Hazel Chapman (1927-2021)

[Bibs]

(Hethel, UK – 14 December 2021) – The global Lotus community is saddened to learn that Hazel Chapman, the wife of Colin Chapman and co-founder of Lotus, has died aged 94.

Her contribution to motorsport and the motor industry in the latter half of the 20th century should not be under-estimated. She was a successful racing driver, a shrewd businesswoman and the rock upon which the Lotus foundations – since 1948, when the very first Lotus car was made – were built. Her involvement in the development of the Lotus business was almost without equal at the time, in a world where women so often played second fiddle to their husbands.

Matt Windle, Managing Director, Lotus Cars, commented: “This is a very sad day for everyone around the world associated with Lotus. Without Hazel Chapman there would be no Lotus. The entire Hethel team, and those working at our facilities around the world, send their sincere condolences and best wishes to the Chapman family.”

Hazel Williams was born on the 21 May 1927 in North London. She met Colin Chapman at a dance in 1944 when he was just 16 and she a few months older. As the couple’s relationship developed, Hazel’s parents allowed Colin to build what became the first Lotus – the Mark 1 – in the lock-up garage at the back of their house in Hornsey.

Colin gained a commission into the Royal Air Force, so Hazel continued with the building of the Lotus Mark 1 and then the Mark 2. Competition success in races entered by Hazel and Colin resulted in new commissions for their automotive services. With Hazel’s commercial acumen, their first Lotus business was formed on 1 January 1952. It became a limited company later in the year, funded by payment of £25 from Hazel herself.

Hazel and Colin married in 1954 and as the business grew Hazel took a seat on the board of a number of their companies, including Lotus Cars, Team Lotus and Lotus Components.

She was not only an astute businesswoman but took on a matriarchal role within the organisation, the epitome of the phrase ‘Behind every strong man is a stronger woman’. She prided herself of working with almost every Lotus Formula 1 driver including iconic motorsport names such as Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jochen Rindt, Emerson Fittipaldi, Mario Andretti, Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna. She was also a founder of The Dog House women’s motorsport club.

Widowed in 1982, Hazel recognised that Lotus Cars needed new ownership to secure its future and played an instrumental role in its sale. She became a Director of Classic Team Lotus, the Chapman family business which preserves the cars and legacy of the brand’s global racing success.

Hazel maintained a close interest in all things Lotus, for example, she ‘signed off’ the 100,000th Lotus road car in 2018. Tradition dictated that Hazel was always shown the latest Lotus road car prior to it being unveiled to the public. That wonderful custom continued into the modern era, and she viewed the Lotus Evija with her son Clive Chapman two weeks before its debut in July 2019.

[Noisy Nick]

A very sad day.  RIP.

[Giniw]

May she rest in peace

[Sizona]

Oh dear thats sad news. I met her once, lovely lady. RIP

[Frickin_idiot]

Condolences.

[jonwat]

A life well lived, RIP Hazel & condolences to the family 

[Kimbers]

It's a sad part of life that we lose those that are for so long part of it. 

I had my father on the phone first thing this morning very upset. Hazel had been a part of our lives since 1969 less so in her latter years but I know my father kept in touch. When Colin died in 1982 we lived next door and Hazel called my father immediately and he was the first one there. In latter years I have been round with my father, and I had the honour of seeing Hazel like others, at Lotus events. 

Condolences to Clive and all the Family.

My fathers tearful words this morning "There's not many of us left now". RIP Hazel from a Family that wouldn't be where they are without Your and Colin's Support.

 

[rudolphwolven]

*****

Very, very sad....RIP Hazel.......

My condolences to the family 

[frb]

Very saddened to hear about this.

 

Sincere Condolences to the Chapman family.

[LOTUSMAN33]

Sad sad news, RIP Hazel and condolences to the family 😢

[Royal]

Very sad to hear this. Condolences to Clive, family and friends.

[ramjet]

RIP.

[100th_Idiot]

Sad news. A part of motoring history moves on.

Condolences to the family.

RIP

[Cdm2018]

Very sad to hear the news of Mrs Chapman passing 

I knew of her through one of my services which is stones throw from the Chapman estate 

I think she would grace some of our fundraising events which I am grateful

didn't realise how much of an influence she had on lotus story stunning !   

[DarrylV8]

RIP Hazel, condolences to Clive and family 

[jep]

No Hazel, no Lotus. 

I'll be throwing my cap in the air as a salute....thank you Mrs Chapman.

Justin

[Escape]

Very sad news indeed...

My condolences to all her family and friends.

Filip

[Arregueti]

Sad news and definitely the end of an era for Lotus. It is shocking to see how much things have now changed since the early days of the couple in the 1950s. May she rest in peace.

[Kimbers]

[DarrylV8]

Thanks Tony for sharing photo of Hazel & MJK

[yeller77]

Yes, beautiful pic, unstated mirth and adoration. RIP Hazel, Grande Dame of Lotus  

[Bibs]

https://classicteamlotus.co.uk/en/news/posts/2021/hazel-chapman-1927-2021/

[exeterjeep]

Today is also 39 years since Colin passed away. Did post a pic on another post some months ago of Colin and Hazel at a lotus do at the Post House hotel Norwich in 1982, just 3 weeks before he died.

So a bit of a sad time for lotus - truly the end of an era.

[jep]

I remember your post and I think you decided not to ask Colin for his autograhph......

I have my Colin Chapman replica cap on this week.

Justin

[jonwat]

Motorsport obituary