Lotus Type 66 makes European debut

The Type 66 was presented at Villa d'Este for the 2024 Concorso d'Eleganza. This was the first time Lotus was invited to participate in the official parade in its 76-year history, marking a historic moment for the British brand. This iconic model, designed over 50 years ago, has finally been brought to light thanks to the extraordinary collaboration between Clive Chapman, Managing Director of Classic Team Lotus and son of founders Colin and Hazel Chapman, and the Lotus Design Team.

With a focus on the Can-Am series, Colin Chapman tasked Team Lotus designer Geoff Ferris with launching the Type 66 project to explore how the brand's design principles could be applied to this exciting category. However, Chapman's primary focus in Formula 1 prevented this innovative project from progressing beyond technical drawings. To celebrate the brand's illustrious tradition and sporting heritage, Lotus decided to finally bring this project to life last year, 53 years after the initial sketches. Only 10 examples of this ‘rediscovered and reimagined’ Lotus will be built. It is a number selected to commemorate the total number of races the Type 66 would have competed in during the 1970 season.

Clive Chapman, Managing Director of Classic Team Lotus, who drove the Type 66 during the parade commented “It was a real honour to be invited to drive Type 66 at the 2024 Concorso d'Eleganza. To be able to showcase ‘Colin’s Can-Am car’ during the event, and be recognised amongst the most iconic vehicles in the world, was a very special moment for the Chapman family and for Lotus. Type 66 is proof that Lotus innovation in performance engineering continues to inspire our present and future line up.”