the wider European
market demanded the re-use of the well respected 1558cc Lotus engine. The many
successful generations of the Europa included the S1 (Type 46 and 47), the S2
(Type 54 and 65) and Twin Cam (Type 74).
Following the success of its younger brother, the Lotus Elite Type 75 and
83 were produced between 1975 and 1982 with a credible 2535 units. The 2 door
coupes came with a 2.0L and later a 2.2L 4 cylinder and 5 speed manual or 4
speed automatic. The rear styling was reminiscent of the Europa which had proved
popular and was to be repeated for a third model, a few years later.
(*3)
And then came the Esprit. 10,875 2 door coupes were built and sold between
1976 and 2004 with either 2L or 2.2L straight 4 and a 3.5L V8 all with 5 speed
transmission.
The 2L engine came from the Jensen Healey days while the V8 was not produced
until much after 1980. As collectibles, any of these models are worthy
contenders for concours or just pleasurable restoration. (*4)
For that matter, in my opinion, so are ANY Lotus.
Nominate your preference; Take a poll.
See my Blog.
References
*1 -
Wikipedia
*2 - Bring a Trailer
*3 -
Lotus Talk Forum
*4 -
Serious Wheels