Lotus launches certificate of provenance program for owners

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 26.08.2020

Colin Chapman’s personal Esprit, recently purchased by Lotus, will be the first recipient of the factory’s historical validation

Lotus is launching a new Certificate of Provenance program, providing owners around the globe with vehicle provenance documents as well as a number of Lotus collectibles.

The lightweight sportscar maker has also revealed that the first recipient of the historical certification is the one-off 1981 Esprit Turbo, which acted as the last ‘company car’ for Lotus’ found Colin Chapman before his death in 1982.

We had spotted Chapman’s car for sale in the UK back in June, with Lotus having recently acquired it for an unknown sum. The manufacturer states that they intend to keep the founder’s car in the company’s collection following a sympathetic restoration.

Lotus’ Certificate of Provenance is catered towards owners of Lotus car from any era, and may even be bought on behalf of family and friends as gifts.

Packaged in a Lotus ‘For the Driver’s presentation box, the package includes:

-The Certificate of Provenance – which provides a summary of the car’s details including VIN, paint colour and specification, as well as the date on which the car was completed at the Hethel factory.

-The Build Specification Letter – providing more in-depth vehicle details from the Lotus archive: with information on engine, transmission, standard features and optional extras.

-A personalised letter from Lotus Cars CEO, Phil Popham

The three documents of provenance are housed within the presentation box along with a number of other Lotus-branded collectibles, including an aluminium plaque engraved with the owner’s name and vehicle information; a leather Lotus keyring; a carbon fibre bookmark which features the brand’s nine most significant motorsport achievements; a presentation tin of four badges; and a Lotus ink pen.

For Lotus owners around Australia, the Certificate of Provenance is available throughout global Lotus retailers. UK list price is pegged at £170 (AU$279) plus postage, however local prices may vary.

Classic Australian Family Car Value Guide home page

Muscle Car Value Guide home page

Japanese Classic Car Value Guide home page

Recent auction results

Unique Cars magazine Value Guides

Sell your car for free right here