Lotus has decided to join the trend many automakers are doing these days, and start their own, in house, factory certification program. OK, Programme, if you’re British. Essentially what the Lotus Certificate of Provenance does is verify the provenance or background of your Lotus car. The debut car happens to be a lovely 1981 Turbo Esprit, authenticated as Lotus founder Colin Chapman’s last “company car.”

Certificate of Provenance: Contents & Items

The new Certificate of Provenance program is open to owners of Lotus cars from any era; it doesn’t have to be an antique. If you want to buy yourself a Lotus Certificate of Provenance – or buy one for someone as a gift (nice idea!) – it comes in a distinctive “For The Drivers” presentation box.
Inside the box, you’ll find a bunch of goodies. First, there’s the Certificate of Provenance itself, which is printed on premium paper. The certificate provides a summary of the car’s details, such as the VIN, paint color, and specifications.

The certificate also notes the date on which the car completed its production at the Hethel factory and was passed out of the gates and onto the Lotus sales team. You’ll also find a Build Specification Letter. This shows detailed vehicle information from the Lotus archive and gives a more in-depth picture of your Lotus, including its engine, transmission, standard features, and optional extras. The third doc...