A remarkable gathering of six Lotus Essex Esprit Turbos will take place at Salon Privé 2026 this September, bringing together some of the rarest surviving examples of the iconic 1980s sports car for what is believed to be the largest assembly in its 46-year history.
The display at Blenheim Palace will feature at least six of the 26 remaining Essex Esprits, which are expected to appear on Saturday 05 September on the South Lawn during the Salon Privé Club Trophy presented by Lockton. The one-day showcase will offer visitors a rare opportunity to see multiple examples of one of Lotus’ most distinctive and collectible models in a single setting.
Produced between 1980 and 1981, the Lotus Esprit Essex edition was created to mark Lotus’ Formula 1 partnership with Essex Overseas Petroleum Corporation. Of the 100 originally planned cars, just 34 were built, comprising both right- and left-hand-drive variants, and only 26 are believed to survive worldwide today.
Powered by a 2.2-litre turbocharged engine producing 210 bhp, the Essex Esprit was among the fastest production cars of its era. It is best known for its striking Essex blue, red and chrome livery, which has since become one of the most recognisable design schemes in Lotus’ history.
While individual Essex Esprits have appeared at concours events around the world, coordinated gatherings of multiple examples remain exceptionally rare. Enthusiasts believe the largest previous assembly featured just three cars at a Lotus club event in the early 2000s, underlining the significance of this year’s display.
The 2026 reunion has been coordinated by owners and enthusiasts working with Salon Privé organisers to locate and bring together surviving cars from across the UK and overseas. Alongside the Esprit Turbos, the only Lotus Essex Elite ever produced will also be displayed, adding further historical context to the showcase.
Salon Privé Chairman Andrew Bagley said the gathering represents one of the most significant model reunions in the event’s history, reflecting the show’s continued focus on landmark automotive displays alongside its broader programme of concours, supercars and luxury lifestyle events.
Now in its 21st year, Salon Privé returns to Blenheim Palace from Wednesday 02 to Sunday 06 September 2026, featuring highlights including the Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients, Ladies’ Day by Boodles, Supercar Sunday and Lifestyle Club Day.
For collectors and enthusiasts, however, the Essex Esprit display is set to be one of the standout moments of the week — a rare chance to see a near-mythical group of Lotus icons reunited in one of England’s most celebrated stately home settings.
