Lotus to sell limited-edition Europa

This year Lotus celebrates its 60th birthday and to mark the occasion, the British sports car manufacturer has produced a real gem of a car – a fully customised, diamond-set
Lotus Europa valued at £150,000 which will be launched at Lotus’ birthday celebrations in Hethel, Norfolk on Sunday 14th September 2008.

The car’s interior boasts the finest quality leather for a superior quilted trim, whilst the bespoke gear knob and controls feature sparkling diamonds set in matt black metal. The diamond scheme is completed with a specially designed rev counter and speed dials that feature diamonds highlighted by hidden LED lighting. An exclusive paint finish has been applied to the Europa: a high-gloss black base has been adorned with tiny glass flakes giving the appearance that the car has been showered with diamonds. Tinted glass and black and silver wheels complete the monochrome scheme. A diamond set Lotus nose-badge crowns the car.

The diamond anniversary Europa project was championed by Winsor Bishop, East Anglia’s premier diamond specialists who are supplying Lotus with around £111,000 worth of diamonds for the car. All the flash doesn’t mean the car’s not quick: it achieves a 0-60mph in less than 5 seconds and a maximum speed of 146mph, more than enough to satisfy thrill-seekers. Not to forget the fact that it will go around corners like only a Lotus can.
Make sure you’ve got a BIG padlock on your garage door if you’re planning on buying one of these: parking it in the driveway wouldn’t be the smartest thing to do.