How The Lotus Esprit Became A Legendary Supercar – 50 Years In The Spotlight

From a silver screen star to a true British automotive legend, the Lotus Esprit has captivated enthusiasts for five decades. This September, the Concours of Elegance 2025 will honour this milestone with a stunning showcase of ten remarkable examples. These will highlight the evolution of this groundbreaking sports car.

A Tribute to an Icon

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Hampton Court Palace, Club Lotus will present a hand-picked selection of Esprits on Saturday, 6th September. These models span the Esprit’s 28-year production run. They range from the sharp-edged elegance of the original Giugiaro-designed Series 1 to the aggressive stance of the final V8 models. Visitors will witness the full journey of one of Britain’s most innovative and beloved supercars.

The Birth of a Legend

Unveiled at the 1975 Paris Motor Show, the Esprit’s bold wedge-shaped design turned heads instantly. Just two years later, it became an icon when it transformed into a submarine in The Spy Who Loved Me. This secured its place in popular culture. But beyond its cinematic fame, the Esprit embodied Lotus founder Colin Chapman’s philosophy – lightweight construction, razor-sharp handling, and thrilling performance. Whether naturally aspirated, turbocharged, or powered by a twin-turbo V8, the Esprit remained a driver’s car at heart.

Engineering Excellence on Display

The Concours will offer a rare chance to see the Esprit’s evolution up close. From the early naturally aspirated models to the high-performance Turbo and V8 versions, each stage of development will be represented. Highlights include the ultra-rare Essex Turbo Esprit and the lightweight Sport 300, both demonstrating Lotus’s relentless pursuit of engineering excellence.

Concours of Elegance CEO James Brooks-Ward shared his enthusiasm: “The Esprit represents everything that made Lotus special. It challenged the supercar elite with innovative design, cutting-edge engineering, and the unmistakable Lotus driving experience. We are delighted to celebrate its 50th anniversary with this exceptional display.”

A Must-See Event

The Lotus Esprit showcase is part of the Concours of Elegance’s rotating car club display programme. This ensures fresh content for visitors each day. Alongside the Esprit tribute, attendees can enjoy the main Concours display featuring 70 rare and significant vehicles. There will also be a special celebration of Formula One’s 75th anniversary.

If you regularly visit our website or follow us on social media we will be running a competition in the coming months, where we will have 5 pairs of tickets to give away, so make sure you enter our competition. Competitions here.

Cannot wait for our competition, or don’t want to leave it to chance, then buy your tickets Here.

What’s Your Favourite Esprit?

Do you have a favourite Esprit model? Perhaps the sleek Series 1 or the mighty V8? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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