Lotus, like many other manufacturers, is now offering customers the chance to collect their new car from the factory in Norfolk, UK - and even have some track time on the company's Hethel test circuit.
Two packages are available, at £832.50 and £999 excluding local taxes; so, adding on the UK's 20 per cent VAT, that makes them about £999 and £1,198.80 respectively, which then equates to €1,257 and €1,508.
The first experience package, called 'Handmade in Hethel', 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 Clive Chapman (son of company founder Colin, as if you hadn't guessed), a battery trickle charger, car cover and a full pre-delivery inspection and valet.
The more expensive package takes all of the above and adds time with a Lotus instructor on the Hethel test track, where customers can have first-hand experience of the supreme handling balance built into every Lotus.
Both packages are available through the Lotus dealer network at the time of purchase and for a limited time after order.
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Group Lotus plc Chief Executive Officer Jean-Marc Gales said: "It is here at our Hethel headquarters that Colin Chapman himself conceived and built the original cars that were lighter, faster and more dynamic to drive and race than anything else. The Hethel experience gives our new, existing and future customers the opportunity to see, hear and feel for themselves the ambition that has been core to Lotus - to build cars that give you one of the most thrilling 'pure driving' experiences imaginable."