Lotus Presents New and Classic Models at 2019 Old-timer Grand Prix
Lotus fans around the world are rejoicing as the storied British sports car manufacturer keeps going from strength to strength.
After enduring a few difficult years Lotus Cars appears to be in good hands with new owners Geely Automotive, who bought a controlling stake in the English company in 2017. Not only are there improved versions of current production models being produced, in July of this year Lotus unveiled the stunning and powerful Evija, which if it enters production will be the world’s first British, all-electric hypercar. Lotus had a noticeable presence at this years Old-Timer Grand Prix (OTGP) held at the famous Nurburgring race track from August 9th to the 11th, neatly tying in their historic accomplishments with their modern success.
Exige Sport 410
Lotus has a long history at the Nurburgring. It was there that Stirling Moss won the German Gran Prix in 1961 behind the wheel of a Lotus Type 18/21. Four years later in 1965 Jim Clark one the German GP once again, driving a Type 33. By far one of Lotus’ most significant accomplishments occurred in 1962 at the Nurburgring 1000 KM where at one point Jim Clark led the pack by two minutes. And he was in a Lotus 23 that had far less power than the competition.
Elise Sport 220
Lotus showed off its latest range of cars at the 2019 Old-TImer Grand Prix, which includes the Elise Sport 220, Exige Sport 410 and the Ever GT410 Sport. These were displayed alongside some of the greatest hits of Lotus’ back catalogue of sports cars including an Esprit S1, rare Type 23C (one of 6 in existence) and a Type 51 Formula One single seater.
Evora GT4
Also on hand was the new Lotus Evora GT4 Concept race car, which was being seen for the first time in continental Europe. The GT4 represents a return to international racing for the Hethel, England-based company. “The GT4 concept builds on the brand’s lightweight engineering expertise to deliver a race car that perfectly encapsulates the company’s competitive spirit,” says Lotus in their press release regarding the unveiling of the car at the Old-Timer Grand Prix.
Lotus Evora GT410 Sport
The Old-TImer Grand Prix also hosted a dedicated ‘Gentleman Drivers- GT cars to 1965′ race that paid homage to Lotus’ glory days in the 1950s and 1960s when models such as the Lotus Eleven, Elite and Type 23 were competing regularly at the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit. During the weekend the Automobilclub von Deutschland (Germany’s Oldest auto association) presented Lotus with a special award for its groundbreaking contributions to the auto industry.
Photos: LotusÂ