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!
Lotus - Esprit (1997)
Engage your senses with the timeless allure of the Lotus Esprit—an icon that carved its name into automotive folklore. The 1997 model year, in particular, remains a favorite among collectors and street enthusiasts alike, representing a pinnacle of design, performance, and raw driving pleasure. Though prices vary across markets, condition, and provenance, the search for a reliable Lotus Esprit price guide yields a wealth of information that helps you gauge value, understand depreciation, and make informed decisions.
- Engine: 3.5‑litre Lotus Straight‑6 (LST‑212)
- Power Output: 276 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm; 280 lb‑ft torque @ 4,500 rpm
- Transmission: 6‑speed manual (dual‑clutch options added in later variants)
- Drive: Rear‑wheel drive (RWD) with optional active differential
- Fuel Type: Premium gasoline (UNI‑92 or higher)
- Weight: 2,355 lbs (curb weight)
- Dimensions: Length 180.9 in (4,593 mm) – Width 73.4 in (1,865 mm) – Height 45.3 in (1,151 mm)
- Wheelbase: 107.9 in (2,739 mm)
- Top Speed: Approximately 155 mph (250 km/h)
- 0‑60 mph Time: ~6.3 seconds
- Materials: Fibreglass body, aluminium chassis, cast aluminium engine, composite suspension components
Understanding the Lotus Esprit depreciation curve is crucial when evaluating a used offering. The market pattern for this sports car is fairly typical of high‑performance vehicles that enjoy strong enthusiast followings:
- First year: 15‑20% drop from initial purchase price (new, without any defects).
- Years 2–4: 30‑40% cumulative depreciation—values generally plateau once the vehicle enters a moderate mileage range (down‑hill, 10–20k miles).
- Years 5–10: 50‑60% total decline, with steady appreciation potential for models with low mileage, original parts, and documented restoration.
- Long‑term trend (10+ years): many veins of value persist due to limited production numbers, but the vehicle typically drops below 30% of its original price.
These estimates are broadly inclusive. Specific mileage, cosmetic condition, service history, and potential restoration projects can significantly moderate an Esprit’s current market value.
When you pose the question, “What is a 1997 Lotus Esprit worth?” you find yourself in the heart of collector considerations. A 1997 Esprit that retains its original engine, unmodified carburetion, and a clean service record can fetch a markedly higher price than a high‑mileage example with converted fuel injection or aftermarket bodywork. Yet, too often, a 1997 Lotus Esprit price is safely assumed to be comparable to later model years simply because price listings do not differentiate these nuances.
Comparison context: Compared to the 1990s performance spectrum, the Lotus Esprit ranks in the same tier as the Lamborghini Countach (older Greek construction) and the Ferrari F40—though its performance metrics differ. Enthusiast forums highlight how a Lotus Esprit’s lighter chassis and high‑ratio suspension afford sprightlier handling compared to the bulkier Italian supercars. In head‑to‑head timing, the Esprit can outperform the Countach in a straight‑line sprint thanks to its power-to-weight advantage. These relational benchmarks help buyers understand both the legendary status and the specific driving feel that sets the Esprit apart.
In terms of market segment, the Lotus Esprit remains popular in the collector car arena, attracting owners who cherish its balanced dynamics and understated aggression. Its allocation in the U.S. market remains largely niche, enjoying a dedicated but small community. In Europe, especially the UK and Italy, the Esprit is celebrated for its
Last 20 car trackeds
| Last tracked date | Status | Price | Price rank | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 years ago | used | £58,000.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 3 years ago | used | £34,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £34,995.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 4 years ago | used | £0.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £38,000.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £38,000.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £38,000.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,000.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,000.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,000.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,000.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,000.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,000.00 | Unlock all links | |
| 5 years ago | used | £36,000.00 | Unlock all links |