1998 Lotus Esprit GT3 - Full VIDEO TOUR in ad

Are you in the market for arguably the most iconic British junior supercar ever made, but bored of looking at thinly veiled restoration projects? Read on, this car could be for you!

FULL YOUTUBE VIDEO TOUR AND DRIVE OF THIS CAR IS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Model - Lotus Esprit GT3

Year - 1998

Mileage - 95000

Previous Owners - 7

HPI Clear - Yes

MOT - Expires Dec 19th 2025

Service History - Full and comprehensive, mostly Peter Day Lotus, Bell and Colvill (17 stamps and many, many invoices - message me for a thorough breakdown)

Keys - 2 full sets, both with original Cobra alarm fobs

Location - I am in South Notts/Leicestershire border

This is a truly exceptional example of a GT3, and looks absolutely fantastic in calypso red. I turn around and look at it every time I park and it never fails to make me smile!

It is extremely well serviced and runs beautifully. I use it on an almost daily basis and it is perfectly reliable. It has NOT been languishing and then dragged out and tarted up for sale purposes like so many of these have!

The GT3 is a wonderful Esprit - It's very balanced and nimble but is still a great tourer. You also get a "frunk" (unique to the GT3), the sublime facelifted interior, beautiful VDO gauges and the stylish GT3 decals down the side. IAnd the best part is they are generally known as being the most reliable and well sorted Esprits out of all models!

This car has the V8 comfort seat option in beautiful magnolia over black, the headlining is a very Ferrari-esque original alacantara and it also has the AC and Alpine speaker system. Unlike most Esprits the interior actually smells nice !

There is lots of originality still present (original dealer sticker in rear window, etc) and it's not poorly restored - It's simply been driven, cared for and well maintained.

I have fitted a modern but old fashioned looking stereo which has handsfree calling, bluetooth audio and DAB radio.

Recent work carried out

C Service

Rear tyres

Cambelt / Waterpump

Replacement ECU (original included)

Stainless exhaust with high flow cat from SJ (not too noisy)

Double adjustable coilovers (SJ Sportscars)

Two clutch replacements in the service history file

Rebuilt headlamp motor rose joints and dampers (without this the headlights clunk and rattle on any Esprit)

The car was sold at Bonhams a few years ago (Google the reg and you'll find the lot listing) - As you can see it looks great but the auction notes fuss about the paintwork. Since then it's had a full paint correction and some catch up maintenance (including the shocks, exhaust and so on) and is in much better condition now.

BODYWORK

Excellent overall given the age and mileage. The paintwork is fantastic, all panels are the same colour (!), panel gaps are as they should be. Windshield is original (still has the run-in sticker) but not peppered although there are two very tiny marks on it. Rubbers and trim are all in excellent order. The black door frames are not rotten, which is common on Esprits. Engine cover is in nice condition, wipers/washers work properly. The "frunk" is very nicely presented as is the boot.

GEARBOX

Gear selection is beautiful, no crunching into reverse, clutch is correctly adjusted, operates smoothly and doesn't slip. The clutch hose is the upgraded braided type and the fluid has been recently renewed.

ENGINE/TURBO

Simply no issues, turbo engagement is tremendous fun at 4000+ RPM as you'd expect! No silly upgrades, it's just a well serviced engine. Vacuum pump has been upgraded recently.

COOLING

Fans work properly and the car will happily sit in traffic in hot weather without danger of overheating. The temp gauge works well although very occasionally pings to max - A light tap resets it. This is a good reminder to keep an eye on the temp but would be an easy fix I am sure.

STEERING / SUSPENSION / BRAKES

This Esprit tracks very well - Ride height is fully adjustable but is currently set to standard height. The car is very confidence inspiring and lovely to hustle down a b road - It's got fully adjustable shocks for height, firmness and rebound so you could play with it although it's currently well set up for road use. The tracking is straight and true. Braking from the beefy Brembos is progressive (like a Porsche if you haven't driven a Lotus Esprit) and has plenty of bite when you need it to.

ELECTRICS

Everything works properly - Central locking works off the Cobra fob (factory fitted), Stereo sounds great and the windows go up and down quickly. All lighting, horn etc works properly. There are no issues with any of the electrics.

SALE ALSO INCLUDES

Full bush and ball joint kit front and rear from SJ (bought but not fitted, it doesn't need anything changing)

Original Esprit wind deflector

Roof stowage bag

Original Lotus Tool kit

Factory blanking panel for stereo

All the original owners handbook etc presented in the Lotus green leather binder

Diag cable for Espritmon / Freescan (vital diagnostic software for the Esprit, which is free - I can show the new owner how it works)

CAVEATS/POINTS OF NOTE

The car is from 1998 and is a hand built Lotus, please don't expect it to be anything like a modern BMW !

The paintwork whilst in fabulous order generally does have a few marks here and there but on the whole is extremely presentable

Same goes for the interior, there are small signs of wear and tear (darkening of the drivers bolster) however again on the whole it is representative of the age and mileage

AC not charged currently

Front tyres have plenty of tread but are 5+ years old so ideally I'd like to change them

Front splitter has been removed and the replacement has not been fitted but will be fitted by a bodyshop prior to delivery

IF THE FULL ASKING PRICE IS MET

I will have the AC charged/repaired at my cost

I will replace the two front tyres

I'll throw in a full tank of Super unleaded

In summary this is a lovely Esprit and it deserves an owner who will drive and enjoy it.

This British icon is truly ready for action and I'd happily drive it anywhere (South of France would be nice!), so if you're far away from me why not catch a train to collect it and have a nice drive back?

I can also arrange transport via a recovery company (Shiply) if you'd prefer.

I am looking for a nice two seater convertible for my wife so would consider a PX/deal (at trade value) for a Boxster, F Type Roadster or similar.

Any questions please give me, Llewelyn, a call on 07712426170.