The GT3 was a victory lap for Lotus; it was the final variation of the Hethel marque's much-loved Esprit, succeeding memorable models like the S1 (think The Spy Who Loved Me) and the Turbo (think For Your Eyes Only). The S4, launched in 1994, did not receive the 007 treatment, but remains a fabulous drivers' car, and a beloved member of the Lotus fraternity. Each Esprit generation was penned by a car-design great: the S1 was famously one of Giorgetto Giugaro's wedge-shaped wonders, and the X180 variation was the work of Peter Stevens - later known for his work on the McLaren F1. The S4 and GT3 were designed by Julian Thompson, who would later pen the first Lotus Elise, a car still held up as the high watermark for lightweight sportscars even today.

The GT3 was, at the time, an embodiment of founder Colin Chapman's famous mantra: “simplify, then add lightness.” Gone were the air-conditioning, plush seats, airbags, sound deadening and stereo, all of which deemed unnecessary for the driver-focused GT3. As a result, it was 150kg lighter than its V8 stablemate, which paid off in spades, leading motoring journalist Andrew Frankel describing it as “simply superb from point to point. More fun than a V8? You bet. More fun, indeed, than any Esprit…”

Our vendor has owned his GT3 for 17 years, during which time he used the car regularly, even daily driving it, as - in his words - it benefits from being driven! Aside from a slight crack to the fibreglass at the rear ¾, and the occasional stone chip, the car presents well. It comes complete with extensive history, and the very appropriate registration 'E5 PRT'. Interested parties should satisfy themselves to know that this car has been cared for and garaged for the duration of our vendor's ownership, but health reasons mean it must find a new owner. Consigned by Charlie McCreery

Lot details
Year: 1998
Make: Lotus
Model: Esprit GT3
Registration: E5 PRT
Chassis No: SCCEA0821WHC22258
Odometer: 96,720

* Rare GT3 model, one of only 190 produced
* Offered from long-term ownership