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The classic Lotus Esprit—an icon of 1970s motoring—still turns heads today. Whether you’re scouting a Lotus Esprit 1976 price or wondering about the used Lotus Esprit price, this overview gives you a clear view of what drives value, how depreciation plays out, and how the Esprit stacks up against its peers.

At its core, the Esprit blends sharp styling, a lightweight chassis, and precise handling. Though no longer in production, the legendary 1976 model remains sought after in classic-car circles. Understanding Lotus Esprit price dynamics—especially for vintage examples—helps enthusiasts and buyers make informed decisions.

• Engine: 2.2‑liter OHC inline‑4 petrol (early models), 2.5‑liter OHC inline‑4 (later years)
• Power: 120‑140 hp (depending on model year)
• Transmission: 4‑speed manual (standard), optional 5‑speed manual
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Drivetrain: Rear‑wheel drive (RWD)
• Dimensions: Length 4,117 mm; Width 1,772 mm; Height 1,338 mm; Wheelbase 2,333 mm
• Weight: 870 kg (dry)
• Top Speed: ~210 km/h (130 mph) for later models
• 0‑60 mph: ~7.3 sec
• Notable Features: RWD chassis, aluminum body, behind‑the‑wheel gauge layout, iconic scissor‑style doors

Depreciation Insight: Understanding Lotus Esprit depreciation

Like most rare, high‑performance vehicles, the Esprit’s market value follows a typical depreciation curve that can be surprisingly predictable.

• Initial Year: The first year after purchase or restoration typically sees a loss of 15‑20% of the vehicle’s value, largely driven by market supply and the high cost of classics.
• Years 2‑5: Depreciation slows to around 6‑8% per year on average, especially for well‑maintained examples that keep their original condition.
• Long Term (5+ years): Value stabilizes, with many models retaining 70‑80% of their original price after a decade if they remain in excellent condition under protective cover.

Ultimately, Lotus Esprit depreciation is mitigated by factors like originality, mileage (rarely exceeding 10,000 miles for “pristine” examples), climate protection, and documentation.

What Is a 1976 Lotus Esprit Worth?

Informally, the question “what is a 1976 Lotus Esprit worth” is best answered in context. The answer depends on:

• Original equipment vs. modern upgrades (e.g., power‑train, brakes, suspension)
• Maintenance history and provenance
• Location and demand—European vs. US markets

While we avoid providing confidential or market‑specific numbers, typical Lotus Esprit 1976 price discussions indicate that well‑preserved units usually demand a premium above the base price of comparable collectors’ cars from the era.

Comparison Context

When gauging classic performance cars, it’s useful to compare the Lotus Esprit with contemporaries:

• Mercedes‑Benz SL 250 – Similar RWD layout, but heavier at ~1,050 kg. Alpine handling makes the Esprit feel tighter.
• Porsche 911 (961/962) – Open‑top sports icon, but the Esprit’s slimmer body and lighter chassis offer aerodynamic efficiency.
• Morgan Plus‑1 – Fabric body with comparable power output; yet the Esprit’s hatchback tum design remains a distinctive visual statement.

These comparisons illustrate why the Esprit remains a favored choice among collectors who prioritize

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Last 20 car trackeds

Last tracked date	Status	Price	Price rank	Link
4 years ago	used	£24,995.00		Unlock all links