Lotus Engineering Newsletter #22

Hethel at 40 – a
celebration of four decades
of manufacturing at the
factory
Five thousand Lotus fans came to Hethel on 23 September to
celebrate 40 years of production at the 50-acre factory. Conditions
could hardly have been better: hot sun and a cool breeze.
Enthusiasts were treated to demonstration laps on the test track,
and then a leisurely procession of an immaculate cross-section
of Lotus products was marshalled behind the control tower after
a parade lap. Some models evoked memories of tough times
at Hethel, while others spoke of a joyful mood. Clive Chapman,
managing director of Classic Team Lotus and son of Lotusfounder
Colin Chapman, and his mother Hazel glowed with
appreciation at the turnout and both signed the wing of a pristine
yellow Giugiaro Esprit after the parade.
The upbeat mood was sustained by sparkling commentary from
the indefatigable Guy Munday of Stratton Motor Company, fielding
numerous interviews with Lotus personalities such as 1960s race
manager Jim Endruweit as the day unfolded. The atmosphere
was entirely relaxed and convivial as people wandered through
Feature
the displays and took in the manufacturing and engineering
tours, while Vehicle development manager Nick Adams hosted a
questions-and-answers session for the Lotus Club International
members.
A host of mobile cafés and eateries fed the crowd, supplementing
family picnics. The produce stalls proved popular, and the
dedicated Lotus regalia traders did good business, with Classic
Lotus Engineering Change the rules
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Timeless shapes of Lotus’ past
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