Classic Car Pageant at Priory Park

Hornsey was the birthplace of Lotus. On Saturday 4 July 2026, the Friends of Priory Park mark the park’s centenary year (1926–2026) with a Classic Car Pageant that carries a special significance for the marque.

The day begins as a celebration of classic motoring of every kind. Vehicles will assemble in Priory Park, Hornsey joined by the Whitewebbs Museum of Transport and Horton’s Steam Fair for a full and varied programme.

For Lotus owners, there’s a unique addition. The original Lotus factory and showroom still stands in Hornsey. This was saved from demolition some years ago and will now be incorporated into a development to be known as the Lotus Buildings. At 5.00pm, Lotus cars will leave the park and drive in convoy through Hornsey to the old factory for a photo shoot at the marque’s birthplace, followed by a talk on Lotus in the 1950s given by Chris Arnold in the original showroom. Spaces for the talk are limited and we ask you to please get in touch if you would like to join.

How to take part

Lotus owners: assemble at Priory Park via the Abbeville Road entrance, N8. To take part in the drive and talk, contact Chris Arnold at  or on 07778 056686. Check the North London Classic Car Lovers Facebook group for registration forms and updates. A rare chance to bring a Lotus home to where it all began.

Exhibiting a vehicle in the main pageant? Email  for details.

The Friends of Priory Park are hosting this event as part of their Centenary Celebrations.

Learn about Lotus in Hornsey

Did you know that Hornsey was the birthplace of Lotus cars? Click here to read Hornsey Historical Society’s published article about Colin Chapman, the founder of Lotus Cars.