1986 Lotus Esprit S2.2 Turbo

2dr Coupe

4-cyl. 2174cc/215hp Turbo

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$33,800 CAD*

+2.7%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph01/2404/2407/24$10k$20k$30kOct 2024
Let us watch the market for you

We update the Hagerty Price Guide each quarter. Sign up for alerts and we'll notify you about value changes for the cars you love.

1976-1986 Lotus Esprit stats
Highest sale
$204,683 CAD
Lowest sale
$1,090 CAD
Most recent sale
$231,124 CAD
Sales
64

Photos

1 photoImage may not reflect selected vehicle.

1983 Lotus Esprit S3 Turbo Coupe. Courtesy RM Sotheby's
insurance

Protect your 1986 Lotus Esprit from the unexpected.

Better coverage built for classics at a price you can afford. Online quotes are fast and easy

Model overview

Model description

By the early 1970s, Lotus’ product line was distinctly long in the tooth. Both the Elan and the Europa had been on the market for more than five years and both had been sold in kit form. The Europa was funny-looking to boot. World economics also forced Lotus to compete at a pricing level that approached the cost of much more sophisticated and professionally executed cars. A new model was needed to change Lotus’ image.

Enter the 1976 Lotus Esprit. The new Lotus wore sharp wedge styling courtesy of Giorgetto Giugiaro, and looked just like the stunning 1972 concept car. Engineers mounted the 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine mid-ship, and coupled it to a 5-speed transmission. Sadly, build quality on these early Esprits wasn’t up to the price and the usual Lotus fragility along with the Federalized cars’ anemic 140-hp rating failed to impress enthusiast. The Esprit’s ride and handling were brilliant, however, as were its looks.

The S2 of 1978 brought with it evolutionary changes, but the biggest change to the original Esprit occurred in 1980 when engine displacement increased to 2.2 liters and a turbocharger was added to the model lineup. With the introduction of the turbo, the car’s complexity increased, but finally the car’s performance was commensurate with its looks.

The Giugiaro Esprit continued until a redesigned model was introduced in 1987. The early cars, however, remain one of the purest expressions of the 1970s wedge theme. And while the Lotus Esprit can certainly be classified as an exotic, parts and maintenance are nowhere near Ferrari levels. As such, this car remains a popular vintage option.

Find more values
Search for prices of other cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles
Classic car

Common Questions

The value of a 1986 Lotus Esprit S2.2 Turbo can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $25,000 USD for a 1986 Lotus Esprit S2.2 Turbo in good condition with average spec.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are representative of stock condition vehicles only and based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. Value adjustments for optional equipment are in U.S. dollars. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.CA/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of the Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.