Lotus Elan

Even if you ignore its huge influence on modern sports cars, the Lotus Elan has the dynamics, looks and sheer enjoyment quotient that makes it as unrivalled and as coveted today, as it was when launched.

- Nigel Fryatt

Twenty-five quid! Could it really be true that without that loan from his then girlfriend, Hazel Williams, there would have been no Lotus Engineering? Without this cash injection, probably only worth around £600 at today’s values, there may not have been all those race victories – a total of 74 Formula One Grand Prix firsts, seven Constructors’ Championships and six Drivers’ Championships. We could have been denied all those stunning engineering road car firsts as well, and crucially, there may not have ever been a Lotus Elan.

Quite whether the loan from Hazel, who went on to be Colin Chapman’s wife, is that significant, or whether it is an anecdote that has grown exponentially over the years, or is simply an urban myth, doesn’t matter, the thought we might never have had a Lotus Elan is a concern (especially if you are a Mazda accountant, gleefully counting the cash that continues to roll in with Lotus Elan-inspired MX-5 sales), since it has to be considered as one of the most influential British sports cars ever built.