Colin Chapman (1928

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Biography

Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman was an English design engineer, inventor, and builder in the automotive industry, and founder of the sports car company Lotus Cars.

Timeline

The story of Colin Chapman, told in moments.

1952 Event

Founded Lotus Engineering. His design philosophy: "Simplify, then add lightness." His cars were faster not because of more power, but because of less weight.

Where did 'simplify, then add lightness' come from? Did anyone laugh when you first said it?

1963 Event

Jim Clark won the first of two Formula One World Championships driving a Lotus 25. Chapman had introduced the monocoque chassis to F1, changing car design permanently.

What did it feel like to see Jim Clark win in your car? Was the monocoque chassis a risk or a certainty in your mind?

1978 Event

The Lotus 79 introduced ground-effect aerodynamics. Mario Andretti won the World Championship. Chapman had, for the third time, reinvented how racing cars work.

Did you know ground-effect would change everything? Were you chasing speed or were you chasing elegance?

1982 Death

Died of a heart attack at 54. He was under investigation for his role in the DeLorean Motor Company fraud. His death came before any charges were filed.

Would you have been convicted in the DeLorean case? Do you regret any of it?

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