PJ Grady Europe

Lotus - Then and Now

This page shows some recent photographs of the DMC offices at the Lotus site in Hethel, Norwich - taken in July 2005. Where possible, these are shown alongside pictures taken of the same buildings back in 1979 / 1980.

Photograph of the Lotus sign in 1980 Photograph of the Lotus sign in 2005

Photograph of the new DMC work area in 1980 Photograph of the building as it is seen today, being a paint workshop

Photograph of the old DMC work area in 1980, with a body tub mould in the workshop Photograph of the building as it is seen today, being a paint workshop

PJ Grady Europe was fortunate enough to be able to visit the old DMC works factory in Hethel. It is now a very successful powder coating company and many thanks to them for allowing us to visit and take these images.

As you can see in the pictures above, the building has not changed apart from some modifications to suit the new ‘Colorcote’ works.

Entering into this building helps tell the story of how the whole DeLorean project came into being.

Photograph of the outside of the DMC work area in 1980 Photograph of the building as it is seen today, being a paint workshop

These photos show the outside of the main building, not a lot has changed its amazing after all these years that the same building can be untouched as it looks today.

Photograph of the inside of the Lotus warehouse working area in 1980 Photograph of the outside of the same building as it is seen today

This is the main hanger were the cars were worked upon by Lotus.

Photograph of the inside of the old DMC building as it is seen today Photograph of the inside of the old DMC building as it is seen today

This part of the factory was used for fibreglass work by DMC. We were told traces of resin can still be found today, making sure the DeLorean mark cannot be forgotten.

Photograph of the inside of the old DMC building as it is seen today Photograph of the inside of the old DMC building as it is seen today - note the damaged roof

These current day photographs show present activities, however 25 years ago there was a ramp in the middle of this workshop. An employee who was there at the time of the DMC operations told us the story behind the damaged roof.

Apparently, when the DeLoreans were on the lifts, the doors were sometimes accidentally left open and they punched holes in the roof!