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A collection of images of classic Lotus cars, and cars that are likely to become classics, taken at numerous visits to car shows, motoring museums, motoring events and on the road when the opportunity arises.
This page was added to the website May 2023.
Lotus Cars Limited is a British automotive company headquartered in Norfolk, England which manufactures sports cars and racing cars noted for their light weight and fine handling characteristics.
Founded in 1948 by Colin Chapman.
1960
1960 Lotus Seven, 5264 AD
Image taken at Prestcott Hill Climb on 14th May 2023.
First registered 24th August 1960.
998cc petrol engine.
First registered 24th August 1960.
998cc petrol engine.
1960 Lotus Seven, 5264 AD
Image taken at Prestcott Hill Climb on 14th May 2023.
First registered 24th August 1960.
998cc petrol engine.
First registered 24th August 1960.
998cc petrol engine.
1962 Lotus Elite, 286 NMU
Image taken at Classic Cars on the Green, Bearsted on 23rd July, 2023.
First registered 22nd January, 1962.
1216cc petrol engine.
First registered 22nd January, 1962.
1216cc petrol engine.
1962 Lotus Elite, 286 NMU
Image taken at Classic Cars on the Green, Bearsted on 23rd July, 2023.
First registered 22nd January, 1962.
1216cc petrol engine.
First registered 22nd January, 1962.
1216cc petrol engine.
1962 Lotus Elite, 286 NMU
Image taken at Classic Cars on the Green, Bearsted on 23rd July, 2023.
First registered 22nd January, 1962.
1216cc petrol engine.
First registered 22nd January, 1962.
1216cc petrol engine.
1962 Lotus Elite, 286 NMU
Image taken at Classic Cars on the Green, Bearsted on 23rd July, 2023.
First registered 22nd January, 1962.
1216cc petrol engine.
First registered 22nd January, 1962.
1216cc petrol engine.
1965 Ford Cortina Lotus, HUR 318C
Image taken at Classics at the Museum Show, RAF Manston, Kent, on 15th August 2023.
First registered 13th May 1965.
1558cc petrol engine.
First registered 13th May 1965.
1558cc petrol engine.
1965 Ford Cortina Lotus, HUR 318C
Image taken at Classics at the Museum Show, RAF Manston, Kent, on 15th August 2023.
First registered 13th May 1965.
1558cc petrol engine.
First registered 13th May 1965.
1558cc petrol engine.
1965 Ford Cortina Lotus, HUR 318C
Image taken at Classics at the Museum Show, RAF Manston, Kent, on 15th August 2023.
First registered 13th May 1965.
1558cc petrol engine.
First registered 13th May 1965.
1558cc petrol engine.
1965 Ford Cortina Lotus, HUR 318C
Image taken at Classics at the Museum Show, RAF Manston, Kent, on 15th August 2023.
First registered 13th May 1965.
1558cc petrol engine.
First registered 13th May 1965.
1558cc petrol engine.
1965 Lotus Seven, UAP 803X
Image taken at The Great British Car Journey Museum on 15th May 2023.
DVLA records show first registered 1st June 1982.
1498cc petrol engine.
DVLA records show first registered 1st June 1982.
1498cc petrol engine.
1965 Lotus Seven, UAP 803X
Image taken at The Great British Car Journey Museum on 15th May 2023.
DVLA records show first registered 1st June 1982.
1498cc petrol engine.
DVLA records show first registered 1st June 1982.
1498cc petrol engine.
1965 Lotus Seven, UAP 803X
Image taken at The Great British Car Journey Museum on 15th May 2023.
DVLA records show first registered 1st June 1982.
1498cc petrol engine.
DVLA records show first registered 1st June 1982.
1498cc petrol engine.
1966 Ford Cortina Lotus, FUA 383D
Image taken at the NEC Classic Car Show on 8th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 25th March 1966.
1558cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Lotus Cortina is the commonly used term for the Ford Cortina Lotus, a high performance sports saloon, which was produced in the UK from 1963 to 1970 by Ford in collaboration with Lotus Cars. The original version, which was based on the Ford Cortina Mark I, was promoted by ford as the "Consul Cortina" developed by Lotus, with "Consul" later being dropped from the name.
There were 3,306 Mark I cars produced.
The car on show is a 1966 model - owner Kevin Mansell.
Kevin has owned this car since 1982 and has restored it 3 times in that period. The first time was not done to a great standard due to limited funds. The 3rd restoration was finished around 4 years ago and was properly funded to bring it to the standard it is today.
During the 1st and 3rd restoration the car was used for track days and sprint meetings as well as a daily road car.
Since the final restoration the car now covers around 2,000 miles a year being used whenever possible.
Vehicle first registered on 25th March 1966.
1558cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Lotus Cortina is the commonly used term for the Ford Cortina Lotus, a high performance sports saloon, which was produced in the UK from 1963 to 1970 by Ford in collaboration with Lotus Cars. The original version, which was based on the Ford Cortina Mark I, was promoted by ford as the "Consul Cortina" developed by Lotus, with "Consul" later being dropped from the name.
There were 3,306 Mark I cars produced.
The car on show is a 1966 model - owner Kevin Mansell.
Kevin has owned this car since 1982 and has restored it 3 times in that period. The first time was not done to a great standard due to limited funds. The 3rd restoration was finished around 4 years ago and was properly funded to bring it to the standard it is today.
During the 1st and 3rd restoration the car was used for track days and sprint meetings as well as a daily road car.
Since the final restoration the car now covers around 2,000 miles a year being used whenever possible.
1966 Ford Cortina Lotus, FUA 383D
Image taken at the NEC Classic Car Show on 8th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 25th March 1966.
1558cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Lotus Cortina is the commonly used term for the Ford Cortina Lotus, a high performance sports saloon, which was produced in the UK from 1963 to 1970 by Ford in collaboration with Lotus Cars. The original version, which was based on the Ford Cortina Mark I, was promoted by ford as the "Consul Cortina" developed by Lotus, with "Consul" later being dropped from the name.
There were 3,306 Mark I cars produced.
The car on show is a 1966 model - owner Kevin Mansell.
Kevin has owned this car since 1982 and has restored it 3 times in that period. The first time was not done to a great standard due to limited funds. The 3rd restoration was finished around 4 years ago and was properly funded to bring it to the standard it is today.
During the 1st and 3rd restoration the car was used for track days and sprint meetings as well as a daily road car.
Since the final restoration the car now covers around 2,000 miles a year being used whenever possible.
Vehicle first registered on 25th March 1966.
1558cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Lotus Cortina is the commonly used term for the Ford Cortina Lotus, a high performance sports saloon, which was produced in the UK from 1963 to 1970 by Ford in collaboration with Lotus Cars. The original version, which was based on the Ford Cortina Mark I, was promoted by ford as the "Consul Cortina" developed by Lotus, with "Consul" later being dropped from the name.
There were 3,306 Mark I cars produced.
The car on show is a 1966 model - owner Kevin Mansell.
Kevin has owned this car since 1982 and has restored it 3 times in that period. The first time was not done to a great standard due to limited funds. The 3rd restoration was finished around 4 years ago and was properly funded to bring it to the standard it is today.
During the 1st and 3rd restoration the car was used for track days and sprint meetings as well as a daily road car.
Since the final restoration the car now covers around 2,000 miles a year being used whenever possible.
1966 Ford Cortina Lotus, FUA 383D
Image taken at the NEC Classic Car Show on 8th November 2024.
Vehicle first registered on 25th March 1966.
1558cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Lotus Cortina is the commonly used term for the Ford Cortina Lotus, a high performance sports saloon, which was produced in the UK from 1963 to 1970 by Ford in collaboration with Lotus Cars. The original version, which was based on the Ford Cortina Mark I, was promoted by ford as the "Consul Cortina" developed by Lotus, with "Consul" later being dropped from the name.
There were 3,306 Mark I cars produced.
The car on show is a 1966 model - owner Kevin Mansell.
Kevin has owned this car since 1982 and has restored it 3 times in that period. The first time was not done to a great standard due to limited funds. The 3rd restoration was finished around 4 years ago and was properly funded to bring it to the standard it is today.
During the 1st and 3rd restoration the car was used for track days and sprint meetings as well as a daily road car.
Since the final restoration the car now covers around 2,000 miles a year being used whenever possible.
Vehicle first registered on 25th March 1966.
1558cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
Lotus Cortina is the commonly used term for the Ford Cortina Lotus, a high performance sports saloon, which was produced in the UK from 1963 to 1970 by Ford in collaboration with Lotus Cars. The original version, which was based on the Ford Cortina Mark I, was promoted by ford as the "Consul Cortina" developed by Lotus, with "Consul" later being dropped from the name.
There were 3,306 Mark I cars produced.
The car on show is a 1966 model - owner Kevin Mansell.
Kevin has owned this car since 1982 and has restored it 3 times in that period. The first time was not done to a great standard due to limited funds. The 3rd restoration was finished around 4 years ago and was properly funded to bring it to the standard it is today.
During the 1st and 3rd restoration the car was used for track days and sprint meetings as well as a daily road car.
Since the final restoration the car now covers around 2,000 miles a year being used whenever possible.
1967 Lotus Elan, VUR 8E
Image taken at Prestcott Hill Climb on 14th May 2023.
First registered 24th April 1967.
1558cc petrol engine.
First registered 24th April 1967.
1558cc petrol engine.
1967 Lotus Elan, VUR 8E
Image taken at Prestcott Hill Climb on 14th May 2023.
First registered 24th April 1967.
1558cc petrol engine.
First registered 24th April 1967.
1558cc petrol engine.
1968 Lotus Elan + 2, KVR 3F
Image taken at Classic Cars on the Green, Bearsted on 23rd July, 2023.
First registered 5th July, 1968.
1558cc petrol engine.
First registered 5th July, 1968.
1558cc petrol engine.
1968 Lotus Elan + 2, KVR 3F
Image taken at Classic Cars on the Green, Bearsted on 23rd July, 2023.
First registered 5th July, 1968.
1558cc petrol engine.
First registered 5th July, 1968.
1558cc petrol engine.
1969 Lotus 7, NRN 7
Image taken at British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, on 9th August, 2024.
DVLA records show the vehicle as registered on 3rd September, 1971.
1585cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
The Lotus Seven is one of the most well-known British sports cars and also one of the longest lasting - as the modern day Caterham it is a design that is still alive today. The straightforward Seven replaced the Mark VI in 1957 and was built around a tubular space frame, simple aluminium body, using proprietary components.
In 1968 the long serving Lotus Seven Series 2 was updated to the Series 3. The axle which had been sourced from the Standard company was replaced by one from the Ford Escort, wide wheels were fitted and front disc brakes became standard. On the dashboard the instruments were revised with the inclusion of a rev counter and, for the first time, a fuel gauge. Indicators and an electric fan also became the norm.
Perhaps the ultimate Lotus Seven was the Twin Cam SS. Fitted with a powerful Lotus-Holbay twin cam engine, the car developed 120bhp. The chassis was specially strengthened, the car fitted with a limited slip differential, oil cooler, brake servo and Brand Lotus alloy wheels. Inside the car was finished in a special trim.
This particular car is the first Twin Cam SS Seven and was shown at the 1969 Earls Court Motor Show. Only thirteen of these models were ever produced.
Engine: 4 cyl. 1558cc. Top speed: 107mph (172kph). Power: 120bhp. Coachwork: two-seater sports. Price new: £1,250. Registration mark: NRN 7.
DVLA records show the vehicle as registered on 3rd September, 1971.
1585cc petrol engine.
The notice displayed with the vehicle states:
The Lotus Seven is one of the most well-known British sports cars and also one of the longest lasting - as the modern day Caterham it is a design that is still alive today. The straightforward Seven replaced the Mark VI in 1957 and was built around a tubular space frame, simple aluminium body, using proprietary components.
In 1968 the long serving Lotus Seven Series 2 was updated to the Series 3. The axle which had been sourced from the Standard company was replaced by one from the Ford Escort, wide wheels were fitted and front disc brakes became standard. On the dashboard the instruments were revised with the inclusion of a rev counter and, for the first time, a fuel gauge. Indicators and an electric fan also became the norm.
Perhaps the ultimate Lotus Seven was the Twin Cam SS. Fitted with a powerful Lotus-Holbay twin cam engine, the car developed 120bhp. The chassis was specially strengthened, the car fitted with a limited slip differential, oil cooler, brake servo and Brand Lotus alloy wheels. Inside the car was finished in a special trim.
This particular car is the first Twin Cam SS Seven and was shown at the 1969 Earls Court Motor Show. Only thirteen of these models were ever produced.
Engine: 4 cyl. 1558cc. Top speed: 107mph (172kph). Power: 120bhp. Coachwork: two-seater sports. Price new: £1,250. Registration mark: NRN 7.
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