Lotus was born from innovation but has spent most of its recent history in stagnation. Founder Colin Chapman transformed Formula 1 and other top-flight motorsport series and sold clever, lightweight road cars. With the launch of the Esprit in 1976—the second most famous automotive wedge after the Lamborghini Countach—the British company also became an early pioneer of the mid-engine sports car. But after Chapman’s death in 1982, Lotus’s fortunes declined. The company passed between frequently cash-strapped owners, development funds
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