A group of eight people recently gathered at the Lotus factory in Hethel to showcase their collection of series three Lotus Esprit cars. The series three Lotus Esprit, which was produced between 1982 and 1988, is a highly sought-after collector’s item due to its distinctive wedge shape. The Esprit gained global recognition when it appeared as a fictional submarine car in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me in 1977. This exposure helped to establish the Esprit as a high-profile sports car.
Only 3,041 series three Lotus Esprit cars were produced, making them a rare find for collectors. Four of these cars were brought together for the first time since 1993 for a stylish get-together at the Lotus factory. The event was attended by Barrie Cornes and his wife Emma, along with their friends Chris and Debbie Cole, Mel and Gary Parkin, and Brian and Barbara Berry. These individuals had formed a close-knit group of Esprit owners and had been meeting regularly over the years. Though the number of attendees had dwindled down to six or seven, the group had remained tight-knit and had formed lasting friendships.
The owners of the series three Lotus Esprit cars have maintained the originality of their vehicles, which were manufactured between 1984 and 1986. Despite their age, the cars are still enjoyable to drive and provide a unique experience on the road. The group of owners forged their bond through their mutual love of the Lotus Esprit but have since attended weddings and spent Christmas together, solidifying their friendship over the course of three decades. The recent gathering at the Lotus factory was a special occasion for the group, as it allowed them to reconnect and celebrate their shared passion for the Esprit.
During their visit, the group received a tour of the Classic Team Lotus, where they learned about the manufacturer’s history in Formula One racing and viewed various track cars produced by Lotus. Afterward, they explored the Lotus factory and marveled at the modern and sophisticated facilities, all the while appreciating the continued passion of the staff for the cars they produce. The owners expressed their admiration for the collection of series three Lotus Esprit cars and the changes they observed at the factory. It was a memorable experience that reinforced their love for the iconic sports car.
