1999 Lotus Esprit GT3

November 4, 2025
1999 Lotus Esprit GT3

The Lotus Esprit has always been Britain’s dare-to-be-different supercar—a wedge of sheer adrenaline with a pedigree in James Bond films and racetracks alike. This 1999 Lotus Esprit GT3 is an especially rare breed – one of only 196 made worldwide, and one of just two finished in a vibrant Chrome Orange, a colour as bold and eye-catching as the car’s angular lines. Even more incredible, fewer than five Esprit GT3s exist in all of Australia, making this coupe a unicorn sighting on our roads. Fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, the GT3 may be smaller in displacement than the typical Aussie V8, but it leverages Lotus’s legendary engineering to deliver breathtaking performance through lightness and handling finesse.

The moment you slip into its snug cockpit, you sense the purpose built into every inch of the Esprit GT3. From the classic wooden Lotus shift knob to the race-inspired instrument layout, it’s clear this car was bred for driving enthusiasts. On a winding coastal drive, the GT3 dances through corners where heavier local muscle cars would falter. Every steering input is met with immediate response, a testament to Lotus founder Colin Chapman’s philosophy of “simplify, then add lightness.” Owning this Esprit is not just about speed; it’s about making a statement that you value the art of driving and exclusivity.

Why It’s Special: This Lotus offers a collectability double-whammy: extremely low production numbers and a storied lineage. As one of the final iterations of the Esprit (a model that enjoyed a remarkable nearly 30-year production run), the GT3 encapsulates the swan song of analog British sports cars. For investors, the rarity of this example – especially in its unique factory colour – positions it for solid appreciation in value. It appeals to a niche of collectors who seek something different from the usual Ferraris and Porsches, making it a standout piece in any high-end collection. Moreover, the Esprit’s pop-culture legacy (from The Spy Who Loved Me to Pretty Woman) adds an element of nostalgia-driven demand. In short, it’s a car that delivers both on-road excitement and on-paper investment sense, outclassing any domestic Australian sports car in exclusivity and engineering pedigree.

Performance and Handling: Lightness Meets Power

Don’t be fooled by the GT3’s relatively small engine – its performance is ferocious thanks to Lotus’s obsessive focus on weight reduction. The 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder pumps out roughly 240 hp, and in a car just over 1,200 kg that yields a 0–100 km/h time of around 5 seconds plus a top speed near 260 km/h. More impressive is how the GT3 tackles corners: with its sport-tuned suspension and manual steering unfiltered by electronics, it delivers razor-sharp feedback and nimble agility. Many drivers actually find the GT3 more fun on a twisty road than its higher-powered V8 Esprit siblings, precisely because the lighter chassis feels so balanced and responsive.

Owning a Lotus Esprit GT3 in Australia

Seeing a Lotus Esprit GT3 on Australian roads is nearly unheard of – which is exactly why owning one is so special. You’re guaranteed to turn heads at any car meet, since most enthusiasts have never witnessed this model in person. Because the GT3 was never officially sold new here, importing one is the main route to ownership. CCI | Classic Car Imports can manage the entire process on your behalf, from sourcing a quality Esprit GT3 overseas to handling shipping, compliance with Australian regulations, and local registration. With the right support, getting this British exotic into your garage is an achievable dream – and every drive will remind you that you own something truly rare and exciting.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1: How rare is the 1999 Lotus Esprit GT3?
Only 196 GT3s were produced worldwide between 1997 and 1999. Of those, fewer than five are believed to be in Australia, making it incredibly rare on Aussie roads.

2: What kind of performance does the Esprit GT3 deliver?
The GT3’s 2.0L turbo engine produces around 240 hp, enabling 0–100 km/h in roughly 5 seconds and a top speed near 260 km/h. Thanks to its lightweight design, it also boasts excellent cornering and agility.

3: How does the GT3 compare to the V8 Esprit models?
The V8 Esprit variants have more power, but the four-cylinder GT3 is about 150 kg lighter. That lower weight gives the GT3 a more agile, balanced feel in corners. Many enthusiasts find the GT3 more engaging to drive on twisty roads, even if the V8 can accelerate faster in a straight line.

4: Why is the 1999 Lotus Esprit GT3 considered a collectible?
Its collectibility comes from a mix of low production numbers and significance. The GT3 was one of the final Esprit models, capturing the end of an era for Lotus. It has unique features (like the smaller turbo engine and lighter setup) and a bit of pop-culture fame, all of which make it highly sought after by collectors.

5: Was the Lotus Esprit really in James Bond movies?
Yes. A Lotus Esprit (earlier generation) featured famously in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) as the submarine car. That, along with an appearance in For Your Eyes Only and the movie Pretty Woman, cemented the Esprit’s pop culture status. While those were not GT3 models, the GT3 shares the same legendary lineage.

6: How can I import a Lotus Esprit GT3 to Australia?
The best approach is through a specialist importer. CCI | Classic Car Imports can handle the entire import process for you – from finding a Lotus Esprit GT3 overseas to shipping, customs clearance, compliance with Australian regulations, and local registration. This ensures your rare car arrives safely and is road-legal in Australia.