Lotus Mk2
Encyclopedia
The car that came to be known as the Lotus Mark II was created in 1949, while Colin Chapman
was serving with the RAF. For his second car Chapman built on the knowledge gained from building and competing in the Lotus Mark I, so he again used the widely available and inexpensive Austin 7
chassis as a starting point. He boxed in the chassis rails and replaced the cross members with stronger tubular braces. He swapped the Austin engine for a Ford engine and transmission, first from a Ford 8, then from a Ford 10, but retained the Austin 7 rear axle. To be able to use a wider tire, Chapman adapted Ford pressed-steel wheels. He modified the engine as far as the club rules would allow.
Chapman used this chassis and running gear to support a cigar-shaped body with a rounded nose. It has rudimentary cycle-type fenders. The result was a very competitive trials car, but one also suitable for circuit racing. Chapman used the car to compete in events sponsored by the 750 Motor Club
. Although Chapman built the car to compete in English Trials events, he also entered the car in track events, such as Silverstone
, where he won in his class. From that point forward, Chapman concentrated on designing and constructing cars for race circuits instead of trials.
Ford Sidevalve Motor:
Colin Chapman
Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman CBE was an influential British designer, inventor, and builder in the automotive industry, and founder of Lotus Cars....
was serving with the RAF. For his second car Chapman built on the knowledge gained from building and competing in the Lotus Mark I, so he again used the widely available and inexpensive Austin 7
Austin 7
The Austin 7 was a car produced from 1922 through to 1939 in the United Kingdom by the Austin Motor Company. Nicknamed the "Baby Austin", it was one of the most popular cars ever produced for the British market, and sold well abroad...
chassis as a starting point. He boxed in the chassis rails and replaced the cross members with stronger tubular braces. He swapped the Austin engine for a Ford engine and transmission, first from a Ford 8, then from a Ford 10, but retained the Austin 7 rear axle. To be able to use a wider tire, Chapman adapted Ford pressed-steel wheels. He modified the engine as far as the club rules would allow.
Chapman used this chassis and running gear to support a cigar-shaped body with a rounded nose. It has rudimentary cycle-type fenders. The result was a very competitive trials car, but one also suitable for circuit racing. Chapman used the car to compete in events sponsored by the 750 Motor Club
750 Motor Club
750 Motor Club is an auto racing club in the UK. It was founded in 1939 and was originally for Austin 7 fans . It later led to racing and the 750 Formula where specials were raced...
. Although Chapman built the car to compete in English Trials events, he also entered the car in track events, such as Silverstone
Silverstone Circuit
Silverstone Circuit is an English motor racing circuit next to the Northamptonshire villages of Silverstone and Whittlebury. The circuit straddles the Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire border, with the current main circuit entry on the Buckinghamshire side...
, where he won in his class. From that point forward, Chapman concentrated on designing and constructing cars for race circuits instead of trials.
Ford Sidevalve Motor:
- Config: S4 SV
- Displacement: 1172 cc
- Bore/Stroke: 63.5 mm (2.5 in) x 92.456 mm (3.6 in)
External links
- Motorbase Accessed February 17, 2006