Colin Chapman: Inside the Innovator

I found the book very interesting both for the technical part, the story behind Lotus and the insight of Colin Chapmans persona. I also liked the way the book was structured, kind of a new grip.

Excellent book well written and photographs are brilliant

Sehr technisch ausgerichtetes Buch, könnte man vielleicht einem Ingenieur schenken. Aber da wir es zu Inspiration gekauft haben und keine Ingenieure sind war es für uns ein fehlkauf

I devoured this book. I know some of my former colleagues at Lotus who worked with Chapman bristle at books that purport to dissect the man and his motives, but I couldn't find anyone who said anything really biting about Ludvigsen's book. Yes, it's an armchair psychology session to some extent. However, the author doesn't delve deeply into Chapman's public foibles, but seeks so analyze what made him make the choices he did at various stages throughout his life, and why he pursued certain technological paths. Thus, Chapman doesn't come off looking like a heartless bastard (as some have portrayed him) or a massive opportunist. He's a man with failings (some rather large) who is imperfect, but moved the design of racing and road cars along farther and faster than any of his contemporaries. And Ludvigsen shows you how he did it... as well as the many mistakes he made along the way.

I cannot believe how much detail this book contains on Colin Chapman. There are nearly 400 pages of text. Also every page has a colour photo of either a car or a racing personality.Well done!This is a must read if you are into the history of Lotus as a company.