Keep up to date
Keep up to date with all things Trade Classics, along with new cars.
Auction Live

1995 Lotus Esprit S4S

At a Glance

Rare Performance Edition | ~£7,000 Recently Spent | 6 Former Keepers

  • Mileage~79,229
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine2.2L
  • LocationRochester

AUCTION LIVE

Days
HRS
MIN
SEC
CURRENT BID£9,500
See Bidding

AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£9,500

Introduction

Dom Ginn
Professional Consigner

A special iteration of the legendary Lotus Esprit, known for its blend of supercar performance and classic British sports car design.

The Esprit line itself, first introduced in the 1970s, has always been synonymous with sleek, wedge-shaped styling, and the S4S model, in particular, brought significant improvements to both its aesthetics and performance. The design of the Esprit S4S maintained the sharp, angular lines of the earlier Esprits but added subtle refinements like a more aerodynamic front splitter and a rear wing for better downforce. Inside, the car featured leather upholstery and modern amenities for its time, with the main focus clearly on performance. At the heart of the Esprit S4S is a 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with impressive performance figures. Given the car's lightweight chassis, this power output allows for exhilarating acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of around 4.6 seconds. Driven by the rear wheels, a five-speed manual gearbox gives the Lotus a raw and engaging driving experience that enthusiasts seek.

This UK RHD example comes to market from ~1.5 year ownership. It has had ~£7,000 expenditure in recent years, is finished in a smart one-of-one colour combination, and has just had 6 former keepers. It presents well, and importantly has the performance to match too.

This listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Daniel the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I tried to talk my dad into one years ago with the intention of taking it off his hands when he got bored. Alas, he never fell for my plan!

From a bedroom poster car to trying to convince his dad, the Lotus Esprit is one of those cars Daniel had desired to own from a young age. Fast forward many years to the beginning of 2023, and Daniel could finally tick the car off his bucket list as he became the proud owner of this desirable Lotus Esprit S4S.

Being a fan of the model, he has taken price in his ownership and similar to the former keepers, has spent money on the car as needed. This has included a mechanical overhaul by Esprit Engineering including many parts changed due to age, new injectors, a/c sorted the very rare OZ Futura split-rim wheels refurbished with Radinox outer lips from Germany and new tyres, headlight gears replaced due to a winking eye too! Unfortunately, after much thought on the practicality of owning the Lotus amongst other vehicles, along with not using it to its full potential as often as he’d like, Daniel has made the decision to part with the 90s classic. He will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Daniel
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

The Esprit retains the sharp angular lines but is slightly more refined on the S4S for a more modern, sleek look.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with OZ Futura wheels, these are in excellent condition and have been refurbished in the current ownership using Radinox outer lips. The Continental tyres are new and look in excellent condition.

Please see the image gallery for a closer look at the wheels.

Bodywork

Walking around the Lotus, you will notice that the panel fit is excellent, with equal gaps around the doors, bonnet, and engine cover. The iconic pop-up headlights are working correctly, having been refurbished in current ownership, and being the S4S, this also comes with the super smooth rear spoiler.

We’ve highlighted our observations in more detail through our high-resolution images and videos. Please take the time to review all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the car’s condition for yourself.

Paint

Finished in solid black, the Esprit presents well. There are a few stone chips and a few minor marks, as you would expect, but they are minimal and in keeping with the mileage.

The images have been taken from various angles to show the car as you would see it in person. Please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos to form your own opinion of the paint’s condition.

Glass and Trim

All of the windows appear in good condition, with no noticeable scratches. The seals also look to be in good condition, with no real signs of age.

Both the front and rear lights are in good order, with no damage to the lenses.

Interior

Luxurious magnolia leather is a one-of-one colour choice coupled with the black exterior of the S4S.

Seats and Carpets

The magnolia leather seats hold you nice and snug, though there is a minor amount of colour wear to the driver's bolster. Both door cards are in good condition, with no real scuffs to point out.

The beige carpets are clean and well-presented, with no particular signs of age on the driver's heel pad. Looking up, the headlining sits nice and tight around the sunroof, and there is no staining. Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Dashboard

The black and magnolia leather-clad dashboard is in good order with no splits or cracks. The dark wood fascia has a high-gloss finish to match the door card trims, and the instruments all appear to be in good condition and are reported to be working correctly. The odometer shows a reading of ~79,229 miles.

Please see the interior gallery for more high-resolution images.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original leather steering wheel is in good condition with a small amount of shine to the rim, and the gear knob has some minor patina in keeping with the mileage covered.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Mechanics

The 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine performs superbly, pushing out ~300BHP and a massive ~290lb-ft of torque.

Engine and Gearbox

The 2.2-litre engine fires up without hesitation and comes to a smooth idle with no warning lights displayed or issues reported. The car received an overhaul by Esprit Engineering in February this year, which included many new parts, as detailed on an invoice in the paperwork section. In 2022, the Esprit had the timing and auxiliary belts replaced whilst also replacing some broken exhaust manifold studs.

The gearbox has a smooth change with no untoward noises from the transmission, and as you can imagine, it pulls exceptionally well through the gears. It is also worth mentioning that a new clutch was fitted at 63,890 miles. Watch the video to see the car in action.

Suspension and Brakes

On the road, the Esprit handles like a Lotus should, with precision steering going exactly where you point it. The front suspension was treated to uprated bushes and new coil springs in 2020.

No knocks or bangs are coming from either corner of the car, and it comes to a stop in a straight line with no juddering through the pedal.

The Drive

What's not to love about driving this iconic Lotus Esprit? The handling and performance provide you with an extremely rewarding driving experience.

Then you have the looks! Pop-up headlights, smooth, sleek lines which never fail to draw attention, as Daniel confesses, “often being stopped when filling up with fuel for a chat or the odd photograph”.

Electrics and Other

The switchgear in the Lotus appears in good order with no signs of excessive wear to the lettering and, importantly, the air conditioning blows cold with it having been overhauled in the current ownership.

An Alpine radio cassette is fitted and connected to a boot-mounted CD multi-changer and a set of Kenwood speakers. Another helpful addition is the rear parking sensors.

History and Paperwork

Coming to market from ~1.5 year ownership, just 6 former keepers, and recent expenditure of ~£7,000, this Esprit S4S is seeking an enthusiast owner who will use and enjoy.

Plenty of invoices are present with the Lotus, along with a well-stamped service book and the all-important Certificate of Provenance, complete with a covering letter from Lotus. Several previous MOT certificates tally up with the mileage covered. In recent years the car has had ~£7,000 spent which includes a thorough check and refurbishment of the engine as needed, this included new injectors. Other elements like the wheels have been refurbished, and a total overhaul of the air-conditioning so you can actually use it. The previous history, stamped book and MOTs provide a view that this car has been cherished over the years.

The Esprit has a valid MOT, which was carried out on 03.09.2024 and passed with no advisories.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We’ve summarised our view of the car based on the information provided by the seller above. However, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the vehicle in high-resolution detail. This has been done so that you can make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So, please sit back, have a cuppa, and take your time to review everything in this listing to make your own assessment of the vehicle’s condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time—we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments section below before placing your bids, as bids can’t be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the vehicle—just like in a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
03.09.2024 MOT 79,199
13.02.2024 Service 77,543
23.08.2023 MOT 77,223
14.09.2022 MOT 76,754
13.09.2021 Service` 76,676
16.10.2020 MOT 76,526
23.09.2019 MOT 75,340
30.06.2018 MOT 75,258
18.01.2018 Service 75,322
15.06.2017 MOT 75,169
11.06.2016 MOT 74,718
30.05.2015 MOT 74,424
30.06.2014 MOT/Service 73,344
17.05.2013 MOT 73,162
27.02.2012 MOT 71,796
15.03.2011 Service 68,315
14.03.2011 MOT 68,315
17.03.2010 MOT 65,523
05.06.2009 Service` 63,890
20.04.2009 MOT 63,657
28.04.2008 MOT 60,069
11.04.2008 Service 60,018
04.04.2007 MOT 57,351
26.04.2006 MOT 52,841
24.06.2006 Service 52,385
26.04.2006 MOT 52,841
15.04.2005 MOT 49,038
29.03.2005 Service 48,912
30.03.2004 Service 46,125
08.07.2003 Service 43,797
30.04.2003 MOT 43,335
16.07.2002 Service 41,048
12.04.2002 MOT 39,875
02.05.2001 MOT 34,992
16.02.2001 Service 34,518
02.03.2000 MOT 29,602
23.04.1999 MOT 26,349
Key Details
  • ModelEsprit S4s
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date04.05.1995
  • CC2,174
  • Mileage~79,229
  • ColourBlack
  • Interior ColourCream
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #SCC082910SHA64047
  • Engine #LN910950428899
  • MOTExp - 13.09.2025
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers6
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~1.5 years
  • Key FeatureBeautifully presented one of one colour combination
  • Auction ID2176