sportscar

BRITAIN’S top sprotscar manufacturer is axing more than 500 jobs from its UK headquarters.

Half of the brand’s current workforce is facing the sack with president Trumps controversial tariffs said to have played a major role in the shock announcement.

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Lotus is reported to be sacking half the workforce at its factory and HQ at Hethel near Wymondham, Norfolk.

The surprise move is said to be part of a major restructuring within the firm.

A spokesman for Lotus, owned by Chinese giant Geely, confirmed that the job losses highlighted “rapid changes in global policies including tariffs”.

It comes after Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds had a meeting with Lotus bosses earlier this year.

Reynolds said afterwards he was reassured that the manufacturer was committed to the UK despite rumours that it was considering moving production to the US or Poland.

The firm said at the time it had “no plans to close the factory”, but added: “We are actively exploring strategic options to enhance efficiency and ensure global competitiveness in the evolving market.”

It is understood that Lotus had a meeting with local MPs and councillors to explain its restructuring plans and outline the job cuts.

The shocking move is expected to be finalised in December with up to 500 workers now facing the boot.

Lotus said it would also look at increasing integration across the wider Lotus group as part of the shake up.

A spokesperson said the firm “remains fully committed to the UK”, with Norfolk remaining the home of its sports car, motorsports and engineering consulting operations.

South Norfolk MP Ben Goldsborough said it was a “very difficult day for Lotus and for many families in our community.”

He said he would be on hand to support workers affected by the sweeping cuts.

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A SUPERCHARGED pre-war Alfa Romeo “classic sportscar” Torpedo is being put up for auction and could sell for more than £3.75m.

This could make it among the world’s most expensive cars, when aligned with pre-auction estimates.

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The Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 is a sports car that dominated in racing during its time in the 1930s, establishing new standards for high-performance cars.

It captured multiple wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 1000 Miglia, leading the Alfa Romeo to sell a street version of the vehicle.

The 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Torpédo will be up for grabs at the Gooding Christie’s Pebble Beach Auctions from August 15 to 16.

This one features original open coachwork by famed Parisian coachbuilder Joseph Figoni, with desirable Monza cowl.

As a bare chassis, these vehicles were available on the road in both short and long-wheelbase models, with coachwork that could be commissioned by the customer.

It could be done through firms such as Touring, Zagato, and lesser known Carrosserie Figoni, that provided a high quality build, fine woodwork, luxurious interiors and elegant styling.

Figoni is said to have outfitted seven road-going 8C 2300s between 1932 and 1935 on a built-to-order basis.

The striking two-seater Torpedo that is displayed on the 1933 vehicle was ordered to Paris by Alfa Romeo’s first owner, Louis Jeantet.

It includes a rare Alfa Romeo Paris badge, a folding soft top with exposed bows, long fenders, a separate trunk, and dual-mounted spares.

French luxury car authors, Peter M. Larsen and Ben Erickson, described the car as having: “A body that would be plain from the hand of any other carrossier, but its austerity is alleviated by handsome and perfectly balanced proportions that achieve an understated yet exciting look…

“It is a classic sportscar style conceived at the cusp in time just before aerodynamic thinking changed car design forever.”

There are no side windows on the cars vody, or curtains, beltine or other ornamentation.

Nevertheless, the 8C 2300 boasts an all-aluminium 2.3L twin-cam straight eight that is supercharged to produce 138 horsepower.

It has been dubbed the “premier prewar Italian sports car”, with 140 BHP at 4,800 RPM.

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Last year, another iconic Le Mans racing car hit auctions, and was expected to sell for an eye-popping £7million.

It was a 1954 Jaguar D-Type, that clocked a blistering 172.97 miles per hour.

And earlier this year, another rare Alfa Romeo supercar was bought by a British man to impress his wife on their 1956 honeymoon.

He bought an Alfa Romeo 8C from 1932, for £3million at auction.