Great fast cars to buy from just £16,000 – Autocar
Lotus Esprit 2.2 Turbo SE
With the twin-turbo V8 Esprit demanding as much as £57,000-plus nowadays, there are other ways into an Esprit: enter the Esprit Turbo. Like many of the cars on our list, the Esprit Turbo is a true neck snapper. On the outside, it had low-slung bodywork, pop-up twin headlights, chunky tyres and a beefed-up spoiler added to 1989 models. Inside, t…….
Lotus Esprit 2.2 Turbo SE
With the twin-turbo V8 Esprit demanding as much as £57,000-plus nowadays, there are other ways into an Esprit: enter the Esprit Turbo. Like many of the cars on our list, the Esprit Turbo is a true neck snapper. On the outside, it had low-slung bodywork, pop-up twin headlights, chunky tyres and a beefed-up spoiler added to 1989 models. Inside, things were quite different.
Despite its large transmission tunnel and sporty seats, there were creature comforts like a stereo, air conditioning, cubby holes and in some instances wood, as well. And, while the original Esprit Turbo was no slouch with its 215bhp, the updated 1989 variant produced a mighty 264bhp, achieving 0-62mph in 4.9sec and a 163mph top speed. Pre-1989 cars can be had for around £20,000. But we spotted a cherished example for £34,950.
