Lotus Evora Freddie Mercury Edition. Yes, really

Lotus has made a one-off, special edition Evora – the Lotus Evora ‘Freddie Mercury Edition’ – to be auctioned in aid of Mercury Phoenix Trust.

We really weren’t too sure when we got a press release drop in that said “Another Lotus Bites The Dust…” and then went on to say that Lotus are building a one-off Lotus Evora S Freddie Mercury Edition to be auctioned for the Mercury Phoenix Trust. We thought it was a spoof.

We decided it was almost certainly a spoof when the press release went on to say that the Freddie Mercury Edition Evora “…represents a kind of magic” and that the white, red and gold colour scheme was “…inspired by the iconic costume Freddie wore for the 1986 Magic tour”. Definitely a spoof.

And when we saw that the front bumper “…references the Montreux Freddie memorial statue with the line “Lover of life. Singer of songs” taken from the statue’s inscription” we were convinced it was someone having a laugh. So we put it to one side and thought we’d take a look later to see who it was from.

But it’s real. Lotus are making a one-off Lotus Evora Freddie Mercury Edition and they have referenced all the points in the press release in the design. And it will be auctioned off to benefit the Mercury Phoenix Trust on 5th September. Good grief.

Brian May said:

“Our friends at Lotus have donated a stunning Evora S for our auction which I know will be a massive fund-raiser for the Mercury Phoenix Trust. We cannot thank them enough for their generous support on what is a very special occasion for everyone who knew and loved Freddie.”

And Gino Rosato of Lotus said:

“We were only too happy to contribute to this fantastic cause. We have created something very special to raise money for Mercury Phoenix Trust and we hope the car goes to a collector who really enjoys it.”

We may as well go along with this all the way, so we’ve put the press release up below and you can bid on the car by going to www.freddieforaday.com/auction.

Are we turning beige in our old age, or is this just a bit odd?

[EXPAND Click for Lotus Evora Freddie Mercury Edition Press Release]

Another Lotus Bites The Dust…

Lotus announces its latest charitable donation for the hammer to fall on: a bespoke Evora S for the Mercury Phoenix Trust.

CALLING ALL GIRLS and boys – September 5th will see the Savoy Hotel play host to a very special celebration, the 65th birthday of THE HERO, the late, great Freddie Mercury.

DEAR FRIENDS of Freddie will unite in GOOD COMPANY at Freddie’s FLASH birthday bash which is set to be ‘a unique night of comedy and rock and roll’ as the climax to this year’s Freddie For A Day. The highlight of the night will be an auction to raise funds for the Mercury Phoenix Trust, the HIV AIDS charity set-up in his honour by band mates Brian May, Roger Taylor and Queen manager Jim Beach after the singer’s death in 1991.

Forget a BICYCLE RACE, on this special occasion FAT BOTTOMED CARS (forgive us Freddie) is what it’s all about as the bespoke Lotus Evora S headlines the auction alongside fantastic donations from Brian May and Roger Taylor, Top Gear, Raymond Weil, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the West End stage hit ‘WE WILL ROCK YOU‘.

The pearl white MADE IN HEAVEN Evora S with Freddie Mercury inspired theme representsA KIND OF MAGIC combination from the Lotus Design team: the power and prowess of the critically acclaimed Lotus with the dramatic styling befitting of a British rock legend. Featuring deep red and gold highlights this Evora S is well deserving of Freddie’s autograph which is also included in the scheme.

The exterior BODY LANGUAGE features a white, red and gold colour scheme inspired by the iconic costume Freddie wore for the 1986 “Magic tour” and features beautiful silver on white iconography. The front fender references the Montreux Freddie memorial statue with the line “Lover of life. Singer of songs” taken from the statue’s inscription.

Inside, the one-off yellow interior, also inspired by Freddie’s 1986 stage costume, includes a union flag on the back of the seats and the incorporation of a crown hints at Freddie’s playful royal role-play. And it goes without saying that the sound system or more specifically the RADIO, will send the lucky owner GA GA.

Brian May had these words to say of Lotus’ participation: “Our friends at Lotus have donated a stunning Evora S for our auction which I know will be a massive fund-raiser for the Mercury Phoenix Trust. We cannot thank them enough for their generous support on what is a very special occasion for everyone who knew and loved Freddie.”

Group Lotus Director of Corporate Operations Gino Rosato said: “We were only too happy to contribute to this fantastic cause. We have created something very special to raise money for Mercury Phoenix Trust and we hope the car goes to a collector who really enjoys it.”

Although the auctioneer’s final hammer will not fall until late into the night of September 5th, eager buyers don’t have to leave it in the lap of the gods, they can get their offers in well beforehand at: www.freddieforaday.com/auction

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