Customer Reviews

Lotus Elise: The Complete Story (Crowood Autoclassic)

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It has been four years since the Elise was launched at the 1995 Frankfurt Auto Show so it is not surprising that a book on the Elise has become available. Surely this will be the first of many considering the volume of works that have been dedicated to the iconic Elan of the 60's and 70's and the inevitable supplanting of the Elise into the list of all time great Lotuses. John Tipler has another book on Lotuses to his credit, namely Lotus and Caterham Seven Racers for the Road. This publication follows a similar format. All of the steps form concept through development are covered and not only give an insight into the principles behind the Elise, but the workings of Lotus as a whole, with special focus on engineering. Unfortunately much of the book reads like an interview, with a large part of the text direct quotes. But who better to explain the why's and how's of the Elise than Julian Thompson, Richard Rackam, Dave Minter, and the rest of the crew who are responsible for Lotus' latest classic. Interestingly all of the Lotus staff interviewed give full credit for the Elise to Colin Chapman who's tenets are apparently reborn at Lotus. A full chapter is dedicated also to the GT1 as it is spiritually related to the Elise and it serves to fill in this small gap in Lotus history. There is obviously a limited appeal to US Lotus enthusiasts as the model discussed is not available on US shores. However the book is as valuable for it's discussion of Lotus design and engineering philosophy as it is for it's detailing of the specifics of the Elise. A quote from John Miles (ex-Team Lotus F1 pilot and current chassis development consultant) sums it up, "The Elise was risky to do, but that's what Lotus Thrive on."