26 August 2008

Update on the Sixtieth Anniversary Celebrations at Lotus

On Sunday 14th September 2008, Lotus is opening its Hethel Factory gates to host an anniversary open day and is inviting enthusiasts old and new.

Fresh from its global unveiling at the British International Motorshow, the new Lotus Evora will be on display as part of a development story exhibition about Hethel’s latest 2+2 sportscar.

Guests will be free to tour the impressive engineering and factory facilities and sections of the design studios will be open for all to see.

There will be Lotus demonstration laps around the famous Hethel test track and the opportunity to experience a highspeed ride on the circuit too, booked in advance via the 60th anniversary website.

Radio Broadland will have the finale of the “Live the Lotus Life” competition where one lucky winner will win a fully insured Lotus Elise for 6 months and a thousand pounds in cash! (subject to terms and conditions – see website for details)

The Parachute Regiment Freefall Team, The Red Devils, will be dropping in and the RAF will be on the ground with the Bomb disposal robots and the Lotus Bobsleigh.

The day will also include a rare gathering of Lotus vehicles including a Lotus Esprit James Bond car, ex Formula One racers, the unique Black Diamond Europa and numerous road cars from 50’s and 60’s classics to the present line up.

A distinctive range of both 60th anniversary and Lotus Evora merchandise and memorabilia will be on sale. As will rare production parts, with huge savings on everything from crankshaft shims and Lotus badges to a whole chassis!

There will be many unique and special experiences available on the day including:

• The Lotus Evora Development Story

• A Free Fun Fair with big wheel, land train and face painting

• Radio Broadland road show

• Marching Band

• Lotus Club stands

• Sealed bid auctions for bespoke and unique items

• Motorsport Merchandise Stand

• Royal Air Force Displays

• Technical Talks

• and much more!

Mike Kimberley, Group Lotus CEO, says “The Open day on Sunday 14th September will be a great opportunity for everyone to see the new and exciting Lotus Evora and the ‘Hethel Experience’. I’m sure that visitors will enjoy this rare opportunity to look around our excellent facilities and I look forward to celebrating our 60th Anniversary with all our guests.

Around 15,000 people from all over the globe are expected to enjoy the celebrations at the Hethel site. All parking will be on site and tickets are priced at £13 per adult including 2 children under 16 (if booked in advance from: www.lotus60thanniversary.com) Tickets are £15 on the gate, and subject to availability.