Lotus Elise Heritage Editions Inspired by F1 Legends

Fun fact: Lotus sells multiple model lines outside of the United States. While the U.S. market receives the Evora, other parts of the world still cherish the Elise and Exige. Moreover, Lotus recently announced some stunning historical liveries for the open-topped Elise sports car that are not available in the U.S.

Historical Liveries: A New Trend

Historical liveries are becoming increasingly popular among car enthusiasts. Ferrari has embraced this trend for some time, while Alfa Romeo just unveiled retro racing liveries for its Giulia GTA and GTAm super sedans. Consequently, Lotus is also participating by offering four unique color schemes for the Elise, with production limited to just 100 units. It is presumed that there will be 25 units of each livery, although Lotus has not confirmed this.

Color Combinations

The Elise Heritage Editions feature four captivating color combinations:

• Black and Gold
• Red, White, and Gold
• Dark Blue and White
• Red and Silver

Each scheme is visually striking and emphasizes the heritage and appeal of the Elise, making it an even more enticing choice for car enthusiasts.

A Tribute to Racing Legends

Each livery showcases a tribute to Lotus’s racing history:

• The **Black and Gold** scheme pays homage to the Lotus Type 72D Formula 1 car that Emerson Fittipaldi raced in the 1972 season. A quick search will reveal its status as one of the most iconic F1 cars.
• The **Red, White, and Gold** livery reflects the classic Type 49B driven by Graham Hill in 1968. Its beauty remains timeless, disregarding the outdated double wing design.
• The **Dark Blue and White** color scheme commemorates the Type 18 from 1960, notable for being the first Lotus to secure pole position and win a race in F1, driven by the legendary Sir Stirling Moss.
• Lastly, the **Red and Silver** combination is inspired by the Type 81 from 1980, which was raced by famous drivers such as Nigel Mansell and Mario Andretti.

Lotus’s Remarkable F1 Heritage

The history of Lotus in Formula 1 is truly astounding. Although the British manufacturer does not currently have its name prominently displayed on an F1 car, these road cars serve as a fitting tribute to its rich legacy. Consequently, the introduction of these liveries allows Lotus to honor and celebrate the remarkable achievements of its racing past while continuing to inspire future generations of car enthusiasts.