Gearhead Guys You Should Know: Colin Chapman

[cjforumadmin]

http://www.bangshift.com/blog/Gearhead-Guy-You-Should-Know-Colin-Chapman.html

[Gerrit]

Re: Gearhead Guys You Should Know: Colin Chapman

Last summer I had the chance to drive a Caterham Super Seven (based on the Lotus Seven) I admire this guy.



It took a while to get my long legs under the dashboard as you can see. But after figuring out I had to stand on the seat first and then slide in with stretched legs, I succeeded and had the best ride since years.

Gerrit
Netherlands

[King Matt]

Re: Gearhead Guys You Should Know: Colin Chapman

"Simplify, then add lightness." Words to live by.

[Mr4Speed]

Re: Gearhead Guys You Should Know: Colin Chapman

Chapman was most definitely one of us. His early race cars, even Formula 1 cars were built with a lot of parts straight out of the British Ford parts bins-not race stuff but car/truck/van parts. He was a master of making due with what he had and could afford. I have read that his early Formula 1 chassis were built off of chalk marks on the shop floor. There is an episode of Victory by Design on Lotus and it's a must see.

[bnjny]

Re: Gearhead Guys You Should Know: Colin Chapman

Colin Chapman is a car guy through and through...

I've always wanted to build a Lotus/Cortina...

[JRoberts]

Re: Gearhead Guys You Should Know: Colin Chapman

Colin Chapman is truly one of my car people heroes. I have always wanted a Super Seven, but it is now too late. I just don't think I could fit in one these days!

[fast Ed]

Re: Gearhead Guys You Should Know: Colin Chapman

I remember hearing a joke about his tubular chassis designs ... he would keep taking sections out to save weight until it fell apart, and then he would put that one tube back in ... done. ;D


cheers
Ed N.