Lotus 6

Infobox Automobile


name = Lotus 6
aka =
manufacturer = Lotus Cars
parent_company =
production = 1952–1957
predecessor =
successor = Lotus 7
class = Sports car
platform =
layout =
body_style = roadster
engine = Ford Side valve 1172 48 BHP
transmission = manual
wheelbase =
length =
width =
height =
weight =
fuel_economy =
fuel_capacity =
related = Ford Prefect
designer = Colin Chapman

After building multiple trials and road racing cars, Colin Chapman introduced his first 'production' car, the Lotus 6, in 1952. The heart of the Mark 6, as it was called, was a fully stressed space frame. Rather than a complete car, it was available to the general public as kit, wherein the customer could either install any preferred engine and gearbox, making it eligible for a wider number of formulae.

Design

The Mk 6 in many ways reflected Chapman's background in engineering: his designs resulted from a stress analysis of loads into the frame, they were extremely light (the 6' space frame weighed only 55lbs (25 kg)), and the suspension incorporated the latest advances. The prototype chassis was built up by the Progress Chassis Company and the aluminum body was constructed by panel beaters Williams and Prichard. (Both firms would later furnish bodies and chassis for subsequent models.) The cheap and easily available mechanical parts were sourced from the Ford Prefect. The Mark 6 became a popular sight on Britain's racetracks, and was a frequent winner, beating many more powerful and expensive cars, earning praise for very good handling and superior low-speed acceleration. [Setright, L.J.K, "Lotus: The golden mean", in Northey, Tom, ed. "World of Automobiles" (London: Orbis, 1974), Volume 11, p.1223.]

An important facet of the success of the kit was Chapman's offering a comprehensive package in the Mark 6, including most of the special parts needed, and not just the chassis. The Mk 6 chassis came with mounting points for several different engines including the 1172cc (71.5ci) Ford 10, the 1250cc or 1500cc MG TF, the 1500cc (92ci) Consul, and the exalted Coventry Climax. Standardized as far as possible for volume production, some units were customized per the owners wishes. Lotus even modified the owner's parts, if needed. The success of the Mark 6 in competition and sales (100 built by 1955 [Setright, p.1223.] ) established Chapman as a manufacturer of specialty cars.

pecifications

Number Built: approx 110
Weight: 432 kg / 952.4 lb

Drivetrain

Engine: Ford E93A Straight 4
Engine Location: Front, longitudinally mounted
Displacement: 1172cc / 71.5 in³
Valvetrain: 2 valves/cylinder, Sidevalve
Fuel Feed: SU Carburettors
Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
Gearbox: Ford 3 speed Manual
Drive: Rear wheel drive

Performance

Power: 50 bhp / 37 kW @ 5000 rpm
Torque: 77 Nm / 57 ft·lbf @ 3000 rpm
BHP/Litre: 43 bhp / litre (0.7hp/ci)
Power to Weight Ratio: 0.12 bhp / kg
0-60 mph: 15.0 s
Top Speed: 150 km/h / 93 mph

Notes

* Wliiam Taylor, "The Lotus Book: The Complete History of Lotus Cars " Coterie Press, Limited.1998, pp. 20-21.

ee also

* Lotus Seven

External links

* [http://www.sevenbuilder.com/id/222/lotus-mark-6/ Lotus Mark 6 article by Ben Corley]