Lotus Sports Car Books - History and Models

Lotus Cortina Mk1 and Mk2 - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Lotus Cortina models from the years 1963-1970. Describes the Lotus Cortina Mk 1, Mk 2, Westune and IWR.

• The period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

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Lotus Sports Racers (1951-1965) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring Lotus Sports Racer models from the years 1951-1965. Describes the Lotus Mk III, Mk VI, Mk VIII, Mk IX and X, Eleven, Fifteen, Seventeen, Eighteen, Nineteen, Twenty Three, 30 and 40.

• The 130 period articles, brought together from leading British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

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Lotus - The Complete Story

From the Mark 1 in 1948 to the Evija in 2021, Lotus has continuously innovated on both road and track. With 74 Formula 1 Grand Prix wins, six Drivers' Championships, and seven Constructors' titles, the brand built a strong racing legacy while also producing some of the world's most iconic sports cars and grand tourers.

This book, featuring over 380 photographs, covers:
- The company's early years, building competition cars based on the Austin 7
- The transition from sports racing cars to Formula 1, leading to seven world titles
- Factory relocations from Hornsey to Cheshunt and Hethel
- Road models including the Elite, Elan, Europa, Excel, Esprit, Elise, Exige, and Evora
- The impact of sponsorship, replacing British Racing Green with Gold Leaf and JPS liveries

It also includes interviews with key Lotus engineers and drivers.

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A Life in Car Design - Jaguar, Lotus, TVR

This book offers a unique perspective on automotive design and project development, covering nearly 50 years of industry experience with companies such as Jaguar, Lotus, TVR, and General Motors.

The author shares insights into the evolution of car design, from the shift to metric measurements to the increasing role of computers in improving precision and quality. The book explores the challenges of meeting project goals, the obstacles that can arise, and untold stories from within the industry. Illustrated with historical engineering drawings and photographs, it provides valuable information for automotive enthusiasts and aims to inspire future designers.

Key topics include:
- A firsthand look at car design from within the industry
- The author's work with industry leaders like Sir William Lyons (Jaguar), Colin Chapman (Lotus), and Martin Lilley (TVR)
- Observing design processes at ItalDesign, Turin, under Giorgetto Giugiaro
- Collaborating with Chinese companies to develop cultural understanding in automotive design
- Creating new designs under strict time and budget constraints
- Developing project processes for low-volume cars at GM USA
- Working with Toyota Japan and learning from their industry approach
- Extensive experience in car safety and airbag development

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Colin Chapman Wayward Genius

Colin Chapman was a pioneering engineer who revolutionized grand prix car design and played a central role in shaping the British motor racing industry. Through his Lotus company, Chapman dominated Formula 1 and made significant contributions to sports car development with models like the Elite and Elan.

In Mike Lawrence's biography, the remarkable achievements of Chapman are highlighted, along with a look at the darker side of his genius. Chapman's Formula 1 successes in the 1960s and 1970s, including world championships, grand prix wins, and victory at the Indianapolis 500, remain unmatched. He worked with legendary drivers such as Graham Hill, Jim Clark, Jochen Rindt, and Mario Andretti.

The Lotus single-seaters, including the 25, 49, 72, and 79, are now seen as milestones in racing car evolution. However, Chapman's driven nature, his push for success, and his unconventional business practices complicated his legacy.

Lawrence's book explores this side of Chapman's life, revealing the financial struggles that kept Lotus afloat and examining how he thrived in the high-pressure world of international motorsport and car manufacturing. The book also covers Chapman's involvement with John Z. Delorean and the failed DeLorean car company.

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