Ex-Cormac McCarthy 18k-Mile 1995 Lotus Esprit S4 Project

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The S4 is one of the final evolutions of the four‑cylinder Lotus Esprit lineage, combining lightweight composite construction with motorsport‑inspired engineering with a modern update of its dramatic wedge style. The Esprit S4 was powered by a turbocharged 2.2-liter inline-four rated at a hefty 246 horsepower when new, nudging it over the 100-hp-per-liter mark long before that was common.

The car was purchased by acclaimed author Cormac McCarthy in 2010 after spending its first 15 years in New York and New Jersey. Under McCarthy's stewardship, the car was never registered or titled and is said to have been largely stored. This Esprit now shows approximately 18,300 miles, though it is not currently in running condition and is being sold as a project. Now offered by McCarthy’s brother, Dennis McCarthy, the car has recently been brought to market with additional context around its unique ownership history. The Hagerty Media team spoke with Dennis about Cormac’s quiet stewardship of this Esprit and what the Lotus meant to him, sharing a few personal reflections alongside the sale. You can read more about the car and the conversation here.

Finished in black over gray leather, this Esprit S4 features a turbocharged 2.2-liter inline-four paired with a five-speed manual transaxle that drives the rear wheels. It's fitted with 17-inch wheels over Brembo disc brakes.

This low-mile 1995 Lotus Esprit S4 project is now offered at no reserve with a clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report and a clean New Mexico title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Owned by Cormac McCarthy from 2010 through his passing in 2023

• Non‑running project offered at no reserve

• S4 model with approximately 18k original miles

• Powered by a turbocharged 2.2L inline‑four-cylinder engine

• Renault-derived 5‑speed manual transaxle driving the rear wheels

• Finished in black paint over a grey leather trimmed interior

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report

Factory Equipment

• Aero kit with rear wing and widened arches

• 17" alloy wheels

• Garrett T3/60 turbocharger

• Leather bucket seats

• Brembo disc brakes

• Air conditioning

• Power steering

Modifications

• Rear spoiler

• Rear fascia with center-mount exhaust pipes

Known Imperfections

• Non‑running condition

• Vehicle will require mechanical recommissioning prior to use

• Cosmetic imperfections consistent with age

Ownership History

The clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report lists registration history in New York and New Jersey, as well as a gap from 2008 until 2026. During that time, it is reported to have been acquired by Cormac McCarthy, reportedly from Martin Cadillac of Los Angeles.

However, the car was never registered or titled during McCarthy’s ownership and is said to have remained largely undriven. The most recent title activity occurred in January 2026, when the current seller—acting as executor of McCarthy’s estate—titled the vehicle in New Mexico. The CARFAX shows no accidents, no structural damage, no airbag deployment, and no odometer discrepancies.

Additional Notes

From the seller: “My name is Dennis McCarthy. I’m Cormac McCarthy’s brother and the executor of his estate. Cormac died in 2023 and was a lifelong lover and collector of automobiles. I have already sold 13 vehicles from his collection; the Lotus is one of the few remaining. I will be the person handling the sale and arranging pickup with the buyer, and at the time of purchase I will provide a signed letter of provenance verifying Cormac’s ownership.

Acting as executor of the estate of acclaimed author Cormac McCarthy, I am offering this 1995 Lotus Esprit S4 exactly as it remains from his ownership. McCarthy purchased the car in 2010 with just over 18,300 miles, but never registered, titled, or meaningfully drove it. Today, the odometer shows essentially the same mileage. While the car presents as a largely original example, it does not currently run due to what two mechanics believe is a failed in‑tank fuel pump. I have made the decision to sell the vehicle as‑is. This Esprit represents a rare opportunity to acquire a low‑mileage S4 with unique provenance, offered transparently as a project for recommissioning by its next caretaker.”