The breathtaking panorama of the Stelvio Pass provided the backdrop for the meeting celebrating the 75th anniversary of Lotus Cars: on the historic road on which the Lotus Elise was tested in 1995.
Automotive enthusiasts and Lotus aficionados from around the world gathered in the picturesque town of Trafoi, nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps. The event took place at the renowned Hotel Bella Vista, making it a memorable rendezvous for Lotus fans and automotive history enthusiasts alike.
From a shelter for carriages and horses to the starting point of the ‘World’s Highest Car Race Trafoi-Stelvio’, the history of the Bella Vista Hotel is closely linked to that of the Stelvio Pass road and the cars that have travelled its hairpin bends: This is why Elisa Artioli chose the Thöni family hotel, located on the 46th hairpin bend of the pass
The Lotus Stelvio Meeting, which spanned several days, was a fitting tribute to the British automaker’s rich legacy of speed, innovation, and engineering excellence. Lotus, founded by Colin Chapman in 1948, has become synonymous with lightweight sports cars and Formula 1 racing success.
CELEBRATING YEAR
Lotus celebrated this important birthday with a series of events around the world, including the launch of the all-new Lotus Emeya electric hyper-GT, officially unveiled to the public on Friday 7 September.
Elisa Artioli organized the Stelvio meeting with Lotus Italia as an official partner, marking a great return to this wonderful area. In fact as we mentioned before, the Stelvio Pass road, which connects Valtellina to Val Venosta, was chosen in the 1990s as the track to test the then innovative MMC brakes of the Lotus Elise under extreme road conditions.
The gathering showcased the evolution of Lotus cars over the decades, emphasizing their commitment to precision engineering and driving pleasure.
The scenic Passo dello Stelvio, with its winding mountain roads and breathtaking vistas, provided the perfect backdrop for driving , putting Lotus cars’ renowned handling and performance to the test.
The hotel’s stunning views of the surrounding mountains added to the overall charm of the gathering.
Throughout the event, participants had the chance to engage in Lotus-themed discussions, share their passion for the brand, and exchange stories of their Lotus ownership experiences. It was a time for both seasoned Lotus enthusiasts and newcomers to appreciate the brand’s heritage and the sense of community it fosters.
GALA DINNER AND LOTUS CARS ITALIA
Saturday there was the gala dinner, where attendees celebrated Lotus’s 75 years of automotive excellence with speeches from Lotus Italia, and the display of the Eletre, the Hyper-SUV. It was a fitting conclusion to a gathering that honored Lotus’s remarkable journey from a small garage operation to a globally recognized name in the automotive industry.
As the Meeting came to a close, participants left with unforgettable memories of driving their beloved Lotus cars through the challenging Stelvio Pass and forging new friendships with like-minded enthusiasts. This celebration of Lotus’s 75th anniversary reaffirmed the enduring appeal of Lotus cars and the passionate community that continues to support the brand.
The Lotus Stelvio Meeting was not just a celebration of the past but a testament to Lotus’s enduring legacy, promising an exciting future for this iconic British automaker.
Thank to
- Lotus Italia
- Media Team: @abgehoben.media @chaosisaaa @clippedmedia @roadcarandi
- Thöni-Gander family for the warm welcome
- Hotel Interalpen
- Albergo Folgore
