|
Esprit
S1
1976-1977
The first Esprit wasn't as fast as first though and
suffers from quite a few mechanical problems. Good condition examples
are rare and are more likely to be show cars at a premium price. Not
the best bet for a useable car, more for the classic enthusiast.
|
Production
Run: 714
Current Price:
£38,000
Availability Rating:
Relability Rating:
|
|
Esprit
S2
1976-1977
The S2 has a few updates over the S1 which makes it
a little more reliable, but still really for the classic enthusiast.
|
Production
Run: 1,060
Current Price:
£37,000
Availability Rating:
Relability Rating:
|
|
Esprit
JPS
1978-1979
Basically the John Player Special edition is an S2
with extra trim, only 147 made and a few copies around, so make sure
it's an origninal if you buy one. Still a few about and has the expected
premium over the basic S2.
|
Production
Run: 147
Current Price:
£5,000+
Availability Rating:
Relability Rating:
|
|
Esprit
S2.2
1980-1981
One of the rarest Esprits, it's an S2 with the new
larger 2.2 litre engine. You'll be lucky to find one in good condition
and if you do you'll be paying for it. More a car for collectors than
a driving car. If you've got one, unlikely you'll be seeing another. |
Production
Run: 88
Current Price:
£4,000+
Availability Rating:
Relability Rating:
|
|
Esprit
S3
1981-1987
The S3 is the best bet for a first time Esprit Owners
who are after a G-car. Has the Turbo running gear but without the stress
of the extra bhp. Still quite a few about, despite a production run
of just 767. Still watch out for high mileage examples, engine rebuilds
are common. |
Production
Run: 767
Current Price:
£5,000+
Availability Rating:
Relability Rating:
|
|
Esprit
Essex
1980-1981
The Essex was the first Esprit Turbo and had a limited
production run. Same spec as Turbo, but with all the options and special
paint job. Not many around, another collectors car. Essex have a dry
sump which needs special care, beware!
|
Production
Run: 45-57
Current Price:
£12,000+
Availability Rating:
Relability Rating:
|
|
Esprit
Turbo
1980-1987
The markets full of Turbo's, some in good condition.
Long run over many years, without to many updates. Running 210bhp and
very quick for a 1980's car. Better off with an S3 unless you need the
power (or drive one first).
|
Production
Run: 1,537
Current Price:
£6,000+
Availability Rating:
Relability Rating:
|
|
Esprit
Turbo HC
1986-1987
The last of the G-cars, Same a Turbo but with a High
Compression Engine. Running at 215bhp and has a few mechanical upgrates
over the turbo, but visually the same. Look out for the little hc on
the rear wing.
|
Production
Run: 528
Current Price:
£8,000+
Availability Rating:
Relability Rating:
|
|
Esprit
NA
1987-1989
Same as the S3, but with the new body and interior.
Mechanical updates included a new gearbox, worth the premium over the
G-car, Quite a few on the market and as the S3 is more reliable bet
than it's Turbo brother. .
Very early models don't have the colour-coded spoilers and scopes.
|
Production
Run: 268
Current Price:
£6,000+
Availability Rating:
Relability Rating:
|
|
Esprit
Turbo
1987-1990
As above, but with a turbo. Visual differences are
the Glass-Back and lights in the front spoiler. A lot quicker than the
NA but could be more trouble. Very early models don't have the colour-coded
spoilers and scopes.
|
Production
Run: 1,207
Current Price:
£7,000+
Availability Rating:
Relability Rating:
|
|
Esprit
SE
1989-1992
Special Equipment Esprit was a huge improvement over
the Turbo. With a new intercooled 264bhp engine it was the fast Esprit
ever. There wasn't much left on the options list either. comes with
A/C, leather, sunroof, walnut dash and wing. ABS from 1991. Best buy
for a budget S-car. |
Production
Run: 1,546
Current Price:
£9,000+
Availability Rating:
Relability Rating:
|
|
Esprit
SE highwing
1992-1993
Minor updates from the SE, with larger cabin space
and wider openings for the doors. Loses the Glass-Back and gains a new
high mounted wing (not a popular addition). ABS is standard, the last
of the SE's
|
Production
Run: 62
Current Price:
£11,000+
Availability Rating:
Relability Rating:
|
|
Esprit
Sport 300
1993
A Stripped out racer based on the SE racer the X180R.
Running 300bhp, reduced weight and stiffen body. Very expensive and
Very rare. All models have a numbered plack to show authenication. One
of the best Esprit's made, and the widest tyres ever. A monster, not
for the faint hearted.
|
Production
Run: 64
Current Price:
£23,000+
Availability Rating:
Relability Rating:
|
|
Esprit
S4
1993-1996
An SE in new clothes, Updated exterior and interior,
using many Vauxhall parts. Same mechanicals as the SE, but now with
power-steering. New mid-mounted wing gives it its own identity.
|
Production
Run: 622
Current Price:
£12,000+
Availability Rating:
Relability Rating:
|
|
Esprit
S4S
1995-1996
The fastest and most reliable 4-cylinder Esprit, with
upgraded turbo and ecu. As S4, but with more power (280bhp), a new body
kit and wrap around wing. Split-rim OZ stand out. |
Production
Run: 332
Current Price:
£16,000+
Availability Rating:
Relability Rating:
|
|
Esprit
V8
1996-1998
The Esprit at last gets a V8 with twin-turbochargers
and 350bhp. Early models as S4S, with same body and wheels. Trouble
with Engine and clutch. Not the best V8, some ok, some bad. Save up
for a post 1998 model, and you'll get a better interior and a sorted
engine and clutch. |
Production
Run: +
Current Price:
£17,000+
Availability Rating:
Relability Rating:
|
|
Esprit
GT3
1996-1998
The Drivers Esprit. A stripped out, light-weight Esprit
with a 2.0-litre turbo engine (240bhp). A large options list included
a wing and AC. The best handling Esprit and a lot cheaper than the V8.
Built to open the market up for Lotus's Supercar. A good second hand
buy.
|
Production
Run: +
Current Price:
£15,000+
Availability Rating:
Relability Rating:
|
|
Esprit
V8-GT
1998-2001
Taking over from the GT3, but now with a V8. Light
on options and weight, also £10,000 cheaper than the fully loaded
SE. Most people added the wing as an option, so difficult to tell apart
from the more expensive V8-SE.
|
Production
Run: +
Current Price:
£19,000+
Availability Rating:
Relability Rating:
|
|
Esprit
V8-SE
1998-2001
Top-of-the-range model with a full spec, including
AC and a higher wrap around wing. Expensive against the GT. Relability
more sorted than ever, but won't match your Ford. Better to save cash
and get a winged V8-GT (most people did). |
Production
Run: +
Current Price:
£20,000+
Availability Rating:
Relability Rating:
|
|
Esprit
Sport 350
1999
Special Edition V8 with a production run of only 50
and a £64,995 price tag. Stripped out body with light-weight wheels
saved 80kg. Upgraded Brakes (AP's), re-mapped ECU and lots of real carbon
fibre, including GT look wing. The Ultimate Esprit (so far).
|
Production
Run: 42
Current Price:
£25,000
Availability Rating:
Relability Rating:
|
|
Esprit
V8 2002
2002+
The latest Esprit, New wheels, and Ferrari looking
rear lights make the visual difference. Gets 350 front spoiler and brakes.
Only Esprit currently marketed, fully loaded with a V8-GT price tag.
Good value compared to the previous to models.
|
Production
Run: 300+
Current Price:
£30,000
Availability Rating:
Relability Rating:
|