After building multiple trials and road racing cars, Colin Chapman introduced his first 'production' car, the Lotus 6, in 1952. The heart of the Mark 6, as it was called, was a fully stressed space frame. Rather than a complete car, it was available to the general public as kit, wherein the customer could either install any preferred engine and gearbox, making it eligible for a wider number of formulae.

Design
The Mk 6 in many ways reflected Chapman's background in engineering: his designs resulted from a stress analysis of loads into the frame, they were extremely light (the 6' space frame weighed only 55lbs (25 kg)), and the suspension incorporated the latest advances. The prototype chassis was built up by the Progress Chassis Company and the aluminum body was constructed by panel beaters Williams and Prichard. (Both firms would later furnish bodies and chassis for subsequent models.) The cheap and easily available mechanical parts were sourced from the Ford Prefect. The Mark 6 became a popular sight on Britain's racetracks, and was a frequent winner, beating many more powerful and expensive cars, earning praise for very good handling and superior low-speed acceleration.[1] An important facet of the success of the kit was Chapman's offering a comprehensive package in the Mark 6, including most of the special parts needed, and not just the chassis. The Mk 6 chassis came with mounting points for several different engines including the 1172cc (71.5ci) Ford 10, the 1250cc or 1500cc MG TF, the 1500cc (92ci) Consul, and the exalted Coventry Climax. Standardized as far as possible for volume production, some units were customized per the owners wishes. Lotus even modified the owner's parts, if needed. The success of the Mark 6 in competition and sales (100 built by 1955[2]) established Chapman as a manufacturer of specialty cars.

Specifications
Number Built: approx 110 Weight: 432 kg / 952.4 lb
Drivetrain Engine: Ford E93A Straight 4
Engine Location: Front, longitudinally mounted
Displacement: 1172cc / 71.5 in³
Valvetrain: 2 valves/cylinder, Sidevalve
Fuel Feed: SU Carburettors
Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
Gearbox: Ford 3 speed Manual Drive: Rear wheel drive
Performance Power: 50 bhp / 37 kW @ 5000 rpm
Torque: 77 Nm / 57 ft·lbf @ 3000 rpm BHP/Litre: 43 bhp / litre (0.7hp/ci)
Power to Weight Ratio: 0.12 bhp / kg
0-60 mph: 15.0 s
Top Speed: 150 km/h / 93 mph