Lotus 15
| Lotus 15 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Lotus Engineering Ltd. |
| Production | 1958–1960 |
| Designer | Colin Chapman |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Group 4 Sports Car |
| Body style | Aluminium non-stressed |
| Layout | Front engine, Rear wheel drive, 2-seater |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Coventry Climax FPF |
| Transmission | Lotus "Queer Box" 5sp. BMC B-Series 4sp. ZF 5sp. |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 88 in (2,235 mm) |
| Length | 140.9 in (3,579 mm) |
| Width | 60 in (1,524 mm) |
| Height | 24 in (610 mm) |
| Curb weight | 992 lb (450 kg)-1,240 lb (562 kg) (dry) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Lotus Mk.X |
| Successor | Lotus 19 |
The Lotus 15 is a front-engine sports racing car designed by Colin Chapman of Lotus, built from 1958 until 1960.
The 15 is a two-seater, front-engine, rear wheel drive sports racer with an aluminium body over a space frame configuration. As opposed to the six cylinder Bristol 2L engine in its predecessor Lotus Mk.X, the Mk.15 was designed with a dry-sump, all aluminium, DOHC four cylinder Coventry Climax FPF engine of 1.5 to 2.5 Litre displacement built for Formula Two and Grand Prix racing, mated to Lotus' own 5 speed sequential transaxle nicknamed 'Queer Box'. It was designed in 1957, and the production began in the late 1957.
The spaceframe was similar to Lotus Eleven except for the Chapman strut rear suspension with inboard brakes and the accommodations for a larger engine, which included a slightly (7.5 degrees) tilted engine mounting space on the plan view, shifted to the right of the centerline in the front and left at the rear of the engine. This arrangement gave a larger space for the driver than the normally non-existing passenger.
The larger body of "English rolled" aluminum was also similar in appearance to the smaller and successful Lotus 11, with a major difference of a full-width windscreen, and the lower scuttle/screen height. Unlike the 11 which was designed by Frank Costin, the body design was a result of the collaboration between Chapman and the coachbuilder Williams & Pritchard.
It was available as a fully assembled form sans the engine at £2885, or as a kit of parts for £2395.
Lotus 15's debut was in Sussex Trophy at Goodwood on April 7, 1958 in the hands of Graham Hill who immediately set the lap record, but failed to finish the race due to a gearbox problem.
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