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Lotus Elite 1979 price and the classic allure of this 1979 Lotus Elite continue to captivate car enthusiasts worldwide. With its lightweight chassis, striking 1979 design language, and legendary Lotus engineering, the model remains a standout in the vintage sports car market. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, understanding the Lotus Elite price dynamics can help guide a well-informed purchase or sale strategy. Below you’ll find a comprehensive look at the vehicle’s key specifications, depreciation trends, and market positioning to give you the confidence you need when exploring what a 1979 Lotus Elite is worth today.

• Engine: 1.8‑litre Lotus SESC (Shaft‑Empowered Super‑charged Cylinder) 65 hp, 186 Nm
• Transmission: 5‑speed manual (optional 4‑speed automatic in later 1980s vintage)
• Fuel Type: Premium unleaded gasoline, 95 R
• Drivetrain: Rear‑wheel drive, torsen limited‑slip differential
• Dimensions: Length 4,160 mm (164 in), Width 1,750 mm (69 in), Height 1,170 mm (46 in)
• Wheelbase: 2,370 mm (93 in)
• Weight: 680 kg (1,499 lb) curb weight (varies by options/condition)
• Top Speed: Approximately 150 km/h (93 mph)
• Acceleration 0‑100 km/h: Roughly 10 seconds (depends on condition and exact power output)
• Braking: RWD front brakes: 14 in (350 mm) rotors; 12 in (300 mm) rear drums (standard)
  Optionally upgraded to front disc brakes in 1979/80 models
• Suspension: Independent double wishbone front, live rear axle with torsion bar
• Interior: Leather seats, classic steering wheel, manual speedometer and tachometer (analog gauges)
• Manufacturer: Lotus Cars (British sports car specialist)
• Production Years: 1978–1989, with the 1979 model bearing the most classic charm
• Notable Features: Transversely mounted engine, minimal body panels, lightweight construction pivotal to Lotus’s “less is more” philosophy, and a tongue‑in‑groove steering rack for precise handling

Lotus Elite depreciation is an informed topic for anyone looking to acquire or sell a 1979 Lotus Elite. Traditional cars tend to lose roughly 15–20% of their value in the first full year after purchase, yet special collectors’ items often follow a different path. Vintage sports cars, particularly those with distinctive Lotus engineering, can retain a robust portion of their market value if they are kept in excellent condition or sold with meticulously documented service history.

Below are realistic % estimates to consider, based on common depreciation studies for vintage cars and comparable Lotus models:

• First year: 7‑12% (generally lower than mainstream car depreciation due to collector interest)
• Years 2‑3: 4‑6% per year (steady, slight decline as the vehicle ages and mileage increases)
• Years 4‑6: 2‑3% per year (slowest rate, assuming proper restoration upkeep and market stability)

These percentages assume the vehicle is well-maintained, service‑finished, and has low mileage—conditions that collectors often chase. If a 1979 Lotus Elite has been heavily modified or poorly maintained, the depreciation curve can steepen, potentially eroding the value by an additional 10 % over the life cycle.

Now, consider what is a 1979 Lotus Elite worth today in an evenly balanced market. The Lotus Elite price typically ranges from the mid-^thousands euro to the high ^thousands US$ bracket, depending on features like original bodywork, engine condition, and provenance. In regions such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia, wheel‑to‑wheel prices frequently hover around €13,000–€18,000, or $16,000–$22,000, respectively.

It's worth noting that used Lotus Elite price can vary dramatically. A pristine 1979 model displayed in a carbon fiber touring configuration could command a premium $30,000+, while a chassis that requires extensive restoration may trade in the $6,000–$9,000

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