Owners will bring together six of the world’s rarest Lotus models, with just 26 examples believed to survive worldwide.
Salon Privé has confirmed a unique display of six Lotus Essex Esprit Turbos will gather at Blenheim Palace later this year, bringing together some of the UK’s surviving examples of the rare 1980s icon.
Thought to be the largest ever gathering of the model in its 46-year history, at least six of the 26 surviving Essex Esprits will be on display on Saturday 5 September during the Salon Privé Club Trophy presented by Lockton.
Located on the South Lawn of Blenheim Palace, the special one-day showcase will celebrate one of the most recognisable and sought-after Lotus models ever produced.
Built between 1980 and 1981 to commemorate Lotus’ Formula 1 partnership with the Essex Overseas Petroleum Corporation, only 34 Essex Esprits were ultimately produced from the 100 originally planned. Of these, 23 were right-hand-drive and 11 were left-hand-drive examples.
Today, only 26 cars are believed to survive worldwide, making the Essex Esprit one of the most collectible Lotus road cars ever produced. Powered by a 2.2-litre turbocharged engine producing 210bhp, it was the fastest production Lotus of its era and remains instantly recognisable thanks to its distinctive Essex blue, red and chrome livery.
The special display is being coordinated by Essex Esprit owners and enthusiasts Barrie Cornes and Stephen Tryner in collaboration with Salon Privé. The pair have spent months contacting owners in an effort to reunite as many surviving examples as possible.
While individual Essex Esprits continue to appear at concours events and specialist gatherings around the world, displays featuring multiple examples remain exceptionally rare. Enthusiasts believe the largest known gathering previously consisted of just three cars at a Lotus club event in the early 2000s.
Salon Privé’s display will therefore offer visitors a unique opportunity to see six of the iconic models together in one place. As an added attraction, the only Lotus Essex Elite ever produced will also join the Essex Esprit Turbos at Blenheim Palace.
Now in its 21st year, Salon Privé returns to Blenheim Palace this September with what promises to be its most exciting automotive experience yet, bringing together world-class classic cars, hypercars, luxury brands and hospitality across a five-day celebration of automotive excellence.
Beginning on Wednesday 2 September, the event opens with the world-renowned Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients, showcasing some of the most significant privately owned cars from around the globe. Judged by an international panel of experts, the Concours will feature a curated series of 13 classes spanning automotive history and design.
Event highlights also include Ladies’ Day by Boodles, the Club Trophy presented by Lockton, Supercar Sunday and Lifestyle Club Day, alongside luxury retail experiences and fine dining.
Tickets are available now. For more information and to book, visit salonpriveconcours.com.
