What's all this about?
If you're about to buy a new Lotus, you might want to sign up for one of two experience packages that allows you to collect the car from the company's Norfolk headquarters in Hethel.
Sounds like something other car companies do.
Yes, but Lotus is a small company with a rich history, so this is a little bit more intimate than picking up an SL from Mercedes-Benz, for instance.
What would I get for my money?
The first package, quoted as costing £832.50 excluding local taxes (which makes it £999 including VAT), is called Handmade in Hethel. This involves a tour of the Lotus factory, a visit to Classic Team Lotus - where race cars of the past are stored - presentation of the customer's car in the Hethel Lotus Originals store, a bespoke signed owner's booklet, refreshments and a photo-shoot of the entire event. The lucky customer also gets some extras to take away, such as a Lotus print signed by Colin's son Clive Chapman, a battery trickle charger, car cover, and a full pre-delivery inspection and valet.
And the second package?
It takes all of the above and adds some track time on the Hethel circuit, Lotus' development pad, with an instructor, in order to experience the very limits of the car's handling. It costs £999 excluding taxes, or £1,198.80 with them.
When are these packages available?
Now, through the Lotus dealer network at the time of purchase and for a limited time after order.
Matt Robinson - 16 Oct 2014