Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n The editor\u2019s study of Colin Chapman is holistic.<\/p>\n Our analysis of his car design is invariably within the context of his strategic business planning and model offer to customers.<\/p>\n Sales supported the brand, contributed to racing, provided further publicity and permitted the brand to survive to this day.<\/p>\n This article is therefore not just about technical specification but the Mk.IX broader contribution to Lotus brand development. As such it has lessons for today \u2013designers, entrepreneurs and product planners.<\/p>\n Subscribers might like to see dedicated and structured complementary A&R pieces:-<\/p>\n Brief Contextual Background<\/strong><\/p>\n In any consideration of car design and technical specification it\u2019s important to note Chapman\u2019s economic\/commercial priorities prevailing at the time and also his response to customer requirements.<\/p>\n The Mk.VIII had earnt the brand international competition success and this probably with resultant publicity generated demand from customers wishing to enter motor sport through sports racing cars.<\/p>\n However customers may have expressed preferences or indeed reservations.<\/p>\n In the Mk.IX Chapman seems to have taken the better aspects of the Mk.VIII and improved access and ability to service the car. This would be a major consideration for individual private racers mechanics. Good access also facilitated racing by allowing mechanical repairs, alterations for circuits etc. to be performed with relative ease possibly in the field.<\/p>\n The editors list the factors we believe might have been in the background helped Chapman determine the specification of the Mk.IX:-<\/p>\n Technical Specification from Taylor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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