When I was 14, most days I’d walk home from school. We lived just a little too close for bus service, which meant that it was just under two miles each way. But I always looked forward to the trip, because on sunny afternoons one fellow would park his red Lotus Esprit by the curb. I never actually stopped to look– didn’t want him to think some punk kid was messing with his car– but I always walked real slow. This beautiful black 1988 Esprit Turbo, though, should probably be enjoyed at a somewhat higher speed. Located in Austin, Texas, it’s advertised here on Craigslist for $17,500.
1988 was a good year for the Esprit. The car had been in production for over a decade and had evolved significantly, with everything from chassis to engine receiving attention at one point or another. This would be the first year of fourth iteration of the iconic British performance machine; a version that would see the first major revision of Giorgetto Giugiaro’s original design. The new, more rounded lines flowed from the pen of Peter Stevens, a prolific British designer who would also work on the new Elan in the Nineties, the MG TF, and a small-volume niche automobile: the McLaren F1. As stunning as it was, the update to the body allowed for more than just a new look; the new body, incorporating materials like Kevlar, made the car more stiff and contributed to a marked improvement in handling. In the meantime, the interior was re-worked to provide more space.
The mechanical components, on the other hand, were handed down from earlier versions. The Type 910 engine was the same unit that had powered the Series 3 Turbo Esprit. This provided 215 horsepower and 220 lb.ft. of torque, giving the 2,544 lb. car a top speed of over 150 mph. Curiously, it got there a bit faster than the S3, with a zero-to-sixty time of under 5.5 seconds. The US model got the same Citroën five-speed that had appeared in every Esprit since 1976. But if the videos provided are any indication, it seems to work well enough.
There are a lot of things to be done with this car. First order of business might be the interior. The owner states that the seats need to be upholstered, but there’s also whatever might be hiding under the dash cover. Body-wise, it exhibits all the scratches and slight damage that one might expect of a nearly forty-year-old car. And, of course, it leaks oil. Would it be a British sports car if it didn’t? But the allure of a running and driving Lotus Esprit, especially a Turbo, can’t be denied. They are amazing cars for the right driver, and they look incredible just sitting still. Even after all these years.
Decent car, decent price. When we worked on the early ’80s cars, just standing around looking at them with a cup of coffee in the morning was a great way to start the day. Beautiful cars.
cant help but wonder what there cars hold in store as a collectable. I would love to see the analytics on this cars sales and comps
I think if they were going to increase in value that this would be the time. 1980’s performance cars are taking off in price. Something about thse cars not quite clicking with the collector market. They do look great though.
you are right about the “youngtimer market” 80s cars taking off. 928s. 944s, 635csis, old M3s, 308s, are all on fire right now. double digit increases across the boards. these cars are sure to rise but I am leery right now as I am watching the housing market and the economy get very wobbly knees. It may slow the trends a bit but not stop it IMHO
@Daryl- Agree, and I was not thinking at cars at the level you describe. I was thinking about the Camaros, Mustangs, etc that seem to be bringing crazy money. It’s a bubble of course, and it will end. Perhaps sooner than later based on a certain International disagreement going on right now. Scary.
Ok, count me as totally confused. I went to Hagerty’s to look at sales trending, based on Daryl Roe’s question. That took me down a rat hole into Esprit models through the years. lotusespritworld.com shows that the S3 was a 1981-1987 model, the S4 was a 1993-1996 model, and the Esprit Turbo (1987-1990) was a different beast altogether, and apparently not to be confused with the Turbo Esprit (1981-1986). Back on Hagerty’s again, I can find a 1988 Lotus Esprit S3 Turbo (or, none of the above): #1 condition: $55,600 #2 condition $40,900 #3 condition $25,500 and #4 condition $17,500. Prices are rising, but not straight up. +13.5% for #1, +21.4% for #2, +7.1% for #3 and +6.1% for #4.
Truly a beauty on all levels, but with their reputation, one must be slightly masochistic to buy it.
“masochistic”? Do you mean like a Pantera? (had one of those for 23 yrs.)
ya joe, something like that.
Same here had a 72 for 12 years. Back when they were worth peanuts. Paid $26K sold it for $34K. I sold it for a 911. Today its a $90k car in sunny Florida.
The Pantera ages / aged better than the Lotus. Parts are more plentiful for the Pantera and the opposite is true for Lotus Ask Tavarisha, he is rebuilding one right now and bought a second one for parts alone. Lotus interiors turn to crap the moment you set in them. Lotus used the cheapest materials to build the car. People restoring them are littered all over YouTube and none have any good to say about it.
If I’m not mistaken, this is a great price. If it was near me, I might fall off the cliff (if the title is clean).
Wow!! This looks and sounds like a great buy, posted 5 days ago.
The air intake has been messed about with, as has the interior. This one would need a good check over. I say that and I am a lover of Lotus as I currently have 9 of them.
I have never seen pricing take off on these cars. I wonder if Colin Chapman is still in Brazil?
Very good write up with lots of details and information. I’ve always liked the looks of these but my guess is that potential buyers are leery of the British reliability or at least the possibility of British vehicle woes.
The “Custom oil cooler and liquid intercooler setup by previous owner” is not reassuring when you see it uses generous amounts of duct tape.
JGeezer, you don´t understand. The duct tape is the most reliable part of the entire car.
Only when used in conjunction with Bailing wire my man! that’s how real restoration fixes are done! lol