Lotus Esprit

GT3

1998 Lotus Esprit GT3KEY FACTS

• This Lotus Esprit GT3 is a particularly rare and sought-after modern classic British sports car, offered from long-term ownership and enhanced with a number of discerning upgrades.
• It is powered by an upgraded 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four, now delivering up to around 324PS to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.
• This example is understood to be an original Netherlands-delivered model, which was first registered in September 1998, and has been with the seller and fourth owner for nine years.
• This Esprit GT3 is understood to be one of only 190 examples produced.
• The odometer shows a relatively modest 79,760 Kms from new.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• The GT3 represented the last iteration of the four-cylinder-powered Esprit, and features a redesigned instrument binnacle, a milled steel gear knob, and body-coloured transmission tunnel trim.
• This example is finished in a stylish shade of black with contrasting silver ‘GT3’ side decals, over a black leather-trimmed interior, featuring ‘ACBC’ logos on the headrests (in recognition of Lotus founder Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman), brushed steel and body-coloured trim.
• It rides on a set of 17-inch O.Z Racing five-spoke alloy wheels, framing gloss black Brembo front brake callipers and fitted with Pirelli P Zero Nero tyres.
• Equipment includes pop-up headlights, a top-tinted windscreen, a pop-up sunroof, air conditioning, VDO gauges, and electric windows.
• This example has been upgraded with an engine tune to 320bhp (324PS), a Quaife limited-slip differential, an EFi Euro 4 ECU (including USB module), Deatschwerks injectors, a Borg-Warner EFR 6258 turbocharger, a Zomer Motorsport engine loom, an Alunox tubular manifold, lightweight conrods, an upgraded clutch, DP Engineering Boven-Leeuwen calibrated (on throttle position), PNM uprated brakes, a custom stainless-steel motorsport exhaust system, aluminium fuel tanks, and a Blaupunkt Denver DAB stereo.
• The car comes with a spare wheel, the green leather-bound owner’s manual with stamped services, a dyno print-out, and user’s leaflets for upgrade parts.

CONDITION

• Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition.
• The car’s last roadworthiness test was conducted on 7 March 2024, which is understood to have resulted in a clean pass with no advisories.

SERVICE HISTORY

• This Esprit’s most recent maintenance was carried out in March 2024 at 79,740 Kms by Van Der Kooi Sportscars, which consisted of an inspection and APK.
• A full engine rebuild was carried out at around 75,000 Kms.
• Other notable maintenance includes the gearbox being rebuilt, and an oil and brake service being performed.

Dates and Mileages:

• Mar 2024 - 79,740 Kms - Van Der Kooi Sportscars
• Apr 2023 - The Engineers Garage
• Jan 2022 - Zomer Motoren
• Jan 2021 - The Engineers Garage
• May 2019 - The Engineers Garage
• Aug 2004 - 40,000 Kms
• Jun 2003 - 30,000 Kms - Lotus
• Sep 2001 - 23,296 Kms - Van Sten Engineering Lotus Specialist
• Dec 1999 - 12,900 Kms - Lotus Import W.J. van der Kooi
• Oct 1998 - 2,118 Kms - Lotus Import W.J. van der Kooi

SUMMARY
This Lotus Esprit GT3 is a particularly rare and desirable modern classic British sports car, offered from long-term ownership and enhanced with a number of discerning upgrades. Understood to be one of only 190 examples produced, with a stylish colour scheme, sleek wedge-era styling, and a lively turbocharged inline-four engine coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox, it would make a notable addition to any assembly of British performance heroes, and a rewarding companion for weekend drives, fair-weather cruising, and classic car show visits alike.