1989 Lotus Esprit SE

Make

Lotus

Model

Esprit SE

Year

1989

Listed price

$29,800

Location

Houston, Texas

Transmission

Manual

Mileage

50,785 miles

The Lotus Esprit, a wedge of automotive artistry, first captivated the world with its Giorgetto Giugiaro-penned Series 1 in 1976. By the late 1980s, the Esprit had evolved under the hand of Peter Stevens, shedding its sharp edges for a more organic, yet still dramatic, form. This X180 generation, launched in 1987, was a significant leap forward, offering improved build quality and a more refined cabin. But the true revolution arrived in 1989 with the Esprit SE. This was the car that finally gave the Esprit the power it deserved, introducing a charge-cooled, turbocharged 2.2-liter inline-four that unleashed a staggering 264 horsepower – a figure that could briefly swell to 280 hp on overboost. This transformation propelled the Esprit SE into supercar territory, capable of 0-60 mph in under five seconds and a top speed exceeding 160 mph, firmly establishing it as a formidable competitor to contemporary Ferraris and Porsches. This 1989 Lotus Esprit SE, showing 50,785 miles, represents the very first year of this iconic, high-performance variant. Its striking visual presence, a hallmark of the Esprit, remains undeniable, promising to turn heads wherever it goes. The robust 2.2-liter turbocharged I4 engine, paired with a manual transmission, delivers an engaging driving experience that enthusiasts crave, with a soundtrack to match its aggressive aesthetics. This is an opportunity to acquire a landmark performance car from an era when Lotus truly pushed the boundaries of what a four-cylinder could achieve.