✦ Shifty Estimate
$37,300
- 12 months median
- $35K
- Market cap
- $59.7M · 1,600 built
- Sales, 12 months
- 8
- Original MSRP
- $32,000 · ▲ 17% since
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1980 Lotus Esprit Turbo
1980 to 1987 · Coupe · 1,600 built
Price history
Recent sales
More sales on file
The full sale history lives in the app.
Every sale for this exact market, with the chassis behind each number. Drop your email and you are first in.
Specifications
- Engine
- Turbocharged Inline-4, 2.2L
- Power
- 210 hp
- Torque
- 200 lb-ft
- 0 to 60
- 5.6s
- Top speed
- 148 mph
- Transmission
- Manual
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Curb weight
- 2,690 lb
- Production
- 1,600 units
- Original MSRP
- $32,000
- Designer
- Peter Stevens
Common questions
How much does a Lotus Esprit Turbo cost?
A 1980 Lotus Esprit Turbo cost $32,000 new. Over the past 12 months, 8 have sold publicly at a median of $35,250. The Shifty Estimate for a well-kept example is $37,300. Cars have changed hands anywhere from $23,395 to $55,350, depending on mileage, color, and history.
What is a 1980 Lotus Esprit Turbo worth today?
The Shifty Estimate is $37,300. Confidence is high: 8 public sales in a year gives a firm read.
Is a Lotus Esprit Turbo a good investment?
It has appreciated 17% against its $32,000 list price. Only 1,600 were built. The caution is spread, not direction: across the sales we have on file, prices ran from $15,500 to $61,000, and mileage explains most of that.
What has a Lotus Esprit Turbo sold for at auction?
The 3 most recent public sales we have on file:
- $15,500Jul 14, 2026Calpyso Red · 59,000 mi
- $35,500Jul 5, 2026Black (A02) · 57,000 mi
- $42,000May 14, 2026Calypso Red · 19,000 mi
The first turbocharged Esprit transformed Lotus from sports car maker to supercar contender. Peter Stevens' subtle aerodynamic revisions included the iconic rear wing and NACA ducts, while the Garrett-blown 2.2-liter delivered 210 hp—a 31% power increase that dropped 0-60 times below six seconds. This was the Esprit that could genuinely challenge Ferrari and Lamborghini, with a top speed approaching 150 mph. The distinctive turbo whistle and dramatic boost delivery created an intoxicating driving experience. With 1,600 examples built, these cars represent excellent value in today's market, offering genuine supercar performance at a fraction of contemporary exotic pricing. Early turbo cars are particularly sought after for their raw, unfiltered character.