A diamond embellished Europa was one of the attractions at yesterday's open event for Lotus's 60th birthday.

The car's badge and interior trim was studded with more than £100,000 worth of precious stones.

More than 10,000 people arrived at Lotus's Hethel headquarters in Norfolk from across the UK and abroad.

The event displayed the Evora, the 2+2 coupe which Lotus unveiled at the British Motor Show in July.

Chief executive Michael Kimberley said it will be right to launch the car next year when the economy has stabilised.