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History-Lotus

Lotus began manufacturing cars in 1952 when Colin Chapman founded Lotus Engineering Ltd. However, the origins of the company date back to 1948 when Chapman built his first trials car in a garage.

Early Years

Lotus Cars was founded by Colin Chapman in 1952 as Lotus Engineering Ltd. However, the company’s origins trace back to 1948 when Chapman built his first trials car in a garage. The first factory was located in old stables behind the Railway Hotel in Hornsey, North London.

Growth and Expansion

In 1959, the company moved to a purpose-built factory at Cheshunt. By 1966, Lotus had relocated to a modern factory and road test facility at Hethel, near Wymondham in Norfolk, on a former World War II airfield.

Racing Heritage

Lotus has a rich racing heritage, particularly in Formula One. Team Lotus, which was split from Lotus Engineering in 1954, was active and competitive in Formula One racing from 1958 to 1994. The team won the Formula One World Championship seven times.

Ownership Changes

After Colin Chapman’s death, Lotus went through a period of financial instability. The company was subsequently bought by General Motors, then by businessman Romano Artioli, and later by DRB-HICOM through its subsidiary Proton. Since 2017, Lotus has been majority-owned by the Chinese multinational Geely.

Modern Era

Today, Lotus continues to produce high-performance sports cars and has expanded into electric vehicles. Notable models include the Lotus Elise, Exige, and Evora. The company remains committed to its founder’s philosophy of lightweight, high-performance vehicles.


POPULAR MODELS BY DECADE


1950-1959

The most popular Lotus model between 1950 and 1959 was the Lotus Seven. Introduced in 1957, the Seven was a simple, lightweight sports car that became iconic for its performance and affordability. It was sold as a kit car, which allowed enthusiasts to build it themselves, adding to its popularity.


1960-69

The most popular Lotus model between 1960 and 1969 was the Lotus Elan. Introduced in 1962, the Elan was a lightweight, nimble sports car that epitomized the essence of a pure sports car. It was known for its innovative design, combining a steel chassis with a fiberglass body. The Elan quickly became a favorite among driving enthusiasts and remains an iconic model in Lotus’s history.


1970-79

The most popular Lotus model between 1970 and 1979 was the Lotus Esprit. Introduced in 1976, the Esprit was a striking sports car designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. It became iconic for its sharp, wedge-shaped design and impressive performance. The Esprit gained further fame by appearing in James Bond films, such as “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977) and “For Your Eyes Only” (1981).


1980-89

The most popular Lotus model between 1980 and 1989 was the Lotus Esprit Turbo. Introduced in 1980, the Esprit Turbo featured a turbocharged version of the 2.2-litre 907 engine. It gained significant attention and popularity, especially after appearing in the James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only” (1981).


1990-99

The most popular Lotus model between 1990 and 1999 was the Lotus Elise. Introduced in 1996, the Elise quickly garnered awards and rave reviews from both the public and the press. It became the most prolific Lotus ever, known for its lightweight design and exceptional handling.

           

                      

           

           




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