Lotus Books - One for the Library

The Lotus Book by William Taylor

The definitive Lotus book. The detail in this book is amazing, every page has colour photo’s and detail about  numbers and models. The book covers every Lotus from the Mk1 up to the Lotus Elise.  You can find this book for under £40 from a variety of sources.

 

As with Michael’s book on the Lotus 72 the research that has gone into this book is truly astonishing. Nothing is left out and the result is a very detailed history of the Lotus 49 that is very readable and enhanced by the anecdotes by the many people involved. . Highly recommended.

Available on Amazon for about £75.

 

It is over forty years since the author, Michael Costin,  Development Director of Lotus Cars Ltd. at the time, with  David Phipps, technical writer, and automotive artist, James  Allington published the Chassis Designers' Bible.

Available through the internet, however very expensive.

Jim Clark “Life at Team Lotus” Limited edition by Peter Darley

“A superb collection of photo’s from an era when you could get close”
  Taken by Peter Darley who was the official photographer for Team Lotus.

Available through the internet, in the region of £75.

Build Your Own Sports Car by Ron Champion

This was mentioned to me by one of our readers as the guiding light in getting started and has extensive coverage in Australia, South Africa and I sure elsewhere. 

    The history of the Lotus 23 by Graham Capel

A very well researched and detailed book.. It is a complete  record and  history of the Lotus Twenty Three, a definite keeper for the library. Can be bought from many sources for £25. 

Can-Am Challenger by Peter Bryant

Something different , however it’s a terrific book with a history from Lotus to Can-AM

Motor racing historian Ed Mcdonough has taken the original transcripts of Innes' articles, with the co-operation of Jean Ireland, and edited them into this collection of tales, adding many photographs not previously published. They demonstrate the depth of Ireland's passions and his skill as a writer and story teller.

Hugh Haskell is an engineer .He worked for Colin at Lotus during the 1960’s. He contributed to the 20, 22, and 23 racing cars. Under Chapman he was involved with the Ford Lotus Cortina.

He knows his stuff; the theory and practice and conveys it well.

The book is true to its title. It commences with an outline of the fundamental physical and engineering principles .For example the concept of triangulation is explained along with the monocoque [egg shell and cf the Lotus Elite] Details are provided of the backbone Elan chassis. The principle of the Wobbly Web wheel is convincingly explained and illustrated. Haskell then explains the human, personal and creative attributes of Colin Chapman, the collaborators, rivals and peers.

This work is extremely well illustrated and contains references from the early cars through to the modern [at time of press]
With fairness and insight the De Lorean affair is mentioned. [Like Haskell the editors feel that this episode has not been fully explained and doubts remain]

There are chapters on:

• Aerodynamics
• Engines and gearboxes
• Motor Boats
• Industrial Design
• Micro lights

Colin Chapman’s work in industrial design is overshadowed by the cars. This does not do him justice and this is a rare book that explains the diverse items that were probably extrapolated from specialism’s already developed.

The Industrial design included household baths, garden pools window frames furniture with Ron Hickman.”Line Lotus “is believed to have been an intended range for “transit lounges” such as airport lounges and station concourse.

Haskell’s’ book shows a picture and the Archive and Resource has attempted to recreate a model. [Please see website pictures].The design was one piece glass fibre mounted on a tubular frame. They would seem practical durable, hygienic and attractive. However they were not thought to be financially viable.

Colin is also believed to have designed a reclining leather chair with Colin Gething c 1973. This is believed to have won a design award.

A book that covers a lot of ground and gives insight to the engineering, business and diverse design skills of Colin Chapman. It is therefore an important addition and goes a long way to enable a full and complete assessment of Chapman and his considerable achievement amongst designers. Perhaps explaining his pre-eminence.

Useful to a wide source of readers not least those seeking inspiration and thoughts about design methodology. The book is obtainable from various internet sources,however at a hefty price.

Rob Walker by MIchael Cooper-Evans

This book tells the story of Rob Walkers life and  his involvement in Motor Sport  beginning  in the 1930's. There are strong links with Lotus,  the cars, the drivers. the races all  make this a fascinating story. This was a very different era of motor racing and covers drivers ranging from  Moss to Jo Siffert.