It’s been many, many years since MotorMartin was last in a Lotus but the feeling of go-cart like handling, coupled with a rev happy motor and stunning good looks, is one that’s not easy to forget. Indeed Lotus is surely one of Britain’s most recognisable brands, after all, if it’s good enough for Bond… And through it all, the legacy left by Colin Chapman, is alive and well throughout the current range and surely deserving of a wider audience.
Which brings us nicely onto the following news whereby leading London car dealer Hexagon has opened a new Lotus showroom at its flagship headquarters on Great North Road in East Finchley.
Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales joined Hexagon Chairman Paul Michaels to open the new showroom earlier this week, which features the full range of new Lotus cars from the Elise right up to the incredible 3-Eleven, Lotus’ fastest production car ever.
MotorMartin has been made aware that the new Lotus showroom is a key part of Hexagon’s flagship East Finchley site, called The Hexagon, which has been rapidly redeveloped over the last four months with space for over 50 modern classic and classic cars.
The aim of The Hexagon is to bring together classic cars, new Lotus models and luxury lifestyle like no other location in London, with each element carefully chosen to represent the finest in its field. A coffee bar and design store will open soon with a restaurant headed up by a Michelin-starred chef opening later this year. It’s great to see that dealerships are finally moving towards becoming a destination and somewhere that will make the whole car buying process as exciting as the car itself.
Hexagon is Lotus’ official London dealer and also sells the full range from its South Kensington showroom. This announcement is the latest in a long relationship between Hexagon and Lotus. Hexagon was a Lotus dealer from 1964 to 1976, and its north London headquarters, which also offer full servicing and aftercare, are just a stone’s throw from Lotus’ original base in Hornsey, where Colin Chapman and his team built the first models in the ‘50s.
Hexagon Chairman Paul Michaels, shared with MotorMartin that: “Redevelopment of our East Finchley flagship site is going at full speed – and the opening of our Lotus showroom is another important milestone. I was delighted to welcome Jean-Marc to north London this week and show him just why The Hexagon will be a welcoming and vibrant environment that will act as a real destination for all – not just car enthusiasts.”
Jean-Marc Gales, Chief Executive Officer for Group Lotus plc, also informed MotorMartin that: “It was with real pride that we announced our partnership with Hexagon last year – a dealer who has a long association with the Lotus brand. I said at the time that Hexagon gives us an absolutely first-class presence in London, but this new flagship showroom in East Finchley has exceeded even our expectations. It blends modern design and luxury with a really welcoming feel and is the perfect home for our Lotus range in London.”
So there you have it. Lotus and Hexagon working together at last. MotorMartin wishes you every success. And don’t forget that I can be available for a drive any time.
Where will you go?