Known as Colin Chapman's first production car, the Lotus Mk6 was, however, sold mostly in component or 'kit' configuration.

This allowed a number of different powertrains to be fitted and helped it to conform to a variety of racing formulae.

First offered in 1952, the Mk6 was built on a sophisticated Chapman-designed multi-tubular chassis constructed by Progress Chassis.

The firm of Williams and Pritchard shaped the aluminium bodywork, while the mechanical components were sourced from the Ford Prefect.

Quickly becoming a favourite among British club racers, the Mk6 introduced, for the first time in a series production car, Chapman's philosophy of 'adding lightness' to boost performance.

The tube-frame chassis weighed only 25kg (55 pounds) and the Mk6's total weight, depending on the drivetrain, was some 432kg (952 pounds).

Despite the modest outputs from the engines used - which ranged from a 1,172cc slide-valve Ford four up to a Coventry Climax - the car showed a top end of ove...