Utah is now home to the first female-owned Lotus dealership in the world

It’s been 75 years since Lotus Cars Limited was founded by Colin Chapman in Hethel, United Kingdom, and until Amy Buckley signed on the dotted line in August 2023, every Lotus dealership in the world has been owned by a male. “Never would I have thought in a million years I’d be in the car business, let alone the first female Lotus dealer principal in the world,” Amy said. But she is, and she’s right here in Utah.

Tom Buckley, dealer principal here in Utah for other brands such as Lamborghini and Bentley, said, “She’s truly a qualified candidate, and she’s already in the arena. Of course Lotus wanted to bring her on.” 

From her extensive experience in the industry to being married to a car fanatic and dealer of exotic cars, Amy has been prepared for this moment in many ways. Her story is inspiring: A tale of grit, hard work and keeping priorities straight. If there is anyone ready to take on representing a world-renowned sports car company, she’s it.

Lotus models like the Emira evoke raw driving experiences and a pure connection to the road. Photo by Lotus Cars.

Leading by example and experience, at home and from behind the desk 

Amy’s first job after graduating from high school was in the panhandle of Florida at a Toyota Mercedes-Benz dealership as a receptionist. “There were hundreds of phone extensions to learn in those days. I answered so many calls every day. It was a steep learning curve,” she said. Her professionalism at the receptionist desk paid off as she started working her way up in the company, first in accounting, and then on to other departments. 

“That was the dealership where Tom and I met. I didn’t have any ambitions to be in the car business, but it just kind of stuck,” she said. From there, Amy covered wherever Tom needed help — but her kids were always number one. “There is nothing that could have pulled me away from being at every game and practice. And now that our kids are older it’s easier for me to step in and take on bigger roles,” she said.

Amy Buckley, the first female Lotus dealer principal in the world stands outside the Lotus dealership in South Jordan, Utah. Photo by Laura Kinser.

Utah and the Lotus legacy

Lotus cars are revered as some of the most driver-centric cars on the road. Models such as the Elise, Exige, Evora, and now the Emira, all evoke raw driving experiences and a pure connection to the road — largely due to the company’s fastidious attention to handling dynamics and weight reduction. So how did such a storied sports car manufacturer bring its brand to Utah? 

“We had Lotus in Nashville, and that relationship has continued,” said Amy. “In a meeting in England, the Lotus representative discussed with us how great it would be, for the first time in 75 years, and with more than 200 dealers, to have a female dealer principal.” After working more than 28 years in the business, she and Lotus knew this partnership was destined to be. 

Shop Lotus models on KSL Cars.

Lotus cars like this Fittipaldi Evija are revered as some of the most driver-centric cars on the road. Photo by Lotus Cars.

Becoming the first female principal is significant to Amy. “I would never want to just check a box,” she said. “It’s amazing. I’m very excited.”

As for the future of Lotus, it’s leaning electric, which may seem at odds with its lightweight, handling-first ethos. However, that shouldn’t make enthusiasts nervous. Founder Chapman said, “Adding power makes you faster on the straights; subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere.” Lotus intends to carry that on in an electric world. 

“Lotus’s whole history is lightweight with incredible handling dynamics,” Amy said. “Though the cars might be heavier, the power-to-weight ratio will always be the focus for Lotus, even with EVs. That’s where Lotus is prepared to excel in the electric field.”

The Lotus Eletre S is one of the models visitors can expect to see at Lotus Salt Lake City. Photo by Lotus Cars.

Representing women

Amy said she enjoys being a businesswoman and working with clients, especially women new to the supercar buying experience. “I try to always seek them out and make them as comfortable as possible,” she said. “I had a client here in Utah tell me that walking through the doors of an exotic dealership can be scary and daunting — and that stuck with me.” 

Amy said she had never considered that before. “I want and try my best to put every customer at ease, but I especially want women to feel comfortable and confident and know that I’m supporting and rooting for them.”

“We have female clients who love cars, who even go out and race their cars. There has been a shift in more women loving these cars, and I can’t wait to work with them,” she added.

Amy’s favorite cars? The Rolls-Royce Wraith and the fourth-generation Toyota Supra — from that first job.

Amy Buckley with husband Tom Buckley, Utah dealer principal for other brands such as Lamborghini and Bentley. Photo by Laura Kinser.

Things that matter most

Across all the brands the Buckleys represent, less than 10% of the dealer body is female-owned, so the honor of being the first female Lotus dealer is a huge deal. But that’s not what matters most to Amy. 

“Don’t get me wrong, the cars are amazing. But for me, the real joy in this is the relationships. So many of those we work with are some of our closest, dearest friends,” she said. “I have zero regrets about any life choices I’ve made. I’m so grateful that I met Tom, and got involved in the car world and now I feel just blessed to be able to do this.”

Still, as much as she enjoys working with clients on the showroom floor, being a mom has always been her first priority. Amy credits much of her success to putting her family first while keeping her feet wet in the automotive industry. 

Lotus Salt Lake City is now open for business in South Jordan, Utah, Monday through Saturday. Photo by Lotus Cars.

“There is no substitute for hard work. You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room or have an Ivy League education, but you do have to work. Put your family first. All the things the world tells you will bring you happiness, they will satisfy temporarily, but you won’t have any regrets about putting family first. It’s not all about the labels or titles. Focus on the things that matter most.” 

Shop Lotus models on KSL Cars.

Lotus Salt Lake City is now open Monday through Saturday for sales, and Monday through Friday for service. Keep up with Utah exotic car news on the KSL Cars Resource page and @KSLCarsOfficial.

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.

About the author: Having owned everything from a DeLorean to an E46 BMW M3 and a Toyota Land Cruiser, Jason Bell is a lifelong car enthusiast who loves sharing his passions as a teacher, automotive journalist and social media manager. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press where he serves on the Board of Directors. Contact him at jasonbellcars@gmail.com.