Lotus

 

Lotus Seven Series I 1957-1960Seven Series I 1957-1960 production of 242 units--considered by many to be a motorcycle on 4 wheels. A very no frills car but these nimble little cars will fly! They had hydraulic drum brakes and a BMC A motor was favored. Offered also was a 1172cc Ford 100E but when the Coventry Climax engine was fitted the car becam known as the Super Seven.

 


Lotus Seven Series II 1960-1968Seven Series II 1960-1968 production of 1350 units--the Series II had a new frame and revised suspension. a 997cc Ford engine became available in 1960. Other Ford engines were used over the life of the model.

 


Lotus Seven Series III 1968-1970Seven Series III 1968-1970 production of 350 (approx) units--This series had some small body revisions, rack and pinion steering and front disc brakes. A variety of small Ford engines were used. The Super Seven used the Lotus twin cam.

Lotus Seven Series IV 1970-1973Seven Series IV 1970-1973 production of 1000 (approx) units--A musch more sophisticated version, slightly longer and wider than the previous fiberglass body. With the improved width came improved weather protection and comfort.

 


Lotus Elite 1957-1963Elite 1957-1963 production of 998 units-- Constructed in fiberglass but this was costly and Lotus lost money on every one sold. Several power options were offered, with disc brakes all around. A quick and well handling car. Side windows were fixed which make it uncomfortable (understatement) in summer.

 

 


Lotus Elan S1 1962-1964 / S2 1964-1966  / S3 1966-1969Lotus Elan S1 1962-1964 / S2 1964-1966  / S3 1966-1969Elan S1 / S2 / S3 1962-1964 / 1964-1966 / 1966-1969 production of 7895 units total for all series--The Elan S1 had a slightly shorter wheel base than the Elite. The pop us headlights were a novelty at the time. A 1588cc twin cam Lotus engine on a Ford block did 0-60 in 9 seconds. Good road holding and handling. The S2 and 3 had some detail improvements, the majority of the cars made were hardtops.


Lotus S4 & S4 SprintLotus S4 & S4 SprintS4 & S4 Sprint 1968-1971 / 1971 - 1973 1353 Sprints were made and they were the most desirable. they'd go 0-60 in 6.7 seconds. The general rule with Lotus is that the later they were built, the better the quality.

 


Lotus EuropaEuropa S1 1966-1969 S2 1968-1971 Twin Cam 1971-1975 production total of 9230 units--A Renault 1470cc engine and a controversial fiberglass body would go 0-60 in 10.7 seconds. American exports began in 1968 with a 1565 cc engine. The interior was cramped, vision was poor and the windows did not open, but the handling was dynamic. The S2 was sold in kit form in Great Britian to avoid the purchase taxes. It was largely underpowered, with poor ventilation. It was in its time considered a cheap well handling car. The twin-cam had the Lotus-Ford engine, a much sharper look with alloy wheels. 1972 saw the introduction of the "big-valve" engine and optional 5 speed. This one should probably be considered to be the first practical mid engined road car.


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