1970 Lotus at Earls Court


“NO MAJOR CHANGES JUST RATIONALISATION AND DETAIL MODIFICATIONS”

There will be no major dating features on the 1971 Lotus touring car range at Earls Court.

“We have spent a considerable amount of time and money on making the engineering of our cars even better,” says Lotus Engineering Director, Tony Rudd. “As part of our policy to increase the Lotus manufactured content of our product range and in order to obtain better control of supply, quality and costs, during the year we took over the manufacture of all trim, including seats and other miscellaneous hardware. This is in addition, of course, to the complete painted body and substantial parts of the chassis, engine machining and assembly and many other fabricated parts, such as window frames, which we currently manufacture.”

Lotus Plus Two “S”

The Lotus Plus Two “S” introduced in the summer of 1969, has proved even more popular than its predecessor, the Elan Plus Two. Over 3,000 Plus Twos have now been built.

Improvements for 1971 include an alternator, revised cooling system, Philips radio, new revised silencer that complies with all proposed anti-noise laws and fully revised couplings. The Plus Two “S” specification includes carpeted interior, full felt sound-proofing, mahogany fascia with comprehensive instrumentation, built-in safety belts, reclining upholstered S seats and occasional seats in the rear. Other standard equipment includes air horns, windscreen washers, safety glass all round and lighted boot and engine compartments. This outstanding vehicle is capable of taking two adults and two children on the longest of journeys in complete comfort with all

Elan “Sprint”

With over 10,000 Elans produced since its introduction at the London Motor Show in 1962, the Elan is without doubt the most successful Lotus ever built. The model range has now been rationalised as follows:

Elan Sprint 355

Elan fitted with 3.55 rear axle ratio for effortless long distance touring in excess of 110. m.p.h. with maximum speed over 125 m.p.h.

Elan Sprint 377

Elan fitted with 3.77 rear axle ratio for the best combination of high touring speed and rapid acceleration.

Elan Sprint 399

Elan fitted with 3.9 rear axle ratio for very rapid acceleration but top speed curtailed to 115 m.p.h. by rev. limitation.

All these cars are available in two-tone Sprint colours as an optional extra.

Other detailed improvements for 1971 include damper shielding, revised cooling system and new drive couplings. The Elan comes complete with semi close ratio all synchromesh gearbox, veneered dashboard, electrically-operated glass windows and Lotus airflow ventilation. Outstanding points on the Elan include independent suspension all round and four wheel disc brakes with the servo available as an optional extra.

The Sprint 399 will be available towards the end of the year with the Lotus ‘Big Valve’ Sprint engine giving 135 b.h.p. at 6,000 r.p.m.

Europa

The world’s first production mid-engined coupe, the Europa has gained unprecedented international successes since its introduction in the early part of 1967. Introduced on the home market for the Motor Show last year, the Europa has been in short supply ever since.

The availability position is now improved.

Lotus Seven S.4

Introduced in the Spring of 1970, the Lotus Seven S.4 has proved even more popular than its distinguished predecessors.

A completely new design, the S.4 features an immensely strong tubular steel chassis, bolted to a glassfibre body. The new Lotus has vastly increased leg room, a front hinged one-piece bonnet and nose cone, improved luggage space and Formula 1 type double wishbone suspension in the front with coil springs all round. Steering is by Burman rack and pinion and power is supplied by a Ford 1600 GT engine giving 84 b.h.p. at 5,800 r.p.m.