This looks like an absolute bargain of a supercar purchase. While the term “supercar” certainly has evolved and the new performance standards are nothing short of bananas, it’s still fair to say the Lotus Esprit was a heavy hitter back in the 80s. Nowadays, it’s still a compelling drive, but performance-wise, it might leave you yearning for more. But if you’re like me and easily influenced by physical items that transport you back in time to the awesome 80s, this 1989 Lotus Esprit Turbo listed here on craigslist for just $18,900 is fairly hard to resist.
I supposed the pop-up headlights have a lot to do with it, but it’s also the fact that after you daydreamed about the Lamborghini Countach or Ferrari 308, the Lotus Esprit wasn’t far behind on the list of fantasy cars. It also helps that it seemed like the coolest thing on four wheels after its appearance in Pretty Woman when a millionaire character like the one played by Richard Gere just looked infinitely cooler behind the wheel of a car like this. The seller seems like the right kind of guy to buy a risky performance car from, and he notes that it has one glaring issue: the gas tank leaks and it can’t be filled past the halfway point.
To that I say, who cares? Replacement tanks are available and you won’t be driving this thing across country tomorrow anyhow. The seller has done plenty of other important work that went towards making this Esprit even more of a blast to drive, including a “…boost controller, HKS blow-off valve, intercooler, air cooler, exhaust, etc.” Yes, those are performance-oriented tweaks, but given the general appearance of the car, one would hope he also performed the basics of vintage European car upkeep. The engine bay is tidy, and this being an SE, the 2.2L turbocharged four-cylinder kicks out an impressive 264 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque.
My favorite fun fact about the Esprit of this era is that the taillights are shared with a Toyota Corolla. So, if you see an old Corolla in the junkyard, grab the taillights and sell them to a Lotus owner for a serious mark-up! The seller notes that the Esprit rides on aftermarket coilover suspension, which makes it look even meaner just sitting there. The listing details some other cosmetic flaws in the interior and he claims that if one wanted it to be perfect, it will need a paint job. However, if it were my money, I’d replace the gas tank and drive the stuffing out of it. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Curvette for the find.
Knowing these cars for 25 years…
Engine and transmission needs to come out to ‘correctly’ replace fuel tanks.
But, easier for water pump and timing belt replacement.
Seats are recovered, should be interior color.
Intercooler should have ‘LOTUS’ logo on it vs this stitched together cooler.
No photos of underside .
Fast cars 👍
These always look fast even standing still. Seems like a lot of fun at that price. Just be ready to maintain it.
This looks and sounds like a great deal. Don’t they have two gas tanks?
I own a later model – a 94 Esprit S4. I think this one has the front parking/indicator lights and bumper of a later car. That change seems to have been sometime between 93 and 94. Those front turn signal lenses are made of unobtainium, and the same ones used on a Renault Alpine and a McClaren F1. Actually re-pops are available, but not with the orange section.
The write up says you won’t be driving across country in it tomorrow…….I have driven across country in mine, and it is very comfortable, and gets reasonable fuel mileage. I will say getting in and out isn’t always easy – but once you are in the car it’s a very comfortable car.
Gotta love a good example of an oxymoron: ‘affordable supercar’
Typical ask for these is in the high $30s, so this is a great price even with the gas tank situation. I’m glad it’s 3000 miles away so it’s no temptation. I’m also not usually a fan of black or red sports cars. I personally like silver, bronze, and blues.
I can think of a much better investment for $30.000. Probably a bmw i8
Mine was a right hand drive car, of course while living in South Africa, and the only thing I hated about the whole car, which was dynamite to drive back in the day, was that the waste gate/dump valve noise, was right next to my right ear so I nearly carpped myself between every gear change until I (never) got used to it. Road holding was unbelievable of course. Back then I was a pretty adventurous driver and really drove this car as it was meant to be driven but it never once gave me the heebie jeebies. It cornered like a painted stripe! Wish I still had it, although at 86 I doubt that if I got into it I would ever be able to get out!
“cornered like a painted stripe” – great line!!! Never heard it before.
I was just thinking “Man, this baby must corner like it’s on rails!!”
Lotus cars don’t age well. Look on YouTube and you will see plenty of guys restoring them. Tavaresh gave up on his after the head rebuilder screwed up the heads. The dog bone chassis is prone to rust and it is largely sheet metal welded together and over the years mechanics have butchered the frames to gain access to the shift linkage for adjustment purposes, then cut and shut the chassis. They are nice looking, but a pain to work on and parts aren’t exactly cheap. As far as the drive train, LS Swap it with the help of Renegade Hybrids in Nevada. Then you will really have a super car to take on Europe’s best, yet reliable.
I had one in the mid-2000’s and loved it. Did a few known mods to the engine and exhaust to get it up to 300hp or so.
Regret selling.
Needs a V8 crate motor.
They’re also featured in “Basic Instinct” also in white.