Lotus

In 1962 the Lotus Elan 1500 was introduced as a roadster. It was the first Lotus road car to use a steel backbone chassis with a fibreglass body. This style of construction was to be repeated in subsequent Lotus models for nearly three decades. After a very short production run of just 22 cars the engine was enlarged and the car was re-designated the Elan 1600. The Elan was technologically advanced with a DOHC 1,558cc engine, four-wheel disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, and 4-wheel independent suspension. Because of its successful design and rigorous attention to cost control on the body, chassis, engine and transmission, the Elan became Lotus' first commercial success.

In 1967 the Elan +2 is introduced, with a longer wheelbase and wider track and two small rear seats, suitable for children. Not only was the +2 larger, it was also considerably more luxurious. An even more luxurious version of the Elan +2 was released in 1968, named the +2 S.