The unmistakable hum of a hypercar snares your attention immediately as you focus in on an exquisite piece of automotive engineering as it cruises down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. It’s a Lotus! A ride that is elusive, unique, and breathtaking. Where did it all begin? Take a trip down memory lane with Galpin Lotus and review the history of this singular manufacturer.
Lotus: Born of the Need for Speed
In 1948, Lotus founder Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman graduated from university and promptly put his engineering degree to work. He modified a 1928 Austin Seven with plans to finally take to the track and win.
Which he did! For the next 4 years, he would hone his machines before launching his first race car production facility, Lotus Cars in Hethel, UK. Chapman adhered to a simple philosophy when designing even his earliest machines. “Adding power makes you fast on the straights, subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere.”
Pushing Boundaries and Breaking Rules
Thus, every Lotus that you have ever seen is compact, and yet surprisingly athletic on the worldwide stage. The introduction of a fiberglass frame and body on the 1960 Lotus Elite enabled the light machine to take full advantage of the 1.2L engine and reach a top speed of 123 mph. The release of the Lotus Elan later in the decade sealed its reputation as a competitive brand, as reviewers declared it a Formula car for street use. Drivers around the globe cheered!
Never Ordinary Always Impressive
What is your first memory of a Lotus? It could be James Bond driving his Lotus Esprit submarine through crystal blue waters before hitting a button and transforming it back into a street racer. In the current century, the 2010 Lotus Evora stole the spotlight at auto shows as a stunning mid-engine 2-seater destined to roll under neon lights or burn up the track.
If you compare the Lotus silhouettes over the past 50 years, they remain low, angular, and hungry. Heads turn if one is spotted in the valet lot or revving its engine for the next lap.
Eliminating the Fluff to Showcase Its Intended Purpose
Why are Lotus vehicles still rare beasts on the freeway? As they have always been, the iconic badge on the hood speaks of the manufacturer’s 165 podium finishes in F1, 9 Le Mans wins, an FIA World Rally Championship, and a wealth of other awards along the way.
The lightest automotive brand on the planet focuses on including only what is necessary for a thrilling drive, a faster car, and a cockpit built for the pilot. Beauty in simplicity.
Why is it called Lotus?
What Lotus means to an automotive aficionado has nothing to do with the timeless lotus flower. Chapman reportedly chose the name for his company after his future wife’s nickname, “Lotus Blossom.”
Driving Future Concepts Today
Over the decades, Lotus has collaborated with manufacturers around the globe to create a memorable collection of singular automotive designs, from the 1970 Lotus Cortina to the 2000 Lotus Exige. Today, the company is looking forward by launching the Lotus Eletre, a fully-electric hyper-SUV that embraces the seductive style and pulse-pounding performance of the Lotus brand.
A Bespoke Beast for Your Collection
Are you considering adding a piece of automotive history to your garage? If you are in the Los Angeles area, contact us at Galpin Lotus, and we will schedule a personal tour of these exquisite machines at our location in Van Nuys or Beverly Hills today.
