Lotus Esprit Series 4
The Series 4 Esprit ushered in a modern era with its smoother Peter Stevens design while retaining its potent turbocharged performance. These models offer a classic 90s supercar experience, with values climbing for well-maintained examples of the S4, S4S, and later V8.
Lotus Esprit Series 4 sold for a median of $53,000 over the last 12 months, based on 19 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $38,972 and $72,750. 19 currently for sale.
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Lotus Esprit Series 4 Specs
- Engine
- 3.5L Twin-Turbo V8
- Horsepower
- 285 hp
- Torque
- 290 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph
- 4.4s
- Top Speed
- 175 mph
- Curb Weight
- 2,900 lbs
Lotus Esprit Series 4 prices by year
| Year | Median (3 yrs) | Middle 50% | Sales (3 yrs) | For sale now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | $34k | $33k–$48k | 5 | 10 |
| 1995 | $40k | $32k–$47k | 11 | 4 |
| 1997 | $63k | $61k–$71k | 5 | 0 |
| 1998 | $51k | $48k–$53k | 6 | 1 |
| 1999 | $57k | $55k–$60k | 5 | 0 |
| 2000 | $81k | $67k–$104k | 4 | 0 |
| 2001 | $47k | $45k–$72k | 7 | 2 |
| 2002 | $86k | $80k–$90k | 5 | 2 |
| 2003 | $81k | $75k–$98k | 6 | 0 |
| 2004 | $100k | – | 3 | 0 |
Auction sales in the last 3 years; prices leave out salvage and other branded titles.
Listings
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.
Buying Tips
- Inspect the fiberglass body for stress cracks, especially around the A-pillars, door hinges, and suspension mounting points.
- Check the steel backbone chassis for corrosion. Problem areas include the suspension attachment points and the engine cradle.
- The Renault UN1 transaxle can be a weak point, particularly on higher-horsepower models. Feel for difficult shifting or listen for excessive whining.
- Verify the service history. The timing belt service is critical on both the 4-cylinder (every 24k miles/4 years) and V8 (every 36k miles/4 years) engines.
- Test all electrical components thoroughly, from the pop-up headlights and electric windows to the air conditioning and dashboard gauges.
320 Lotus Esprit Series 4 vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 19 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 Series 4 cost?
Over the last 12 months, Lotus Esprit Series 4 sold for a median of $53,000 across 19 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $38,972 and $72,750. There are 19 currently for sale.
How many Lotus Esprit Series 4 listings are for sale right now?
There are 19 Lotus Esprit Series 4 listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.