Lotus Esprit
Famed for its sharp Giugiaro wedge design and its role as a submarine car in 'The Spy Who Loved Me', the Esprit's a collector favorite. It's prized for offering an exotic, analog driving experience at a relatively accessible price point.
Lotus Esprit sold for a median of $43,862 over the last 12 months, based on 51 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $34,889 and $68,850. 111 currently for sale.
Get new Lotus Esprit listings by email
Seen across 11 sites in the last 30 days.
Lotus Esprit Specsacross 6 versions
- Horsepower
- 160–350 hp
- Torque
- 140–295 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph
- 4.2–6.8s
- Top Speed
- 138–175 mph
- Curb Weight
- 2,200–2,900 lbs
Lotus Esprit prices by version
| Version | Median sale | Middle 50% | Auction sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Esprit Series 4 | $53k | $37k–$72k | 20 |
| Esprit Series 3 & Turbo | $36k | $30k–$43k | 12 |
| Esprit V8 | $78k | $75k–$86k | 8 |
| Esprit X180 | $37k | $35k–$40k | 5 |
| Esprit Series 2 | $41k | – | 3 |
Auction sales in the last 12 months; prices leave out salvage and other branded titles.
Lotus Esprit prices by year
| Year | Median (3 yrs) | Middle 50% | Sales (3 yrs) | For sale now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | – | – | 0 | 3 |
| 1977 | $38k | $28k–$64k | 9 | 4 |
| 1978 | $32k | – | 2 | 5 |
| 1979 | $35k | $26k–$41k | 4 | 3 |
| 1983 | $43k | $31k–$55k | 8 | 3 |
| 1984 | $37k | $33k–$38k | 5 | 5 |
| 1985 | $32k | $27k–$38k | 7 | 0 |
| 1986 | – | – | 0 | 3 |
| 1987 | $36k | $36k–$54k | 5 | 4 |
| 1988 | $38k | $36k–$43k | 11 | 16 |
| 1989 | $20k | – | 3 | 4 |
| 1990 | $28k | $26k–$31k | 6 | 9 |
| 1991 | – | – | 0 | 5 |
| 1992 | – | – | 0 | 1 |
| 1993 | – | – | 0 | 6 |
| 1994 | $34k | $33k–$48k | 5 | 9 |
| 1995 | $40k | $32k–$47k | 11 | 4 |
| 1997 | $63k | $61k–$71k | 5 | 3 |
| 1998 | $51k | $48k–$53k | 6 | 3 |
| 1999 | $58k | $56k–$64k | 7 | 0 |
| 2000 | $84k | $73k–$89k | 5 | 0 |
| 2001 | $68k | $46k–$79k | 11 | 5 |
| 2002 | $83k | $78k–$89k | 6 | 6 |
| 2003 | $78k | $74k–$89k | 8 | 0 |
| 2004 | $98k | $95k–$107k | 4 | 0 |
Auction sales in the last 3 years; prices leave out salvage and other branded titles.
Listings
Lotus Esprit Submodels
The Lotus Esprit's incredible 28-year production run began in 1976 with a sharp, wedge-shaped body designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. It gained international fame as a submarine car in the 1977 James Bond film 'The Spy Who Loved Me'. Early cars used a 2.0L 4-cylinder, but the model evolved significantly with the addition of a turbocharger in 1980 and a major redesign by Peter Stevens in 1987.
Collectors are drawn to the Esprit for its pure, analog driving experience and exotic looks at a relatively accessible price point. The mid-engine layout and Lotus's expertise in chassis tuning deliver exceptional handling. The lineup offers distinct choices, from the original Giugiaro 'folded paper' cars to the more powerful Stevens and later Thomson redesigns. The 1996 introduction of Lotus's own 3.5L twin-turbo V8 finally gave the car the supercar-level power its chassis always deserved.
The Esprit market is wide, reflecting the car's long history and many variations. Entry-level 4-cylinder cars and projects can still be found for under $30,000. Well-sorted Turbo models from the 1980s and 1990s occupy the middle of the market, typically trading from $40,000 to $70,000. At the top, pristine, low-mileage V8 models, especially final-year cars and special editions like the Sport 350, can easily exceed $100,000.
Buying Tips
- The steel backbone chassis is prone to rust, particularly at the suspension mounting points. Get a pre-purchase inspection on a lift to check the frame's integrity.
- On 4-cylinder models, verify the timing belt has been replaced at recommended intervals. For V8s, listen for any bottom-end noise and check for meticulous service records, as they can be costly to rebuild.
- The fiberglass body can hide poor accident repairs. Look for inconsistent panel gaps, stress cracks, and paint defects. Also check for a sagging headliner and test all electronics, which can be troublesome.
- Overheating is a common issue. Ensure the cooling system, including the radiator, hoses, and electric fans, is in excellent condition.
Prices range from $9,000 for project cars to $220,000 for exceptional, late-model examples.
797 Lotus Esprit vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 111 currently live.
Data sourced from auction results and dealer and private listings, including Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, Mecum, RM Sotheby’s and eBay Motors. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lotus Esprit cost?
Over the last 12 months, Lotus Esprit sold for a median of $43,862 across 51 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $34,889 and $68,850. There are 111 currently for sale.
How many Lotus Esprit listings are for sale right now?
There are 111 Lotus Esprit listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.
How fast is a Lotus Esprit?
Across its 6 versions, the Lotus Esprit does 0-60 mph in 4.2–6.8 seconds and tops out at 138–175 mph.
How much horsepower does a Lotus Esprit have?
Across its 6 versions, the Lotus Esprit makes 160–350 hp.