Lotus: Cars 1952 to 2024 & Elite, Eclat And Excel 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brilliance of the Lotus Seven to the exotic Esprit and modern Evora, each model is examined with rare and previously unpublished photographs, capturing the elegance and engineering genius of the marque.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

Lotus introduced the Type 75 Elite in 1974. Being a full four-seater coupe with an opening glass tailgate, it was designed to carry a family in comfort while retaining Lotus' trademark, excellent road holding and handling. Perhaps most importantly, it was the first - and successful - step in Colin Chapman's plan to move upmarket and away from Lotus' kit car image. The Elite gave rise to two derivatives, the Eclat and the Excel. The Eclat was a restyled coupe version, sacrificing the Elite's unique rear styling and good rear passenger headroom for a more stylish exterior. With its conventional coupe styling, the Eclat was more mainstream than the Elite, and it was in the end the better seller. In turn, the Eclat spawned the Excel, the last of the Elite-inspired family.