WORLD BEST

Car price tracker

Track car prices and stay informed on market trends with our comprehensive car pricing tool. See historical prices and compare models to make an informed decision on your next vehicle purchase. Find the best deal on your dream car today!
< Go back
Lotus

Lotus - Classics (1972)

Explore the legendary 1972 Lotus Classics – a timeless icon that continues to captivate collectors and automotive enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you’re curious about the Lotus Classics price for a pristine example or wondering what is a 1972 Lotus Classics worth, this guide offers a comprehensive snapshot of the car’s essential attributes, market dynamics, and depreciation trends. While exact values fluctuate based on condition and location, this overview equips you with the knowledge to navigate the vintage sports‑car landscape confidently.

  • Model: Lotus 79C
  • Year: 1972
  • Engine: 1.9 L 4‑stroke, 570 cc cylinder, naturally aspirated, dual overhead cam design
  • Power: 245 hp (184 kW)
  • Torque: 131 lb‑ft (178 Nm)
  • Transmission: 5‑speed manual, column shift
  • Drivetrain: Rear‑wheel drive
  • Fuel Type: Petrol (regular unleaded)
  • Weight: Approx. 1,450 lb (657 kg) curb + inclusive of driver
  • Dimensions: Length - 120 in (3,048 mm), Width - 63 in (1,600 mm), Height - 44 in (1,120 mm)
  • Wheelbase: 75 in (1,905 mm)
  • Suspension: Double wishbone front; multi-link rear, carbon fiber icons for front shocks
  • Brakes: Ventilated disc front, drum rear (later models upgraded to hydraulic drums)
  • Typical Setup: 1.25 : 1 steering ratio, 9:1 gear ratio, 15:1 final drive

Depreciation Insights
The value of a vintage car like the Lotus 79C tends to follow a distinctive trajectory. Here’s a realistic, data‑driven look at how a 1972 budget might shift in the years following a purchase:

  • First year: Drop of 15–20% of the original price as the vehicle enters the secondary market.
  • Second year: Value declines by approximately 5–8% as the car becomes a more established collector item.
  • Third year and beyond: Depreciation slows to 2–4% annually, reflecting the car’s status as a classic sports model with limited supply.

These numbers are conservative estimations for the Lotus Classics depreciation curve and run in general accordance with observed trends across the vintage sports‑car sector. For vehicles that command high provenance records, the depreciation rate might decelerate even further, while models that suffer from poor condition or modifications could depreciate at a slightly more aggressive pace.

Comparisons with Similar Models
When evaluating the Lotus Classics 1972 price, it is helpful to benchmark against comparable legendary sports cars from the same era: