Lotus Esprit Series 4

The Esprit Series 4, introduced for the 1988 model year, was a significant evolution of Lotus's iconic mid-engine sports car. Penned by Peter Stevens, who would later design the McLaren F1, the S4 featured smoother, more contemporary bodywork than its sharp-edged Giugiaro predecessor. Power still came from a turbocharged 2.2-liter 4-cylinder, but the interior received much-needed updates, making it a more comfortable and usable machine.

The S4 generation is highly desirable for offering a more modern aesthetic while retaining the raw, analog driving dynamics the Esprit is known for. This era saw the introduction of more powerful variants like the 264 hp SE, the 300 hp S4S, and the ultimate evolution, the twin-turbo Esprit V8 in 1996. These later models, especially the rare Sport 300 and Sport 350, represent the pinnacle of the Esprit's 28-year production run and are the most sought-after by collectors.

The market for the S4 and its successors is broad, reflecting the wide variety of models and conditions available. The average price of around $58,000 shows that quality examples are still accessible compared to Italian contemporaries. However, values for low-mileage, special edition cars like the V8-powered Sport 350 can easily exceed $100,000, indicating strong demand for the best of the breed. As '90s supercars continue to appreciate, the Esprit's upward trend is likely to continue.

Prices for late-model Esprits range from $12,500 for project cars to $220,000 for rare, top-spec variants.