Classic and Sportscar Lotus File - Seven,Elite,Elan,Europa

When Colin Chapman launched a new Lotus it was invariably exciting and usually surprising. The low budget Seven was launched in 1957 and is still in production today, as the Caterham Seven. It has proved to be one of the longest selling sports cars ever. The same year saw the introduction of the highly strung Elite, daringly constructed as a glassfibre monocoque and beautifully styled. It was an instant classic. Next, in 1962, came the very successful Elan range; with a revolutionary backbone chassis, certainly the best handling car of the decade, and the Plus 2. The Europa, produced from 1966 to 1975, was the first mid-engined Lotus and maintained the tradition of leech-like roadholding. Classic and Sportscar's editor, Mark Hughes, gives a detailed analysis of this highly individual range of cars, covering all aspects of mechanics, running gear, body and interior. He discusses common problems, spares availability and restoration, and takes the prospective purchaser through a checklist of important points. Full specifications and performance figures are given, as well as lists of parts suppliers, repairers and restorers. Over 120 illustrations are used to give a pictorial record of the cars and to point out problem areas.