Lotus Esprit (84-03) - Review

Review by Parkers on
The Esprit, with its distinctive wedge shape, seems to have been around forever. It first went on sale in 1976, but has been successfully re-styled for each generation. The last UK cars were sold during 2002, though the production line carried on until 2004, to cater for US demand. Prices are seriously tempting, and for the generation that grew up with Roger Moore's amphibious Union-Jacked Esprit, now could be the ideal time to buy.
4 out of 5

Other Lotus reviews

2.5 out of 5

Buying used

Your best bet is to get in contact with an owners' club. Although Esprit is a well known supercar, there are fewer around than most other marques - Porsche makes approximately twice as many 911s in a year, than Esprits were made in 25. Remember to budget for expensive servicing and things going wrong...Esprits, on the whole, fall into two categories: pre 1988 cars (the original driven by James Bond and designed by Giuigaro) and those built after 1988 and substantially re-worked by Peter Stevens.

1.5 out of 5

Selling

Quick sales are rare, but evidence that it's been cared for (garage receipts, for instance) will make it easier.