[D]

Colin Chapman built trials and racing cars from 1947 and based on their success formed Lotus Cars Ltd. in 1951. The Lotus Seven introduced in 1957 became the first publicly available model and continued in production with developments until 1973.

The Elite was produced in 1959 and joined by the Elan in 1962.

Various other models followed until 1973 when Value Added Tax made the kit-built car less attractive financially. 1973 also saw the transfer of rights to the Lotus Seven Series IV to Caterham Cars.

E-Mail: history@britishmm.co.uk