Lotus Elan: The Quintessential Lightweight Sports Car

Lotus delivered the ultra-collectible Type 14 Elite in 1957, the year they also premiered the Seven. Introduced at the British Motor Show at Earls Court, the coupe-bodied Elite didn’t sell particularly well. Just over 1,000 units were produced through 1963, and Chapman lost money on every single one of them due to particularly costly bits and pieces. These include the GRP monocoque, glass-reinforced plastic for the heavy-duty needle roller bearings structure, the all-alloy Coventry Climax FWE four-pot engine, and independent suspension.

Staying true to the philosophy that shaped Lotus into a world-famous F1 outfit and sports car maker, Chapman decided to simplify its next car as much as possible. Designated Type 26, the gorgeous Elan premiered at Earls Court in October 1962 to positive critical reception. As opposed to its predecessor, this fellow is rocking a steel chassis that weighs 40 kilograms (88 pounds).

Double-wishbone front independent suspension with Triumph uprights also need to be mentioned, along with Chapman struts with a single wishbone for the rear axle. Outboard and partially inboard Girling disc brakes are featured as well, along with 13-inch steelies mounted with Goodyear tires.

As far as the body is concerned, Lotus decided on glass-reinforced plastic once again. The Ron Hickman-penned Elan further sweetens the deal with vacuum-operated retractable headlights, very short overhangs, and cutesy wraparound bumpers. A 45.5L tank quenches the thirst of the four-cylinder engine up front, a 1.5L four-pot developed by Lotus around an iron block.