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The First 100 Lotus Cars
Lotus is a unique car company that grew from the fertile genius of
Colin Chapman. The early creations were a blend of sport, competition
and street use cars. As the company grew the cars became purpose
built race cars and production road cars that were thinly disguised race
cars that spent the weekdays going to and from work and on the
weekends circulating around the local race tracks.
MARK 1 1948
The first, based upon a 1930 Austin 7 saloon. Trials Special
The chassis was constructed in a manner that
Chapman had learned from his engineering
schooling. Every body panel was stressed such
that it would add to overall strength of the
car without adding unnecessary weight, an
engineering philosophy which was to carry on
for the rest of Lotus history.
MARK 2 1949
A much improved specials for Trials, circuit Trials and racing special
and track use. First fitted with a Ford 8 motor Ford 1172 cc side valve
and later upgraded to a 1172cc Ford 10. 4 speed
Significant were the steering headlamps
enclosed by the grill.
MARK 3 1951 to 1952
The first Lotus built for closed circuit 750 Formula Car
racing. Chapman designed to win the 750cc Chassis weighed 65 lbs
Championship. Chapman and his then girl
friend, Hazel, drove the car to the race,
promptly won and then drove home. Chapman
cleverly developed an intake manifold to
"de-siameze" the usual two port Austin
engine, subsequently the rules were changed
to ban such manifolds. The first Lotus
sold to customers.
MARK 4 1952
With his shop behind his father's hosterly Trials Car
in Hornsey, Chapman begat Lotus Engineering.
The Mark 4 was a upgraded Mark 2 with a
1172cc Ford engine.
MARK 5
This car was never built. It was to be the
first 100mph 750cc formula car.
MARK 6 1952 to 1955
The Mark Six was the first production sports Tubular chassis, 55 lbs
car for Lotus. The Mark Six used independent Ford 1099cc, 40 bhp
front suspension, and a tubular steel space 3 Speed Ford
frame covered by stressed panels of aluminum.
The Mark Six was extremely successful both
on the track and on the road.
MARK 7 1952
The Mark Seven was a Formula 2 racer. Sports Racing Car
That became the Chairmontes special.
Mark 7 Productions Sports Car
An upgraded Mark 6. Its introduction was Series 1: Seven F, Seven 7,
put off until time was found in the busy Super Seven, Seven A,
racing circuit. The chassis is a simplified Seven A America
version of the Eleven with stressed aluminum Series 2: Seven F, Seven A,
panels in the undertray and sides. Numerous Seven A America, Seven,
engines (Ford, BMC, and Coventry Climax) Super Seven, SCCA Cosworth,
and upgrades were made over the 16 years Super Seven 1500,
of production. Still in production today Cosworth Super Seven 1500
in variant of the Caterham Seven.1957 to 1973 Series 3: Economy, Standard,
Seven SS, Seven S
Series 4 (see Type 60)
MARK 8 1954
Chapman brought aerodynamics to racing with Sports Racing Car
Frank Costin, aeronautical aerodynamics MG 1467cc
engineer with De Havilland Aircraft Company. Tubular space frame
The Mark 8 could exceed 125mph with only Independent Front Suspension
85 horsepower. The Mark 8 had a fully paneled deDion rear suspension
undertray illustrating that Costin was fully
aware that the air flow beneath the car was
as important as that above the car a lesson
that Chapman was to later take to the extreme.
MARK 9 1955
With Mike Costin in full time employment Lotus Sports Racing Car
developed a smaller lighter more aerodynamic Coventry Climax FWA
car than the Mk 8. The Mark 9 was raced at Top Speed: 127 mph
Sebring and led at Le Mans in the 1100cc class. 0-60: 7.8 sec
MARK 10 1955
Customer Mike Anthony wanted a Mk8 capable Sports Racing Car
of running a 2 liter six cylinder Bristol Bristol 1971cc engine
engine. The Mk 10 used Dunlop disc brakes Bristol 4 speed
front and rear with an aerodynamic low
drag body.
MARK 11 1956 to 1958
The "Eleven" was a class winning car at Sports Racing Car
Le Mans. It set the world speed record for Coventry Climax:
an 1100cc (67 CID) car at 143mph! The Eleven FWA 1098cc
won in class at the LeMans 24 hours of FWB 1460cc
Endurance in the 1500cc and 1100cc classes Tubular space frame
and took the overall win for the Index oF
Performance. Revised in 1956 to Series 2
specifications.
TYPE 12 1957
The Type 12 was first raced in 1957. Formula 2 and Formula 1
This was the first non-road going Lotus. Coventry Climax FPF
A single seat race car tubular space framed Lotus 5 speed
Formula 2 racer. The car showed promise and Weight: 660 lbs
was Lotus' beginning in what was to become
the most successful modern racing team.
TYPE 13
Was not allocated, but is considered 11 Series 2.
TYPE 14 - Elite 1957 to 1963
The Lotus Elite was introduced at the 1957 Earls Production GT Car
Court Motor Show. Years ahead of its time the Coventry Climax FWE
Elite body and chassis were of a fiberglass Monocoque GRP Chassis/Body
monocoque design with suspension pieces bolted Independent Suspension
to the fiberglass structure at reinforced points. 4 wheel disc brakes
The entire structure was extremely light and Drag Coeficient: 0.30 Cd
rigid. The 1960 LeMans race had four Elites Weight: 1485 lbs
running, one of which won the 1300cc class
and was 14th overall and another won the
Index of Thermal Efficiency.
TYPE 15 1958 to 1960
Aimed at LeMans the sports racing Lotus 15 Sport Racing Car
was based upon the F2 Type 12. Wishbone front Tubular space frame
suspension, fitted with 1.5, 2.0 and 2.2
Climax engines.
TYPE 16 1958 to 1959
The car was a formula car fashioned after the Formula 1 and Formula 2
Vanwall. Uprated engined cars were the first Coventry Climax FPF
Lotus cars to compete in Formula 1. The cars Tubular space Frame
broke continually and failed to score Lotus'
first F1 win.
TYPE 17 1959
This was the last front engined Sports Racing Sports Racing Car
Lotus. A large car designed by Len Terry, Conventry Climax FWA
used strut suspension at all four corners.
TYPE 18 1960
The Lotus revolution begins; the Lotus 18 was Formula 1, 2 and Junior
one of the first race cars with mid-engine Tubular Space Frame
design. Although under powered when compared Double Wishbone suspension
to the competition of the then dominant
Ferraris, the Lotus 18 was capable of out
handling the Ferraris. Thus in the hands of
Sterling Moss Lotus scored its first Formula
One victory at the 1960 Grand Prix of Monaco.
TYPE 19 1960 to 1962
The Type 18 was widened and formed into Lotus' Sports Racing Car
first mid-engined sports racer. Very quick, Tubular Space Frame
powered by 2.0 and 2.5 Climax FPF engines.
The 19B was built for Dan Gurney and powered
by a Ford V8.
TYPE 20 1961
Formula Junior replacement for the Type 18. Formula Junior
Still used the half shafts as the upper Cosworth Ford 105E
suspension link in the rear. Used fiberglass Renault 4 speed
panels for the bodywork. Dominated the class Weight: 805 lbs
powered by a Ford 105E tuned by Cosworth.
Sent to the U.S. powered by a Ford 1500cc
derivative.
TYPE 21 1961
Driven by Jim Clark in both the F1 series Formula 1
and Tasman series. The first car to use Coventry Climax FPF
rocker arm front suspension with inboard ZF 5 speed
front springs and double wishbone rear
suspension.
TYPE 22 1962
Dominated the F2 class is an Formula Junior
understatement. At only 880 lbs and Cosworth Ford 105E
powered with a Cosworth Ford 1098cc Girling Disc Brakes
engine with 100 hp and slanted 30°
made the Lotus 22 a winner.
TYPE 23 1962 to 1964
One of the most popular sports racers in Sports Racing
Lotus history. Powered by the Ford based Lotus Twin Cam 1498cc,
engines, 1100cc and later the Lotus Twin Cam. Tubular Space Frame
Used Type 19 suspension, with larger tanks.
TYPE 24 1962
The last space frame (tube) Lotus, this Formula 1
car was basically a Type 21 developed to Coventry Climax FWMV
fit a Climax or BRM V8 engine. The cars ZF 5 speed
were sold to customers who did not suspect
the advent of the Lotus Type 25.
TYPE 25 1962 to 1965
The most successful car of the 1500cc Formula 1
Formula 1 era. It was the first Formula 1 Coventry Climax FWMV
race car to use a chassis based upon ZF 5 speed
monocoque construction. The success Bath Tub Monocoque
of the Lotus 25 allowed Jimmy Clark Weight: 995 lbs
to win 14 Formula One Grand Prix Races
and the World's Driver's Championship
and Lotus to win the World's Constructor's
Championship in 1963.
TYPE 26 - Elan 1962 to 1971
The Elan was the first Lotus use the now Productions Sports Car
famous backbone chassis. The backbone Lotus Twin Cam 1558cc
chassis used the principles of monocoque 26R: Racing Version
construction and was easy to build, yet Series 1: 1962 - 1964
light and very rigid. This structure was Series 2: 1964 - 1965
suspended independently and had disc brakes Series 3: See 36 & 45
at each wheel. The body was fiberglass. Series 4: See Type 45
The Elan continued in production through
1974 and became the most produced Lotus ever.
TYPE 27 1963
A monocoque Formula Jr. front rocker arm
suspension with lower wishbones and rear
twin radius arms with lower wishbones
and upper links. Initially fiberglass was
used for the tub paneling that was
later replaced by alloy panels.
Formula Junior
Cosworth Ford 1097cc
Weight: 880 lbs
TYPE 28 - The Lotus Cortina 1963 to 1966
Ford of England came to Lotus to build 1000 Production Sedan
special Cortina GT's with a twin cam engine Lotus Twin Cam 1558cc
to compete in Group 2. The Lotus Cortina Ford 4 speed
sported a completely different rear suspension,
light alloy body panels and Lotus Twin Cam
engine. Top speed was 105 mph, 0-60 in 9.9 sec.
So potent was the performance of the Lotus
Cortina that they dominated the Sedan classes.
TYPE 29 1963
The Lotus 29 was based upon the Lotus 25, Indianapolis
but was built with its suspension offset Ford V8 4260cc - 370 bhp
to the left specifically to handle the left Monocoque chassis
turns at the Indianapolis 500. Jim Clark
finished second at Indy, 1st at Milwaukee
and dominated at Trenton.
TYPE 30 1964 to 1965
A powerful Ford V8 pushed this sports racer Group 7 Sports
with backbone chassis. Front suspension was Ford V8 4727cc - 350 bhp
double wishbone and rear was upper wishbone
and reversed lower wishbone.
TYPE 31 1964
And improved version of 1962 Type 22 chassis Formula 3 - Single Seater
design. Powered by a production based 1
liter Ford.
TYPE 32 1964
Using a monocoque chassis powered by Cosworth's Formula 2 and Tasman
new 998cc SCA engine. Based upon a Lotus 27 with Cosworth 998cc, 115 bhp
front suspension similar to the Lotus 25. Hewland Mk 4, 5 speed
Driven by Jim Clark with a 2.5 Liter FPF in the
Tasman series.
TYPE 33 1964 to 1965
The Lotus 33 evolved from the Lotus 25. The 33 Formula 1; Single Seater
nearly took Jim Clark and Lotus to back to back Coventry Climax FWMV
Driver's and Constructor's Championships in 1964. ZF 5DS10, 5 speed
It was only a split oil line on the last lap Aluminum Monocoque
of the last race that robbed them of their Weight: 985 lbs
victories. But, in 1965 the Lotus 33 did its job,
taking Clark and Lotus to their second Championship.
TYPE 34 1964
Lotus assaulted Indy with a modified version Indianapolis
of the Lotus 29, powered by a Ford four-cam V8. Ford 4200cc V8, 4 cam
Extremely quick set lap records but was Monocoque chassis
hampered by inadequate Dunlop tires. Won at Weight: 1250 lbs
Milwaukee with Parnelli Jones, Foyt second.
Parnelli won again at Trenton. Foyt 2nd in
the 1965 Indy.
TYPE 35 1965
A formula car for F2 and F3 developed from Formula 2, 3 and Formula B
the Type 27 and 32. Monocoque chassis with
front upper rocking arms and lower wishbones,
rear was reversed lower wishbones with
top links.
TYPE 36 1965
Type number designated for the fixed head
Coupe version of the Type 26 Elan
TYPE 37 1965
The ultimate Seven? Used formula sports Clubman Sports Car
racer suspension, independent rear suspension Ford 116E 1499cc
with Elite differential. Very quick.
Only one made.
TYPE 38 1965
Again a full monocoque single seat race car Indianapolis
built for one race, the Indy 500. Powered Ford four cam V8 4200cc, 500 bhp
by a quad cam V8 Ford, the Lotus 38 used an ZF 2 speed
offset chassis similar in design to that of Full monocoque
the Lotus 29. Jim Clark dominated the 1965 Weight: 1250 lbs
Indy 500 winning it handily. The Lotus 38
was the first mid-engine car and first
British car to win at Indy. The Lotus 38
returned in 1966 to finish second at Indy.
TYPE 39 1966
This was a Type 33 modified by Maurice Phillippe. Tasman Formula
The 39 used a space frame subframe to carry a Coventry Climax FPF
2.5 liter Climax FPF bolted to the main monocoque Hewland 5 speed
chassis to win a Tasman Championship for Jim Clark
TYPE 40 1965
The Lotus 30 was strengthened with a stronger Sports Racing
chassis and suspension. The bodywork was Ford 5.3 liter V8, 410 bhp
distinctive with two angled stack exhausts Hewland LG500 5 speed
emerging from the rear deck. The last Lotus Backbone chassis
sports racer to be built. Only 3 built.
TYPE 41, 41B, 41C 1966 to 1968
A Formula 3 car used a wide track and spaceframe Formula 2, 3 and B
chassis based upon the Lotus 22 and 31. Cosworth MAE - 100 bhp
The 41 chassis was stiffer due to added Hewland Mk4 4 speed
sheet steel paneling around the pedal box
and undertray. The 41B was the Formula B
version for America.
TYPE 42 1967
The 1966 Indy car intended for a BRM H16 Indianapolis
4.2 liter engine, but the engine was not Ford four cam V8 4200cc
ready and the car was fitted with a ZF 2 speed
Ford V8 for 1967. A tubular space frame Monocoque & space frame
was added to carry the Ford V8. The
monocoque ended behind the driver and the
original BRM engine was to carry the rear
suspension.
TYPE 43 1966 - 1967
Chapman truncated the monocoque chassis, ending Formula 1
it abruptly behind the driver. The engine was BRM H16 2996cc
mounted to the rear bulkhead and the entire BRM 6 speed
rear suspension was mounted to the engine and Stressed Monocoque
transaxle. Other teams declared that the car Weight: 1105 lbs
would fold in half at the first corner. Today
EVERY Formula One, Indy Car and World Endurance
Cup car has a truncated monocoque chassis with
its engine and transaxle carrying the rear
suspension, it is now accepted as the "only"
way to build a fast race car.
TYPE 44 1966
A Formula 2 monocoque car based upon the 35 Formula 2
with 41 wide-track suspension. Powered by a
Cosworth SCA 997cc engine with 140 bhp and
fitted with a Hewland 5 speed gear box.
TYPE 45 1967
The Series 3 Elan. Replaced the Type 26 Production Sports Car
with detail changes to the body and interior.
A SE (Special Equipment version with 115 bhp
was introduced.
TYPE 46 - Europa 1966 to 1967
The first roadable mid-priced mid-engined Production Sports Car
street car produced. The Europa were powered Series 1
by a Lotus modified Renault engine producing Series 2: See 54 & 65
some 85 horsepower. Fitted in a backbone Twin Cam: See 74
chassis with a fiberglass body Thus seemingly
meager 85 HP moved the Europa down the road
with 0 to 60 times under 10 seconds. As usual
the handling was often described by motor
journalist as being the nearest thing to a
Formula car for the street.
TYPE 47 1967
Powered by a 165 hp 1594cc Lotus Ford Twin Cam Competition Sports Car
engine this was the racing version of the Type 46. Lotus Cosworth 1594cc
Light weight alloy components were used in the Hewland FT200 5 speed
suspension. The 47 was successful in the 2 liter
class.
TYPE 48 1968
A 1600cc Formula 2 car with a monocoque Formula 2
chassis and a tubular space frame engine Cosworth 1599c
bay. Suspension was similar to the Lotus 44. ZF 5DS12, 5 speed
The Lotus 48 won numerous times in Europe
and Australia's Tasman Cup.
TYPE 49, 1967 1967 to 1970
The Lotus 49 was an uprated Lotus 43 designed Formula 1
for Formula 1 using a truncated monocoque Cosworth Ford DFV V8
chassis. In its inaugural race it not only ZF 5DS12, 5 speed
took pole position in the hands of Graham Hill Monocoque
but was victorious in the hands of Jim Clark. Stressed engine
It was the car which introduced to racing to Weight: 1100 lbs
the winningest Formula 1 engine, the Ford DFV.
Later derivatives of the Lotus 47 introduced
aerofoils, high mounted wings, wedge shaped
body panels, and the use of air management to
create downforce. The Lotus 49 took Jim Clark
to his third World Championship and Lotus to
the Constructor's Championship in 1968.
TYPE 50 - The Elan Plus 2 1967 to 1974
An enlarged Elan chassis allowing for a Production Sports Coupe
roomy interior and two small extra seats. Plus 2S - 1968
Backbone chassis, with Lotus twin cam Plus 2S 130 - 1971
engine. Upgrade versions were later offered. Plus 2S 130/5 - 1972
Top speed was over 120 mph, 0-60 in 8.2
seconds and fuel consumption 28 mpg.
TYPE 51, 51A, 51C 1967 to 1968
Based upon the space frame of the Type 22 Formula Ford
and 31 and powered by a Ford Cortina GT Ford Cortina GT 1599cc
push rod engine with narrow road type tires.
TYPE 52 1968
This was the prototype of what was to be- Proposed Production GT
come the Europa Twin Cam, but the car was
shelved until 1971
TYPE 53 1968
Another shelved project, a sports racer Sports Racing Car
derived from the Type 23.
TYPE 54 1968
The Series 2 Europa, a separate chassis and Production GT
body and improved equipment and interior.
TYPE 55 1968
A Formula 3 car based upon the Type 41, the Formula 3
first Lotus to show a truly wedged shaped body.
Used Gold Leaf Team Lotus Colors.
TYPE 56 1968
The Lotus 56 was sponsored by STP and Indianapolis
Andy Granatelli. It was Granatelli's second Pratt & Whitney turbine
year at the 1968 Indy 500 with a turbine Ferguson 4 wheel drive
powered car. The car's body was shaped as Full Monocoque chassis
closely to a outright wedge as possible, thus Weight: 1350 lbs
the body of the car was capable of developing
extreme downforce. This design coupled with
the Pratt & Whitney turbine allowed the
Lotus 56 to dominate not only in qualifying,
but Joe Leonard and Art Pollard ran away and
hid from the field only to be sidelined in the
waning laps while leading by a 10 cent O-ring.
TYPE 56B 1968
After the success of the 56 a Formula 1 gas Formula 1
turbine equivalent of the 56 with four wheel Pratt & Whitney turbine
drive was developed. However the engine was Ferguson 4 wheel drive
not ready until 1970 and the 56B was not
raced until 1971.
TYPE 57 1968
A design study for a Formula 1 car with deDion Formula 1
rear suspension that did not get beyond the
design stage.
TYPE 58 1968
A Formula 2 car with de Dion rear suspension. Formula 2
Built and tested with both a Cosworth FVA
1600cc for Formula 2 and a Cosworth DFV V8
for Formula 1.
TYPE 59, 59B 59F 1969 to 1970
The Lotus 59 was prepared for Formula 3 and Formula 2, 3, Ford
powered by a 997cc Holbay Ford. The chassis
was a tubular space frame with fiberglass
panels. The car is best known for its
distinctive nose.
TYPE 60 - Seven Series 4 1970 to 1973
The Series 4 Seven used a Elan-like backbone Production Sports Car
chassis with Europa front suspension. Powered
by either a Lotus twin cam or 1600cc Ford
push rod engine. A one piece fiberglass body
was used.
TYPE 61, 61M 1969 to 1971
A wedge shaped Formula Ford with multi-tubular Formula Ford
space frame and stress steel undertray. The Lotus Holbay LH/105
car was successfully used for racing and for Hewland Mk6, 4 speed
Russell's driving schools.
TYPE 62, 1969 1969
A tubular space framed Europa coupe with a Prototype
1990cc 220bhp Vauxhall based slant four Lotus 1995cc DOHC
engine and used double wishbone suspension ZF 5DS2, 5 speed
at both front and rear. Only 2 built.
TYPE 63 1969
A four wheel drive Formula 1 car with a Formula 1
monocoque center tub with tubular space Cosworth Ford DFV V8
frame sections at each end. Powered by a Lotus Hewland 5 speed
Cosworth Ford DFV, based on Type 56.
2 were made.
TYPE 64 1969
The Lotus 64 was powered by the Ford Indianapolis
Indy V8. Chapman had seen the benefit Ford V8 2605 cc
4 wheel drive and with Mario Andretti Lotus Hewland
at the helm set record times during the 4 wheel drive
practice sessions. However the car never
raced due to poorly heat-treated rear hubs.
TYPE 65 1969 to 1970
U.S. Federal equipped Europa Series 2. Production GT
Used larger capacity Renault engines of
1565cc and were raised to meet headlight
height requirements.
TYPE 66
Only Lotus and Chapman know.
TYPE 67 1970
Proposed Tasman car, but car was never built.
TYPE 68 1969
Prototype Formula A/5000. Wedge bodywork Formula A and 5000
and Ford 4945cc 480 bhp V8 powered. Had Ford Boss 302 V8
a wedge shaped monocoque chassis. Originally Hewland LG600, 4 speed
used tail radiators but were later moved
to the nose.
TYPE 69 1970 to 1971
Formula 2 and 3 car developed from the Formula 2, 3 and Ford
Type 59 to meet the uprated Formula 2
requirements. Radiator was mounted lower
and was covered by a lower more wedge-like
nose.
TYPE 70 1970
A much modified Lotus 68 designed to be Formula 5000 and Formula A
powered by an Chevrolet 5 liter V8. Later
a second car was built for a Ford Boss 302
engine. Only 7 cars were built with
limited racing success.
TYPE 71
The number was never used.
TYPE 72 1970 to 1975
The winningest Formula One race car ever Formula 1
raced. The Lotus 72 used variable rate Cosworth Ford DFV
torsion bar springs at both front and V8, 2993cc
rear, front inboard disc brakes, the Hewland FG, 5 speed
continuation of the wedge aerodynamic Monocoque chassis
bodywork, multiple element rear wing Weight: 1170 lbs
and side radiators. Today nearly every
formula car uses these elements introduced
by the Lotus 72. The Lotus 72 won 3
World's Constructor's Championships and 2
Driver's Championships and is the only
Formula One race car to have won 20
Grand Prix races.
TYPE 73 1972
The last commercially available race car Formula 3
from Lotus. Much of the development for Novamotor Ford twin cam
the 72 was incorporated into the 73. Hewland Mk8, 5 speed
Distinctive for its flat wedge nose
and rounded monocoque sides.
TYPE 74 1973
Known as the Texaco Stars, an alloy Formula 2
monocoque chassis with inboard disc Lotus 906, 1973cc
brakes and front and rear torsion bar ZF, 5 speed
suspension. Introduced the Lotus 906
engine.
TYPE 74 - Europa Twin Cam 1971 to 1975
Design project of new Lotus engineer, Production GT
Mike Kimberley. Europa, type 65 was Lotus twin cam 1558cc
fitted with Lotus twin cam engine and Renault 5 speed
received improved cockpit and lower
rear buttress panels. Top speed was
123 mph, 0-60 in 7.0 seconds.
TYPE 75 - Elite 1974 to 1980
The new Elite used the backbone chassis Production GT car
design to carry the four seat fiberglass Lotus 907 1973cc
body. The engine was an all Lotus design: 140 bhp
an aluminum, dual overhead cam, four Lotus 5speed
cylinder design displacing 1973cc's, Steel Backbone chassis
designated the 907. This engine was the Weight: 2240 lbs
first engine to use a four valve per
cylinder design for street use. The 907
produced 140 horsepower and met the
strict environmental requirements without
the use of smog pumps and catalytic
converters.
TYPE 76 1974
The JPS Mk1, designed as a replacement Formula 1
for the Type 72. Featured twin brake Cosworth DFV V8
pedals (for left foot braking), with Hewland FG400, 5 speed
electronic activated clutch controlled
by a button atop the gear selector.
TYPE 76 - Eclat 1975 to 1982
Basically a fast back version of the Production Coupe
Elite; mechanically identical and the Lotus 907 1973cc
body was the same from the B-pillar Lotus 912 2174 cc (1980)
forward. Originally powered by Lotus 907
engine, then in 1980 received 2.2 liter
Lotus 912 engine.
TYPE 77 1976
Officially known as the JPS MkII. An Formula 1
experimental Formula 1 car at was dubbed Cosworth DFV V8
the "adjustacar". Nearly every component Hewland FG400, 5 speed
was adjustable including the length and
width of the car.
TYPE 78 1977 to 1978
The Lotus 78 was the first car to exploit Formula 1
the air passing beneath it to develop Hewland FG400, 5 speed
downforce, "Ground Effects". The Ground Ground Effects
Effects Lotus 78 developed in excess of Weight: 1310 lbs
2500 pounds of down force. The Lotus
would round corners 20 to 40 mph faster
than the competition. The Lotus 78 used,
Cellite sandwich material
(aluminum honeycomb) in the monocoque
chassis.
TYPE 79 1978 to 1979
The Lotus 79 refined the concept of Formula 1
Ground Effects to its fullest extension. Cosworth DFV V8
It dominated the season scoring 8 Hewland FG400, 5 speed
Grand Prix wins out of the 16 races. Monocoque aluminum honeycomb
Lotus became the 1st team in Formula 1 Weight: 1310 lbs
history to score 3 consecutive 1-2 victories.
Lotus again won the Constructor's and
Driver's Championships. Every race car today
uses the Ground Effects system of under
car air management.
TYPE 79 - Esprit 1975 to 1981
The Lotus Esprit was the successor to Production GT
popular Lotus Europa. Giorgetto Giugiaro, Lotus 907 DOHC
head of Ital Designs in Italy designed 1973cc, 140 bhp
the body. The mid-engined Esprit was Maserati SM, 5 speed
powered by the 907 Lotus engine and Weight: 2220 lbs
weighed only 2200 pounds. The Esprit
accelerated 0-60 in less than 8 seconds,
cornered at over 0.8 G's and put up near
30 MPG. Uprated in 1978 to the Series II.
TYPE 80 1979
The 1979 Formula 1 successor to the Formula 1
Type 79. The side pod "wings" extended Cosworth DFV V8
around and below the gear box. Monocoque Lotus Hewland FGA
used aluminum honeycomb with titanium for Weight: 1275 lbs
strengthening. The cars suffered from side
pod skirt damage, breaking the suction.
TYPE 81 1980 to 1981
The 81 was the first Essex sponsored F1 car. Formula 1
The car had no front wings and relied upon Cosworth DFV 2993cc
the side pods and rear wing for aerodynamic Lotus Hewland FGA
downforce. Monocoque chassis was a uprated
Lotus 80.
TYPE 81 - Sunbeam Lotus Talbot 1980
The number was also used for the Sunbeam Production Sedan
Lotus Talbot. Another excercise similar to Lotus 912 DOHC
the Type 28 Lotus Cortina. A derivative of 4 valve engine
the Lotus 907 engine was dropped into a
Chyrsler (Omni) Sunbeam chassis and became
an instant Rallye winner
TYPE 82 - Esprit Turbo 1981 to present
In 1981 Lotus added a turbocharger to an Production GT
uprated 907 engine, dubbed the 910. Lotus 910 DOHC 2174cc
210 bhp was put out from 1973cc. Lotus Garrett AiResearch Turbocharger
placed the carburetors downstream of the Backbone & space frame
turbo enabling them to raise the Weight: 2800 lbs
compression ratio, thus enhancing the
efficiency of the engine and eliminating
turbo lag. Turbo Esprit was capable of
going from 0 to 60 in 6 seconds and
breaking 150 MPH. In 1986 displace rose
to 2.2 liters with fuel injection. The
power rose to 215 bhp. In 1989 a electronic
engine management system and chargecooler
was added. Power rose to 264 - 280 bhp.
0-60 dropped to 4.7 seconds and top speed
to 163 mph.
TYPE 83 - Elite Series 2 1980 to 1982
The Series 2 production of the Elite. Production GT car
Powered by 2.2 liter Lotus 912 engine Lotus 912 DOHC
and used a Getrag 5 speed gearbox or
Borg Warner automatic.
TYPE 84 - Eclat Series 2 1980 to 1982
The Series 2 production of the Eclat. Production GT car
Powered by 2.2 liter Lotus 912 engine Lotus 912 DOHC 4 valve
and used a Getrag 5 speed gearbox.
TYPE 85 - Esprit Series 3 1980 to 1982
The Esprit S3 was fitted with the same Production GT
chassis and suspension as the Turbo Esprit Lotus 912 DOHC 4 valve
but was powered by the normally aspirated
912 Lotus engine.
TYPE 86 1980
The Lotus 86 never raced. The Lotus 86 was Formula 1
yet another of Chapman's strokes of genius, Cosworth DFV V8
for it used two chassis, one for Lotus Hewland FGA
aerodynamic ground effects downforce and
the other to carry the driver. It was a
system that allowed the driver to be
insulated from the harshness of the stiffly
sprung aerodynamic chassis by putting him
in a separate softly sprung chassis.
TYPE 87 1981 to 1982
This was the single chassis version of the Formula 1
Type 88. The 87 was the first Lotus application Cosworth DFV V8
of carbon composite used for the chassis. The Lotus Hewland FGA
87 was used when the 88 was banned.
TYPE 88 1981
An improved version of the Type 86 dual chassis Formula 1
car. Used a primary carbon and kevlar monocoque Cosworth DFV V8
primary chassis with a secondary carbon composite Lotus Hewland FGA
aerodynamic chassis. Lotus and McLaren were the Carbon Composite Chassis
first to use carbon composite technology.
Eventually was banned.
TYPE 89 - Excel 1982 to Present
The Eclat was improved with revised styling and Production GT
subtantial changes in the running gear using Lotus 910, 2174cc
Toyota gearbox and differential. The suspension Steel backbone chassis
was improved and Toyota disc brakes were used.
TYPE 90 1981
The proposed new Elan project, using Toyota Proposed Sports Car
running gear. Became project X100 when
Toyota running gear was dropped.
TYPE 91 1982 to 1982
An uprated version of the Type 87B, with a Formula 1
kevlar carbon fiber chassis with fixed side Cosworth DFV V8
skirts. The last of the 91's were used as Carbon/Kevlar chassis
test beds for the new suspension system
and turbocharged engines to be used on
the Type 92.
TYPE 92 1983
With Chapman's death in Dec of '82 the racing Formula 1
world was stunned, but the 92 was another Cosworth DVY Mk1
picture of the genius of the man. The Type 92 Lotus Hewland FGA
was the first racing car to use fully active Carbon/Kevlar chassis
suspension. These were the last Lotus F1 cars
to be powered by Ford Cosworth DFVs.
TYPE 93T 1983
The 93T was a normally suspended 92 with a Formula 1
Renualt turbo engine. Used a Carbon/Kevlar Renault EF1 1492cc V6
monocoque chassis with full length side 650 bhp at 12,000 rpm
pods. Front suspension used pull rods.
TYPE 94T 1983
Gerard Ducarouge joined Lotus and designed Formula 1
the 94T. The 94 used a 91 monocoque Renault EF1 Turbo
strengthened and reworked to fit the Renault Lotus Hewland FGB
turbo engine and revised suspension.
TYPE 95T 1984
An all Decarouge designed F1 car using all Formula 1
new carbon/Kevlar monocoque, front and rear Renault EF1 Turbo
pull rod suspension and used a Renault Lotus Hewland FGB
EFI Turbocharged engine.
Type 96 1984
Roy Winkelmann asked Lotus to build a car CART
to run in the American CART/Indy car series. Cosworth DFX V8
The chassis was a composite of carbon, Kevlar Turbocharged, 2643cc
and aluminum honeycomb monocoque. Suspension Weight: 1500 lbs
was similar to the 95T. The car was not
approved by CART and needed sponsorship
was never found.
Type 97T 1985
An improved version of the 95T. The Formula 1
carbon/Kevlar monocoque was further Renault EF15, 810 bhp
strengthened and a deformable structure Lotus Hewland DGB
crash protective nose box added. Power
was increased with further development
of the Renault turbocharged engine.
Type 98T 1986
A new carbon/Kevlar monocoque construction Formula 1
method allowed the carbon/Kevlar to be molded Renault EF15B
into shapes (not flat sheets). Pull rod
suspension was used at both front and rear.
TYPE 99T 1987
The Lotus 99T was victorious in 2 races, the Formula 1
Monte Carlo Grand Prix and the United States Honda RA166-E
Grand Prix, driven by Ayrton Senna. For over V6 Turbocharged
5 years Lotus engineering had been developing Lotus Hewland, 6 speed
a purely hydraulic computer controlled suspension Carbon/Kevlar chassis
system, eliminating the need for springs, shock Active Suspension
absorbers and anti-sway bars, "Active Suspension". Weight: 1190 lbs
The system was controlled by an on-board computer
that monitored sensors, made millions of
calculations per second and then sent instructions
to hydraulic rams at each wheel. Engine was
supplied by Honda.
TYPE 100T 1988
With the departure of Active Suspension the Formula 1
100T used conventional push rod suspension Honda RA168E
and an uprated Honda engine.
TYPE M100 - Elan 1990 to present
Front drive with interactive wishbone front Production Sports Car
suspension nearly eliminates the negatives Isuzu Lotus 1588cc turbo
of front drive. A backbone chassis is used 5 speed, front drive
with a steel and a VARI produced composite Interactive wishbone suspension
body. Top speed is 137 mph, 0-60 in 6.7
seconds. Powered by a turbocharged 1588cc
DOHC 4 valve 4 cylinder engine jointly
developed by Lotus and Isuzu, 162 bhp.
TYPE 101 1989
The 1989 Frank Dernie designed Formula 1 car. Formula 1
Powered by a Judd V8 and a planned Tickford 5 Judd DV V8, 3496cc
valve head. Used front and rear pull rod
suspension.
TYPE 102 1990
The chassis was modified and strengthened Formula 1
to take a Lamborghini V12. Aerodynamic Lamborghini V12, 3493cc, 600 bhp
testing was done to improve air flow.
TYPE M104 - Lotus Carlton/Omega 1990
Lotus developed and built version of the Production Sedan
Vauxhall Omega and Opel Omega 4 door sedan 3.6 liter V6, 24 valves,
with a 3.6 liter 24 valve twin turbo straight twin turbo
six. A 6 speed gearbox from the Lotus 360 bhp
developed Corvette ZR-1 allows the Lotus
Carlton/Omega to hit 170 mph and 0-60 in
under 6 seconds.
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