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British carmaker Lotus has built a gem of a car for its 60th birthday - a diamond-set Europa valued at more than $400,000.
The company unveiled the anniversary model last Sunday at its headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, for its official 60th knees-up.
Lotus says it gave the Europa a complete makeover, including performance upgrades.
Inside, the car has diamond-shaped quilted leather seats and a gear lever and controls featuring sparkling diamonds set in matt black metal.
The diamond scheme is completed with a rev counter and dials that carry diamonds highlighted by hidden LED accent lighting.
Outside, the high-gloss black finish has been adorned with tiny glass flakes, giving the appearance the car has been showered with diamonds.
Tinted glass and black and silver wheels complete the monochrome scheme with a diamond-set Lotus nose-badge.
Says Lotus CEO Mike Kimberley: "I'm always proud to launch a special edition Lotus and this commemorative, bespoke Lotus for our Diamond Anniversary is very special indeed.
"We are a global, high-technology engineering consultancy and sportscar company and reaching this special milestone demonstrates our tenacity and creativity as much as our expertise and professionalism."
British diamond specialists Winsor Bishop supplied Lotus with 164 diamonds worth more than $300,000 for the Europa project.
But despite the glittering result, Lotus says the Europa is the real deal, tuned to sprint from zero to 100km/h in under five seconds and on to a top speed of 250km/h.
