Historic Lotus Register to make NEC show debut

The Historic Lotus Register will make its first appearance at the NEC classic motor show this year.

In keeping with the 'family ties' theme of this year’s show, the register has arranged a selection of seven cars, each of which tells the story of the marque.

The Mark VI was the Lotus’ initial 'production model' while the Twelve, the Eleven, the Elite Type 14, and the Seven will all be celebrating their 60th anniversary at the show.

The Twelve, which became the first Lotus Formula One entry, and the Eleven, which won the 1957 Index of Performance at Le Mans, were the result of Colin Chapman's pioneering experiments into the use of aerodynamics on a racing car.

The London Motor Show of that same year saw the debut of the Elite - one of the greatest sports cars of the post-war era and the first vehicle in the world with a self-supporting GRP body. 

Twelve Registrar Mike Bennett is also making a bid to for longest journey to the show – he's travelling from Adelaide, Australia, to help out on the stand.

As for the Seven, it is a true automotive icon and the register will be presenting three examples at the NEC, from an early Series One model to a Series 2 - the Lotus forever associated with television show The Prisoner.

Showgoers will also be able to see one of only three third generation SS 'Super Seven' Twin Cams known to exist in the UK. This has been the property of Philip Jewell, the register’s event officer, since 2004.

Philip said, ‘This is our first time at the NEC and we are thrilled at the chance to celebrate Lotus’ past and to welcome a new generation of enthusiasts to our stand.’

The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, returns to Birmingham’s NEC from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 November. For more information, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com.