Get Your Old Lotus a New Certificate of Provenance
Lotus is launching a new Certificate of Provenance program that gives owners a fancy, collectable gift box that contains the official details of their vehicle. Lotus sees it as a present for a family member or just a happy little keepsake of your time with your car. The first recipient is a 1981 Turbo Esprit, not only owned by Colin Chapman, but also driven by UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. We’re guessing yours won’t have quite the pedigree.
The “For The Drivers” Lotus presentation box contains the Certificate of Provenance, providing the summary of the car’s details including the VIN, paint color, specification and production completion date. It also includes the Build Specification letter, using info from the Lotus archive, providing engine, transmission, standard features and options. Finally, it comes with a personalized letter from CEO Phil Popman, “thanking them for their purchase and updating them on the transformation which is taking place at Lotus.”
The documents are placed inside a presentation box, above a handful of Lotus collectibles including an engraved aluminum plaque (lightweight!) with the owner’s name and info, a leather Lotus keyring, a carbon fiber bookmark featuring the brands most significant race victories, a presentation tin of four badges and a Lotus ink pen.
The Cert will cost about $220, but prices may vary, says Lotus. Check out the US Lotus site to get yours.
Now, about Chapman’s Esprit Turbo. It was allocated to Chapman for his use and was first registered in August of ‘81. The master of “adding lightness” died the next year, young at age 54, and has been in private hands ever since, clocking jut 11,000 miles.
The Esprit is finished in silver diamond paint with the classic ‘80s “Turbo Esprit” decals and includes red leather, air conditioning and a Panasonic radio. Chapman also asked for power steering, the first Esprit to have the tech, a lowered suspension, modified brakes and BBS alloy wheels.
Lotus now has the vehicle in its historic collection.
“What better way to launch our Certificate of Provenance than by showing how it has validated the celebrated history of an iconic and unique Turbo Esprit,” said Popman. “The Lotus archive is a fully cataloged database of information and can provide a wealth of insightful facts on any Lotus car from any era. It’s the perfect gift for a Lotus owner anywhere in the world.”
“This [Esprit] is an iconic and unique car from the Lotus back catalog, personalized by our founder Colin Chapman and with a truly fascinating provenance. It deserves its place in our collection and we’re looking forward to showing it off.”
