1991 Lotus Esprit Turbo SE

Make

Lotus

Model

Esprit Turbo SE

Year

1991

Listed price

$40,200

Location

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Transmission

Manual

Mileage

70,378 miles

The Lotus Esprit, a wedge-shaped icon of the 1970s and beyond, truly hit its stride with the introduction of the Peter Stevens-designed X180 generation in 1987. This iteration softened some of Giugiaro's original sharp edges while retaining its unmistakable mid-engined drama. The ultimate expression of this era was the Esprit Turbo SE, launched in 1989. This wasn't just a styling update; it was a significant leap in performance, boasting a charge-cooled 2.2-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing a formidable 264 horsepower (with an overboost function briefly pushing it to 280 hp). This made it one of the fastest cars of its day, capable of 0-60 mph in under five seconds, cementing its reputation as a genuine supercar slayer and a poster car for a generation. This 1991 Lotus Esprit Turbo SE, presented in a striking Calypso Red over a Beige and Black interior, embodies the peak of Esprit performance from its era. Showing 70,378 miles, this example features the potent 2.2-liter turbocharged inline-four engine paired with its original manual transmission, offering an unadulterated driving experience that only a lightweight, mid-engined Lotus can deliver. The Turbo SE's distinctive aerodynamic enhancements and "OVNI" (Objet Volant Non Identifié) wheels remain as captivating today as they were three decades ago. This is a chance to acquire a true performance legend, a handcrafted British exotic from an era when analog driving was king.