The 1957 Lotus Seven is a two-seater sports car designed and built by Lotus Cars, a British manufacturer of sports and racing cars founded by Colin Chapman. It was first introduced in 1957 and became an iconic model in the Lotus lineup, known for its lightweight design and excellent handling capabilities.
The Lotus Seven was initially designed to be a simple, lightweight, and affordable sports car that could be used both on the road and on the track. It featured a space-frame chassis made out of lightweight tubular steel, with a fiberglass body that helped reduce weight even further. The car was powered by various engines, ranging from 948cc to 1700cc, with horsepower outputs ranging from 36 to 135.
One of the key features of the Lotus Seven was its excellent handling capabilities. The car's lightweight design and low center of gravity made it incredibly nimble and responsive, allowing drivers to easily take tight corners and navigate winding roads. This handling prowess made the car popular for amateur and professional racers alike, with many Seven owners competing in various motorsport events throughout the years.
Over the years, the Lotus Seven underwent several updates and revisions, with new engines, suspension systems, and other performance upgrades being added to the car. In 1960, Lotus introduced the Series 2 Seven, which featured a revised chassis design, a larger fuel tank, and other improvements. This was followed by the Series 3 in 1968, which introduced a new front suspension system and other upgrades.
The Lotus Seven remained in production until 1972 when Lotus sold the rights to the car to Caterham Cars, a British sports car manufacturer. Caterham continued to produce the Seven with various updates and revisions, and the car remains in production today.
Overall, the Lotus Seven was a highly influential and iconic sports car that helped to establish Lotus as a major player in the automotive industry. Its lightweight design and excellent handling capabilities made it popular for enthusiasts and racers. Its legacy can still be seen in the many Seven-inspired sports cars that continue to be produced today.
Source: Lotus
