1957 Lotus Elite

Although commercially disastrous, the lotus elite GT coupe was a technical tour de force when it was first presented during the 1957 London Motor Show at Earl’s Court. The concept was to make a unit-construction body-chassis unit entirely of fiberglass-reinforced polyester resin, the thin skins being the primary structure. Unfortunately, the design methods used were for more appropriate for metal than for plastics, and more than a few severe accidents occurred in endurance races when the inboard rear brake discs heated and softened the material, causing it to fail catastrophically.

But the car was a brilliantly conceived product for normal road use, its intended primary purpose. The engine was an ultra-lightweight and meant to be hand-carried by two men. When adapted to automotive use, it allowed for very high performance in terms of both speed and economy. Only 988 units were made, in three separate series, during its six-year life. The elegant and advanced shape was created by Peter Kirwan-Taylor, a financial expert from the City of London.

Because Lotus founder Colin Chapman had made his automotive reputation with racing cars, and because the Elite was so obviously suited for racing, it was immediately adopted for competition, winning the first time it was raced and going on to win the 1500 cc class at the 24 Hours at Le Mans in 1959, despite having an engine of only 1216 cc. It finished eighth overall, an outstanding accomplishment.

These extracts are taken from Auto Legends: Classics of Style and Design by Michel Zumbrunn, text by Robert Cumberford which was published by Merrell