When's the last time you got a close-up look at a Lotus 7? Unlike the Lotus of today, which boasts a Ferrari-look, this Italian car has undergone multiple face lifts over the years and now you can witness firsthand these changes in this cool walk down Lotus memory lane.
So if you have a passion for kit cars, like 1950's race car developer Cholin Chapman did, you might want to check out this video.
It light's up!
A crazy fast 1965 replica of the Lotus 7 is about to hit your square in the face. Ready, Set, Go... but make sure you buckle up first because this will prove to be one fast ride.
As you are about to learn, famed car developer Chapman had a passion for speed which he tapped into and explored, expertly producing this Lotus 7 with a very lightweight body that houses a 120 HP Ford Cosworth engine, a real unique combination for the time it was developed, which was produced more than 40 years ago proved to be Chapman first commercial success.
Not much chrome under the hood, this is replaced by sheer horsepower - and surely turned heads (and maybe even deafened ears) in the early '60s.
The concept of this kit car was kind of like a Jeep, she had no visual appeal and no room for luggage. As you watch this car rumble down the road,it might give you a headache (to drive and even to watch as it shakes, rocks and rolls). You may also notice that the car appears a little stiff. This is deceptive, for "she" would literally vibrate your grandma's pictures off her mantle! I've even heard that drivers sported earplugs in the day and later donned headphones just to make the ride bearable.
But who cares about sound or vibration when you're driving a Lotus?
The excitement the revving up of this dream kit car prompts, and the blood rushing through your veins as you watch this YouTube video can be attributed to Chapman, who truly was a fascinating engineer that has passion for car racing.
As you watch the video, keep in mind that you are viewing a car much different than today's Lotus's (and some will think much more impressive in it's own right)! Admittedly, this Lotus replica would definitely not take a turn like she's on rails, nor have the prettiest lines in the world; but, would get you up to speed and be a true inspiration when it comes to creating and designing your own dream kit car - one that will get your adrenaline flowing with every thought, not to mention every turn!
