Lotus: The Complete Story

Lotus has a rich history of technical innovation and racing success, creating stylish and desirable sports cars and Grand Tourers. This book includes over 380 photographs and interviews with key personnel and drivers, tracing the origins of the business, the metamorphosis from sports-racing cars to F1, and the road cars.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 12 January 2022
Publisher: The Crowood Press Ltd

Lotus, a renowned marque in automotive history, has embarked on an extraordinary journey from its inception in 1948 to the pinnacle of electric hypercar technology in 2021. Over the course of seven decades, Lotus has consistently pushed the boundaries of technical innovation on both road and track, earning it a reputation as a pioneer in the automotive industry.

In its illustrious racing history, Lotus has achieved an impressive tally of seventy-four F1 Grand Prix wins, along with six Drivers and seven Constructors F1 World Championships. These achievements were secured through a period of intense competition and dedication, cementing Lotus's position as a dominant force in the world of motorsports.

While Lotus's racing pedigree is undeniably remarkable, the marque has also made a significant impact in the world of automotive design and engineering. Through its Lotus Engineering consultancy, Lotus has created some of the most stylish and desirable sportscars and Grand Tourers, both in-house and for global automotive clients. These masterpieces have showcased Lotus's expertise in blending performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology.

To capture the essence of Lotus's journey, this book presents a comprehensive visual narrative, featuring over 380 photographs. It delves into the origins of the business, showcasing the early competition cars based on the Austin 7 platform. It then traces the metamorphosis from sports-racing cars to F1, culminating in seven World titles. The book also explores the factory relocations from Hornsey to Cheshunt to Hethel, reflecting the growth and evolution of the Lotus brand.

Furthermore, the book delves into the road cars that have defined Lotus's legacy. From the Elite, Elan, Europa, Excel, Esprit, Elise, Exige, and Evora, each model has its unique characteristics and contributions to the brand's reputation. The book also highlights the impact of sponsorship on Lotus's racing heritage, transforming traditional British Racing Green into the iconic Gold Leaf and JPS livery.

To provide a deeper understanding of Lotus's history and achievements, the book includes interviews with key Lotus personnel and drivers. These interviews offer firsthand insights into the passion, dedication, and innovation that have driven Lotus throughout its journey.

In conclusion, Lotus's story is a testament to the power of continuous technical innovation, racing success, and automotive design excellence. This book serves as a captivating visual journey through the history of the Lotus marque, capturing the essence of its journey from its humble beginnings to the pinnacle of automotive innovation. Whether you are a fan of motorsports, automotive design, or simply appreciate the beauty of fine automobiles, this book is a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the legacy and impact of Lotus on the automotive world.

Weight: 1276g
Dimension: 225 x 288 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780719840050