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Lotus Elan - first offspring of the Ford and Lotus marriage

Name: Lotus Elan 1963
Brand: Lotus

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Created on January 1, 1963

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Lotus Elan (1963) - lightweight convertible with plastic bodywork and Ford engine

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Lotus Elan (1963) - sectional drawing and sleeping eyes

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Lotus Elan (1963) - Ford engine with Lotus cylinder head

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Summary

The Lotus Elan brought together ideas and components from Ford and Lotus. The small Lotus sports car benefited from Ford's marketing and sales power, especially during its launch. But much more was planned. This article reports on the beginnings and the prospects at the time.

Estimated reading time: 4min

Preview (beginning of the article)

A lot has already been written about the new Lotus "Elan" in the press. If "powerslide" is now also devoting some ink to the latest horse in Colin Chapman's stable, it is because the terms "motorsport" and "Ford" in connection with the Elan have so far gone rather unnoticed here. The press launch of the Elan did not take place just anywhere. It took place in Ford's main showrooms in London. And this fact is somehow symbolic. It will usher in a new era of cooperation between large corporations and small racing companies. The prestige propaganda hit "Ford and Lotus get together!" has become a catchphrase within days.

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