Image: Barrie Cornes’ Lotus Essex pictured winning the Lotus Drivers Club, Club Trophy at Salon Privé 2022 

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 automotive. Thought to be the largest ever gathering of the iconic model in its 46-year history, at least six of the 26 existing Essex Esprits will be on view on Saturday 5 September. 

Displayed on the South Lawn of Blenheim Palace on the day of the Salon Privé Club Trophy presented by Lockton, the special one-day Lotus display will celebrate one of the marque’s most recognisable and sought-after models ever produced. 

Built between 1980 and 1981 to celebrate Lotus' Formula 1 Partnership with the Essex Overseas Petroleum Corporation, just 34 of the 100 originally planned Essex Esprits were actually produced, comprising 23 right-hand-drive and 11 left-hand-drive examples.  

Today, only 26 cars are believed to survive globally, making the Essex Esprit one of the most collectible Lotus road cars ever produced. Featuring a 2.2 litre turbocharged engine, it was the fastest production car of its time, pushing out 210 bhp, and is instantly recognisable due to its distinctive Essex blue, red and chrome Essex livery. 

The special display is being coordinated by Essex Esprit owners and enthusiasts Barrie Cornes and Stephen Tryner alongside Salon Privé, who have spent months contacting Essex owners in an effort to reunite as many surviving examples as possible.  

While individual Essex Esprits continue to appear at events and concours displays around the world, gatherings of multiple examples remain exceptionally rare. Enthusiasts believe the largest known gathering was three cars at a Lotus club event in the early 2000s, underpinning the significance of Salon Privé’s display, which will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to see six of the iconic models together. As an added bonus, the only Lotus Essex Elite ever produced will also be joining the Essex Esprit Turbos at Salon Privé in September. 

Barrie Cornes, Lotus Essex Esprit owner, said: "The Essex Esprit represents a fascinating chapter in Lotus history and remains one of the most recognisable cars the company has ever produced. Because so few of the cars survive, opportunities to see multiple examples together are incredibly rare. I’m excited to be part of this reunion at Salon Privé - it will be a fantastic celebration of the model and its legacy." 

Andrew Bagley, Chairman and co-founder of Salon Privé, said: "Over our 20 years, we have a proud history of bringing together some of the world's most significant automotive gatherings at Salon Privé, from record-breaking Bentley displays to landmark celebrations of Aston Martin and De Tomaso models. To welcome what is set to be one of the most significant  gatherings of the Essex Esprits ever assembled is certain to be a highlight of our 2026 event and a very special moment for Lotus enthusiasts." 

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 launches with the world-renowned Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients, which will showcase some of the most significant privately-owned cars from around the globe, judged by an international panel of experts across a curated series of 13 classes. Salon Privé 2026 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. 

For details on how to book tickets to attend, visit https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/