Lotus Elite, Eclat and Excel
Lotus Elite, Eclat and Excel

Author: Matthew Vale

Publisher: Crowood

Published: 2016-02-29

Total Pages: 189

ISBN-13: 1785000799

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Lotus introduced the Type 75 Elite in 1974. Being a full four-seater coupe with an opening glass tailgate, it was designed to carry a family in comfort while retaining Lotus' trademark, excellent road holding and handling. Perhaps most importantly, it was the first - and successful - step in Colin Chapman's plan to move upmarket and away from Lotus' kit car image. The Elite gave rise to two derivatives, the Eclat and the Excel. The Eclat was a restyled coupe version, sacrificing the Elite's unique rear styling and good rear passenger headroom for a more stylish exterior. With its conventional coupe styling, the Eclat was more mainstream than the Elite, and it was in the end the better seller. In turn, the Eclat spawned the Excel, the last of the Elite-inspired family. Matthew Vale looks at the history of these unusual Lotus models, and gives a thorough guide to buying and owning the cars today. Of interest to all motoring enthusiasts and Lotus owners in particular, it includes information on buying and owning the cars today, specifications, owner's experiences and technical information. Superbly illustrated with 130 colour photographs, both period and contemporary.

Lotus Elite
Lotus Elite

Author: Matthew Vale

Publisher: Veloce Publishing

Published: 2021-05-25

Total Pages: 176

ISBN-13: 9781787115170

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The Lotus Elite was a turning point for Lotus. First produced at the end of the 1950s, it marked Lotus' transition from a maker of small racing cars, which had limited utility on the road, to the producer of a highly sophisticated road and race car. In the Elite, Lotus exploited its knowledge of new technology and racing pedigree to produce a car which, with its glass fibre monocoque and Coventry Climax engine, had the potential to be a world beater. This book gives an insight into the reasons the car was produced and its importance in Lotus' history, especially in the production of lightweight innovative cars. Through interviews with Elite owners, first hand accounts provide a good overview of owning one of these iconic cars, covering its foibles and quirks as well as its exemplary roadholding, handling and performance. Illustrated with many colour photographs, along with period advertising material, the book provides a valuable insight into owning, running and racing these iconic cars.

Lotus Elite
Lotus Elite

Author: Dennis Ortenburger

Publisher: Coterie PressLtd

Published: 2003-07-01

Total Pages: 208

ISBN-13: 9781902351032

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Every fascinating stage of the Lotus Elite Type 14 is explored in this fully comprehensive book, from conception, through production to the buying public, as well as, success both on and off the racetrack.The Elite began design trends still visible today and the car has been listed in every passing decades' list of motordom's most significant automobiles. That the car came together as a result of the work of a committee whose chief stylist, was an accountant, is almost beyond belief. The fact that one of Colin Chapman's design criteria was that the Elite be a road car capable of a class win at the prestigious Le Mans 24-hour race was remarkable. The fact there followed six consecutive class wins and several index of performance victories in the race, was incredible. This book contains the reminisces of virtually everyone involved in the design and early production of the Elite. Many of the personalities associated with the car throughout its production life, including racers and Elite dealers in both the UK and America were interviewed. Although several have since passed away, their recollections are here to read and enjoy. "Lotus Elite, Racing Car for the Road" is not meant to be a "nuts and bolts" treatment of the car but rather an explanation of what is so fascinating about this automobile above all others. If the story of the Lotus Elite was told as a novel, readers would believe it to be pure fantasy. Hopefully, this book will convince otherwise.Hardcover - 12" x 12" - 208 pages - 405 color photos

Lotus Elite 1957-1964 Road Test Limited Edition
Lotus Elite 1957-1964 Road Test Limited Edition

Author: R.M. Clarke

Publisher: Brooklands Books Limited

Published: 2001-02-26

Total Pages: 92

ISBN-13: 9781855205475

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Announced in 1957 this fiberglass monocoque did not go into full production until 1959 when the new factory at Cheshunt was opened. Coventry Climax supplied complete engines mated to BMC's B-series gearbox. The fully trimmed body shells were produced by Maximar. The Series 2 had bodies made to a higher standard by Bristol with some interior changes. The SE version had more power and performance, and could also be specified with Stage II tuning. Due to difficulties in distribution and pricing the car was offered in component form in 1961. This is a book of contemporary road tests, specification and technical data, driver's impressions, racing, long term tests, history.

Lotus 2 + 2s
Lotus 2 + 2s

Author: Matt Younger

Publisher: Amberley Publishing Limited

Published: 2018-10-15

Total Pages: 169

ISBN-13: 1445682540

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This engaging book follows the history of the Lotus 2 + 2 coupes from the Elan through to the Evora.

Motor Racing – The Pursuit of Victory 1930-1962
Motor Racing – The Pursuit of Victory 1930-1962

Author: Anthony Carter & Jack Sears

Publisher: David and Charles

Published: 2019-09-17

Total Pages: 465

ISBN-13: 1787116158

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Stunning photographs from motor racing history, most previously unpublished, in a book that examines the many facets of Grand Prix racing before the dominance of television. A beautiful look at a fascinating time in motor racing.