Lotus 1948-1959: The Mark I to Type 17

In the history of the automotive industry there have been many memorable events over the last 100 years. None has been as influential as the post war era in the UK, in particular the 1950’s when it can be said that the evolution of the modern car began to take shape. Looking back on this period we can only wonder at the progress that was achieved by Colin Chapman and his band of volunteers, whose innovative ideas contributed greatly to the enhanced profile of the car industry. At the time the Lotus Marks III, IV, VI and VIII we were blazing a trail that would lead to shattering developments in car design, and advancement in manufacturing techniques.

The first Lotus (Mark I)

The first Lotus (Mark I)

Trials Car - 1948 - 1 built

Lotus Mark II

Lotus Mark II

Trials Car - 1949 - 1 built

Lotus Mark III

Lotus Mark III

750 Formula - 1951 - 1 built

Lotus Mark IIIB

Lotus Mark IIIB

1172 Formula - 1952 - 1 built

Lotus Mark IV

Lotus Mark IV

Trials Car -1952 - 1 built

Lotus Mark VI

Lotus Mark VI

Sports Car - 1952 - 110 built

Lotus Seven (Series 1)

Lotus Seven (Series 1)

Sports Car - 1957 - 243 built

Lotus Mark VIII

Lotus Mark VIII

Sports Racer - 1954 - 7 built

Lotus Mark IX

Lotus Mark IX

Sports Racer - 1955 - 30 built

Lotus Mark X

Lotus Mark X

Sports Racer - 1955 - 6 built

Lotus Eleven (Series 1)

Lotus Eleven (Series 1)

Sports Racer - 1956 - 166 built

Lotus Eleven (Series 2)

Lotus Eleven (Series 2)

Sports Racer - 1957 - 104 built

Lotus Type 12

Lotus Type 12

Formula 2 & 1 - 1957 - 12 built

Type 14 Elite (Series 1)

Type 14 Elite (Series 1)

Road Car - 1957 - 281 built

Lotus Type 15

Lotus Type 15

Sports Racer - 1958 - 27 built

Lotus Type 16

Lotus Type 16

Formula 1 & 2 - 1958 - 8 built

Lotus Type 17

Lotus Type 17

Sports Racer - 1959 - 23 built