Lotus Car Manufacturers

The first Lotus was a re-engineered 1930 Austin that company founder Colin Chapman built in 1948. In remaking the car, Chapman created body panels that provided rigidity without adding weight. This design philosophy has distinguished the brand ever since.

No automotive marque is more rooted in the enthusiast car culture than Lotus, the sports-car and race-car brand of Lotus Cars. Originally a British manufacturer, Lotus is now based in Malaysia, but production continues at its plant in Hethel, Norfolk U.K. Inseparably linked to the racing successes of founder Colin Chapman, the brand is known for trim and nimble sports cars that may sacrifice some comfort and convenience in the quest for precise handling and crisp performance.

In 1955 Chapman founded Lotus Cars Ltd. Two years later he unveiled the Lotus Elite. The ultra-light machine utilized a fiberglass monocoque chassis/body unit, with a steel subframe supporting the engine and front suspension. The car was aerodynamically clean, even by today's standards, and although it was intended for the street, it achieved considerable success on the race track

The Lotus Seven was introduced at about the same time. Sold mainly in kit form it provided entry to club racing for cash-limited enthusiasts. It was produced in several variations until 1973, at which time manufacturing rights were transferred to Caterham Cars Ltd. You can still buy a Caterham Seven today.

Founded

1952

Headquarters

Hethel, Norfolk, England, United Kingdom

Founder

Colin Chapman

Website

http://www.lotuscars.com

In the 1960s, Lotus added the powerful, more sophisticated Elan and Elan Plus 2 models to the line. The company followed up in the 1970s with the Esprit. The sleek Esprit was an aesthetic success, it developed into Lotus' first supercar, and it turned heads in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me.

The brand's performance image was enhanced by the company's success in Formula 1. Stirling Moss was the first Lotus winner, claiming victory in the 1960 Monaco Grand Prix. In 1963, Jim Clark earned Lotus a Formula 1 world championship. In 1963, with a second-place finish in the Indianapolis 500, Clark and Lotus showed U.S. open-wheel racers that a mid-engine design was the future.

By the 1970s Lotus production cars had become bigger and more expensive. Soon the brand was competing with high-end exotic sports cars rather than providing an inexpensive alternative. The competition proved too stiff and the segment too troubled, and Lotus sales suffered. After changing hands several times, Lotus was sold to a Malaysian firm.

The introduction of the Elise in 1996 brought some light at the end of the tunnel. In 2004 a version that met U.S. standards was imported stateside. With outstanding handling and crisp performance, the lightweight machine is coveted by hardcore sports-car enthusiasts, and its price is favorable relative to the competition. Today, Lotus remains a non-conformist in this world of me-too automobiles, but that's exactly why it has a dedicated following.