Lotus: Cars 1952 to 2024 & Elan and +2 2 Book Set

This compact and richly illustrated book is part of the popular A Pictorial History series and charts the full journey of Lotus road cars from 1952 through to 2024. Enthusiasts, collectors, and motorsport fans will discover a chronicle of innovation, style, and pure driving excitement that only Lotus can deliver.

From the lightweight brilliance of the Lotus Seven to the exotic Esprit and modern Evora, each model is examined with rare and previously unpublished photographs, capturing the elegance and engineering genius of the marque. Author Matthew Vale — a recognized expert on Lotus — brings his extensive knowledge and passion to this sixth Lotus title, offering clear insight into the brand’s heritage and technical evolution.

The book also explores how Lotus’ racing pedigree shaped its road cars, resulting in vehicles that deliver exceptional handling and performance.

Whether you're a seasoned Lotus devotee or new to the marque, this compact visual history is a must-have addition to your automotive library.

• A definitive visual guide to every Lotus road car from 1952 to 2024
• Over 200 rare and never-before-published images in one collectible volume
• Written by Matthew Vale — respected author of six books on Lotus and 20+ automotive titles

Table of Contents:

1. Chapter 1 Introduction
2. Chapter 2 Lotus VI
3. Chapter 3 Lotus Elite
4. Chapter 4 Lotus Seven
5. Chapter 5 Lotus Elan
6. Chapter 6 Lotus Elan Plus 2
7. Chapter 7 Lotus Elite and Eclat
8. Chapter 8 Lotus Esprit
9. Chapter 9 Lotus Excel
10. Chapter 10 Lotus Elan M100
11. Chapter 11 Lotus Elise
12. Chapter 12 Lotus Exige
13. Chapter 12 Lotus Evora

The Lotus Elan was Colin Chapman and Lotus’ first affordable road car, produced from 1962 and, along with its larger +2 variant, until 1974. As a replacement for the expensive Lotus Elite, the Elan and +2 were both successful sports cars, which carried Lotus through the 1960s and into the 1970s.

Starting with a brief history of Lotus and the Elan, Lotus Elan and +2 Source Book provides a detailed originality guide to the Elan and +2, identifying the design changes Lotus made to the models through their lifetimes. An ‘owner’s guide’ provides detailed information on owning and maintaining the cars in tip-top condition, and gives details of common faults and upgrades. The restoration guide gives any potential restorer the information to carry out the tasks needed to bring one of the these cars back from the dead.

With anecdotes and experiences from current and previous owners of Elans and +2’s, along with many colour photographs the book provides a valuable insight into owning running and racing these iconic cars.