Seven
Series I 1957-1960
production of 242 units--considered by many to be a motorcycle on 4 wheels.
A very no frills car but these nimble little cars will fly! They had hydraulic
drum brakes and a BMC A motor was favored. Offered also was a 1172cc Ford
100E but when the Coventry Climax engine was fitted the car becam known
as the Super Seven.
Seven
Series II 1960-1968
production of 1350 units--the Series II had a new frame and revised suspension.
a 997cc Ford engine became available in 1960. Other Ford engines were
used over the life of the model.
Seven
Series III
1968-1970 production of
350 (approx) units--This series had some small body revisions, rack and
pinion steering and front disc brakes. A variety of small Ford engines were
used. The Super Seven used the Lotus twin cam.
Seven
Series IV
1970-1973 production
of 1000 (approx) units--A musch more sophisticated version, slightly longer
and wider than the previous fiberglass body. With the improved width came
improved weather protection and comfort.
Elite
1957-1963 production
of 998 units-- Constructed in fiberglass but this was costly and Lotus
lost money on every one sold. Several power options were offered, with
disc brakes all around. A quick and well handling car. Side windows were
fixed which make it uncomfortable (understatement) in summer.
Elan
S1 / S2 / S3 1962-1964
/ 1964-1966 / 1966-1969 production of 7895 units total for all series--The
Elan S1 had a slightly shorter wheel base than the Elite. The pop us headlights
were a novelty at the time. A 1588cc twin cam Lotus engine on a Ford block
did 0-60 in 9 seconds. Good road holding and handling. The S2 and 3 had
some detail improvements, the majority of the cars made were hardtops.
S4
& S4 Sprint
1968-1971 / 1971 - 1973
1353 Sprints were made and they were the most desirable. they'd go 0-60
in 6.7 seconds. The general rule with Lotus is that the later they were
built, the better the quality.
Europa
S1 1966-1969 S2
1968-1971 Twin Cam
1971-1975 production total of 9230 units--A Renault 1470cc engine
and a controversial fiberglass body would go 0-60 in 10.7 seconds. American
exports began in 1968 with a 1565 cc engine. The interior was cramped,
vision was poor and the windows did not open, but the handling was dynamic.
The S2 was sold in kit form in Great Britian to avoid the purchase taxes.
It was largely underpowered, with poor ventilation. It was in its time
considered a cheap well handling car. The twin-cam had the Lotus-Ford
engine, a much sharper look with alloy wheels. 1972 saw the introduction
of the "big-valve" engine and optional 5 speed. This one should
probably be considered to be the first practical mid engined road car.
