If you doubt the Esprit’s status as an esteemed symbol, then you likely lack knowledge of its historical significance. Lotus achieved a flawless design for this car, a rarity in the industry. It was one of Giorgetto Giugiaro’s initial ventures into wedge-shaped sports car designs. The car’s styling remained timeless, and even Peter Stevens, who later contributed to the McLaren F1, refrained from altering the winning formula. An interesting tidbit, and a personal favorite of mine, is that the original DMC DeLorean utilized a chassis derived from that of the Lotus Esprit. In essence, Doc and Marty would not have traveled Back to the Future without assistance from the British sports car industry, specifically the Esprit.
With that in mind, I would like to draw your attention to a stunning 1997 model finished in Calypso Red with a tan interior. This particular car recently sold for $63,000, which is approximately the same price as a brand-new 2024 Toyota GR Supra 45th Anniversary Edition (the flagship spec). First and foremost, this is an Esprit V8 that means serious business not only in terms of visual appeal but also performance. Now, let’s delve into its visual and convenience features: it boasts staggered-diameter wheels (17 & 18 inches), Brembo brakes, pop-up headlights, a removable roof panel, leather upholstery, an Alpine sound system, power windows, and air conditioning. This car is easily suitable for everyday use.
Moving on to the modifications, they are all tastefully done, if I do say so myself. From the sleek black alloy wheels and smoked turn signals to the Arvin exhaust system, aftermarket headlights, and custom LED taillights. According to the advertisement, the rear taillight and exhaust panel are sourced from a 2002 Esprit, while the steering wheel previously belonged to a Lotus Evora.
Now, let’s discuss the engine. It is a mid-mounted 3.5-liter twin turbocharged V8 with 25,000 miles (40,000 km) on the odometer. Factory-rated at 350 horsepower and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque, this engine sends power exclusively to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox. You may be underwhelmed by the power figures, but don’t be mistaken. The Esprit V8 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. It’s worth noting that these cars weigh a mere 2,900 lbs, roughly equivalent to a Volkswagen Jetta.
According to the Source autoevolution.com