The History Lotus Classic Car models with Lotus Mark I
The History Lotus Classic Car models with Lotus Mark I
Picture Of Lotus Classic CarsThe Lotus Mark I was the first car designed and built by Colin Chapman in 1948, while Chapman was still a student at the University of London. The car was designed to compete as a trials car, and was constructed on an Austin 7 chassis and running gear. Chapman built the body utilizing a composite made of thin aluminum bonded to plywood. He modified the rear suspension to give better handling and the engine to give more power. His approach to automobile construction using sound engineering principles and ingenious chassis design set the stage for many more revolutionary designs to follow. Although the original Mark I has been lost to history, a replica (see photo) was created to the same dimensions that uses an identical Austin chassis and running gear. Both Chapman and his future wife competed with the car in English Trials, a form of competition over rough terrain against time. Chapman continued to develop and modify the Mark I. First larger wheels and tyres were fitted and the front beam axle was split and hinged in the center to provide independent front suspension. The success of the car helped encourage Chapman to continue designing competition cars.
Old cars are always a site to see. Owners of old cars must have really cared for these cars having them last for that long. Well, in our generation, it is much easier to maintain your car with all the innovative products being developed alongside some professional detailing services. It will be easier and more convenient especially to people who are busy with other things.
A lot of misinformation was created by Colin Chapman in 1951 when he was designing his first racing car, which he decided to call the Lotus Mark III.
His first car was an Austin Seven Special as descibed above, but IT WAS NEVER CALLED A LOTUS, and he sold it as an Austin Seven Special. His next car was the first one to be called a Lotus (what we now call the Lotus Mk II), so this was really the Lotus Mk I.
However in 1951 he thought it would enhance his reputation if he retrospectively called his first Austin Seven the Lotus Mk I, and ever afterwards he has been believed!
The other thing to correct is the suggestion that in trials they are against time. They are NOT! Speed does not enter into it at all. Just the ability to climb a usually muddy and steep hill, with points awarded in relation to the height gained before stopping. Of course you could get right to the top and get maximum points. As far as I remember you actually got LESS pionts the higher you went, so the winner was the one with the LEAST points, but I am sure someone will correct me.
Peter Ross