1991 Lotus Esprit Turbo SE

2dr Coupe

4-cyl. 2174cc/264hp Turbo

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

$35,000 CAD*

-0.6%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph01/2404/2407/24$10k$20k$30kOct 2024
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1988-1996 Lotus Esprit stats
Highest sale
$98,328 CAD
Lowest sale
$10,319 CAD
Most recent sale
$29,381 CAD
Sales
173

Photos

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1991 Lotus Esprit SE Turbo Coupe
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Model overview

Model description

Developed on a budget, the Lotus Esprit X180 was the result of Lotus’s failing fortunes in the early 1980s. Having been involved in the DeLorean project and with money looking toward more prestigious brands, Lotus was unable to productionise its Etna concept or its planned new Elan. The only option was to rejuvenate the Esprit for the 1980s and 1990s. Peter Stevens, who later styled the McLaren F1, was issued the brief. His task was to make the new car look appealing at the lowest possible cost.

By rounding off the sharp edges, Stevens made the Lotus Esprit X180 look wholly different. A redesigned rear end improved visibility and engine access, while rounder lines improved aerodynamics.

New money courtesy of a General Motors takeover also meant the X180 could be ready for production quickly, and Lotus introduced it in 1987. The available engines continued unchanged, as did the excellent chassis. The public and press took the new car to their hearts, and Lotus set to developing uprated versions.

The Sport 200 model was derived from the American X180R – a model produced to commemorate the Esprit’s success in the IMSA Bridgestone Supercar Championship. With 300bhp and various racing appointments, these are now the most sought-after of all X180 Esprits.

The Lotus Esprit X180 retained the previous S3’s Type 910 2.2-liter slant four, which can trace its roots back to the mid 1970s. This is coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox, mounted as part of a transaxle. The turbocharged derivative was continued unchanged too, producing 215bhp at launch. The later SE Esprit derivative produced 265bhp courtesy of a new fuel injection system and a charge-cooling intercooler.

Unsurprisingly, the Lotus Esprit X180 drives very well. The interior is a tight space for taller drivers, but those who fit will have tons of fun. The 2.2-litre engine is brisk even in naturally aspirated form and just plain fast when fitted with a turbo. Weight distribution and balance are fantastic.

Build quality is generally better than earlier Esprits, and mechanically they are manageable as long as owners adhere to the 24,000-mile belt service intervals. Fans can also fail, which leads to overheating, head gasket failure and sunken liners. A recent clutch is a useful bill to find, as changing one can take 11 hours since it requires the removal of the transaxle. As with all supercars, the service history should be full and comprehensive for any Esprit.

Steering racks can also wear rapidly, a combination of a small rack and wide wheels. Exhaust manifolds can crack, as can the paint – GRP flexes while the paint doesn’t. Fortunately, the chassis is fully galvanized.

The most desirable regular production Lotus Esprit X180 is the SE Turbo, as it is the most powerful iteration and the plushest-trimmed, but even naturally aspirated Esprits are rewarding cars.

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Common Questions

The value of a 1991 Lotus Esprit Turbo SE can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $25,900 USD for a 1991 Lotus Esprit Turbo SE in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1991 Lotus Esprit Turbo SE at auction over the last three years was $47,841 CAD. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1991 Lotus Esprit Turbo SE at auction over the last three years was $29,381 CAD. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 3 1991 Lotus Esprit Turbo SEs sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1991 Lotus Esprit Turbo SE was $29,381 CAD on December 10, 2024 by Bonhams Cars Online.

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.