Colin Chapman – Inside the Innovator

Karl Ludvigsen is undoubtedly one of the best-known international authors of automotive literature. Many of his books deal with the Porsche brand. However, his interests extend far beyond this. He is currently providing impressive proof of this with his latest publication. He extensively researched the life and work of Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman, the founder and long-time head of Lotus Cars. Originally published in 2010, the book “Colin Chapman – Inside the Innovator” is now available in a revised and partially expanded new edition. Not only the individual chapters on Colin Chapman’s technical understanding are worth reading, but also the foreword. This was written by former Formula 1 world champion Emerson Fittipaldi.

The foreword is followed by a chronologically sorted table with important stations from Colin Chapman’s life. The book then devotes 12 chapters to individual aspects of the innovative engineer’s work. In this way, the reader learns about the complete development of the Lotus company as a sports and racing car manufacturer, with lavish illustrations. Engines were developed, wheel suspensions constantly modified, and at some point the topics of aerodynamics and lightweight construction were discovered. Finally, under Colin Chapman, Lotus was also one of the pioneers in terms of downforce in racing cars. And the various driver deals that the Briton entered into are also discussed in a separate chapter. Under ISBN 978-1-910505-64-9, the book is available from Evro Publishing at a price of £ 50.

Images: Matthias Kierse