Lotus History help needed!

[Matbmx1]

Hi guys

Ive just moved into a new house and apparently its the house Colin Chapman built the very first lotus. It was his girlfriends and he built the first two cars in the stables behind the house. Im quite interested in it to be honest.

Just wondered if anyone had any books or anything they could look at for me??

Matt

[edo]

http://www.colinchapmanmuseum.org.uk/Lotus%20Histo...

[Matbmx1]

Cheers, i think ill contact them the guy that owns the whole place said our place is def the site of the first couple of cars. I just wanted to confirm it really out of pure noseyness

[Sam_68]

You could always try a polite approach to his girlfriend... he married her and Hazel Chapman is still alive and well.

She's obviously quite an elderly lady, now, so if it were me, I'd be inclined to contact her via their son, Clive Chapman, who runs Classic Team Lotus.

[Matbmx1]

Cheers, i might try getting in touch with them.

From all the ino ive gathered already it certainly looks like its the right property i just wanted to try and conirm it.

EDIT Ive emailed them and hopefully ill hear something soon!

Thanks again or the link

I cant tell you how much living in this house makes me want to go and buy a lotus of some sort i think it may have to happen while i live here!

Edited by Matbmx1 on Monday 27th April 13:09

[Hedgerley]

If you are interested in the history, I'd strongly recommend 'Colin Chapman The Man and his Cars' by Jabby Crombac, Champmans lifelong friend. Its probably one of the most comprehensive books (and I've got a lot!) about the early years and references the lock ups at the back of Hazel's house, complete with a photo of the Lotus Mk1 parked outside.