Lotus Esprit
Built from 1976 to 2004 with 160 to 350 hp, as a coupe with a manual or automatic gearbox.
- 30-day volume
- $218k↑ 150% on the prior 30 days
- 30-day new listings
- 57↑ 111% on the prior 30 days
- For sale now
- 110
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Seen across 11 sites in the last 30 days.
Lotus Esprit prices
| Name | Median sale | Middle 50% | Sold, 12 mo | For sale now | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Esprit V8 | $77,000 | $70k–$85k | 9 | 14 | View cars |
| Esprit Series 4 | $55,750 | $43k–$78k | 16 | 22 | View cars |
| Esprit X180 | $37,000 | $35k–$40k | 5 | 27 | View cars |
| Esprit Series 3 & Turbo | $31,750 | $26k–$36k | 9 | 27 | View cars |
Recent auction sales in North America. Faded rows have fewer sales.
Lotus Esprit listings110 for sale now
Lotus Esprit by model year
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.
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.
806 Lotus Esprit vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 110 currently live.
Data sourced from auction results and dealer and private listings across 100+ marketplaces, auctions and forums, plus thousands of dealers. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lotus Esprit cost?
Over the last 12 months, Lotus Esprit sold for a median of $48,633 across 42 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $34,194 and $73,624. There are 110 currently for sale.
How many Lotus Esprit listings are for sale right now?
There are 110 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.