Lotus car enthusiasts reunite at Hethel factory in Norfolk

The series three Lotus Esprit, built by the sports car firm's factory in Hethel between 1982 to 1988, is a rear-wheel drive collector's item with its distinctive wedge shape.

The first edition of the Esprit received global attention when it featured in a James Bond film, starring as the fictional submarine car in Roger Moore's The Spy Who Loved Me in 1977 to earn the model a high-profile reputation.

Only 3,041 of the series three were produced and four of them were brought together for a stylish get-together for the first time since 1993 at Hethel on Thursday.

From left: Debbie and Chris Cole, Barrie and Emma Cornes, Mel and Gary Parkin and Brian and Barbara Berry, who made the trip (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

Barrie Cornes, one of the eight people who returned, said: "There was a group started for Esprit owners and we used to meet once a month in Harlow.

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"At any point there would have been roughly 30 cars but over the years the numbers have dwindled down to six or seven of us and we've all kept really close.

From left: Chris Cole, Barrie Cornes, Gary Parkin and Brian Berry who made the same trip 30 years ago in the same Lotus Esprit (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

"The models we have vary between 1984 to 1986 but they're all largely original and still great to drive.

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"It started out having common ground owning the same car, but we've been to weddings and spent Christmas together.

A cutting of Lotus cars enthusiasts during their visit to the Norfolk factory 30 years ago, with Barrie Cornes pictured second right (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

"The cars brought us together but we've been friends for 30 years now, which is why this trip is so special."

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The group received a tour around Classic Team Lotus, showing the manufacturer's years in Formula One as well as its many track cars, before going back to the factory itself.

Barrie Cornes said The cars brought us together, but we've remained friends for 30 years now (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

Barrie, from Berkshire, added: "You won't see a better collection anywhere else.

"The whole experience has been great and it's amazing to see just how much the factory has changed.

The Series Three Lotus Esprit was built between 1982 and 1988 with 3,041 made (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

"It's very modern and sophisticated but you can still see the passion from everyone about the cars remains."

The group visited the Classic Lotus Team and Lotus factory (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)