'Adding power makes you faster on the straights. Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere.' ~Colin Chapman
The original Elan 1500 was introduced in 1962 as a roadster. After a very short production run of just 22 cars the engine was enlarged and the car was redesignated the Elan 1600.An optional hardtop was offered in 1963 and a coupé version in 1965. The two-seat Lotus Elan replaced the elegant, but unreliable and expensive to produce Lotus Elite.
It was the first Lotus road car to use a steel backbone chassis with a fibreglass body. At 726 kg, the Elan embodied the Colin Chapman minimum weight design philosophy. Initial versions of the Elan were also available as a kit to be assembled by the customer. The Elan was technologically advanced with a DOHC 1557 cc engine, 4-wheel disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, and 4-wheel independent suspension. Gordon Murray, designer of the McLaren F1 supercar, reportedly said that his only disappointment with the McLaren F1 was that he couldn't give it the perfect steering of the Lotus Elan.
The Elan 1600 of 1963 was replaced by the Elan S2 in 1964.The S2 gave way to the S3 in 1965 with a fixed-head coupe now offered alongside the 2-seater sports. The S4 followed in 1968 and the Elan Sprint was introduced in 1970. Production of Sprint ceased in 1973.
Best Lap Times
Track | | Livery | Driver | Best Lap |
NO LAP TIMES HAVE BEEN SET IN THIS CAR! |