1993 Lotus Esprit

Lotus Esprit S4 (Sports), 1993-2004

The Lotus Esprit S4 was in production from 1993 until 2004. Styled in house by Peter Stevens and refreshed by Julian Thomson, it is a mid-engine, rear wheel drive sports range seating two adults.

The S4 was a thorough revision of the outgoing "Peter Stevens" Esprit X180, the first to use the new softer lines. The first Esprit to be made available with power steering, the S4 differed cosmetically from the outgoing model in a number of small ways. A small spoiler on the rear deck changed the rear aspect, as did new rear lights liberated from the Toyota AE86 range. New doorhandles and bumpers were also fitted, along with new alloy wheels.

By this point, all Esprits were turbocharged. The S4 Sport of 1994 added the rear wing from the outgoing Sport 300 model, alongside a different turbo, revised ECU and new cylinder head. This model, with 301bhp, sat between the standard S4 and the Sport 300 model of 1993, offering the performance of the Sport 300 with the ride of the standard S4. By 1996, Lotus had introduced its new V8 Esprit to replace the four cylinder models. A twin-turbocharged 90 degree V8 with a flat plan crank, this replaced the four cylinder in all models barring the GT3. The GT3 continued as a limited run - initially just fifty planned, but 190 made - with a 2.0 turbocharged and charge cooled engine previously reserved for the Italian market. For 1998 the V8 range was divided into the luxury SE and sporting GT models - both shared the same engine, but the SE had nicer trim - leather, air conditioning and a rear spoiler among others. It's possible to find GTs specified to SE level - it was cheaper when new - but they lack the SE's additional soundproofing. For 1999, fifty Sport 350 models were created - similar in ethos to the old Sport 300, they features bigger brakes, stiffer springs, a carbon fibre rear wing and 350bhp. A final redesign in 2002 incorporated Elise style twin rear lights, and it was in this form that the range survived until 2004. The Esprit was not directly replaced.

Lotus prized ride and handling above all else, and sought to achieve a good balance through light weight. For a supercar, thus, the Esprit rides rather well. Space is a little tight if you're tall, but the driving position is good with clear visibility. Performance is excellent, though the Renault derived gearbox is perhaps not as slick as some of its rivals. The wail of the V8 is addictive, but in the real world few will find the four cylinder cars lacking in performance. V8 GTs are limited to 170mph to preserve the flagship role of the 175mph SE, and the GT's limited to 7000rpm rather than 7400rpm - but in the real world there's scant difference.

Rust isn't the biggest issue with these cars, it's the drivetrain. Check the radiator isn't clogged or damaged, as well as the condition of the turbo coolant and oil feed pipes - this especially on the V8 cars. Four cylinder header tanks and V8 wastegates can also pose problems, and while the condition of your alloys might seem secondary they're not cheap to replace or refurbish, so look for any nasty kerbing damage or worse. Check that all the toys work, and damp over winter hasn't corroded any electrical terminals.

Best value in terms of running cost to fun ratio is the GT3 - it's simpler than the V8 with less to go wrong, and its more focused nature makes it a laugh a minute. Sport 350s are worth around 15-20% more than standard V8s. The difference in value between the GT and SE seems more to be concerned with condition than spec, though a good SE is more desirable than an equivalent GT and like for like the SE can attract a 5-10% premium. S4s are worth around 3/4 of the value of a V8, though you can add 10% to the value of an S4 four cylinder if you have an S4 Sport. Sport 300s are worth around 20% more than S4 Sports.

The sort of enthusiast who would buy a Lotus new would likely not be interested in its Italian equivalents - a little showy and expensive. The Esprit's best natural rival - though wholly different in outlook - was the equivalent TVR. Whether Chimaera, Griffith, Cerbera or Tuscan, these are the closest rivals in terms of the target market. The Honda NSX also offered the same basic concept - mid engined, comfortable supercar-GT - but with a better spread of dealers and more parts common to lesser models. A Ferrari 348 might also cross the minds of collectors after a classic GT, despite its lack of contemporary appeal.