A LOTUS Esprit found in a barn is the latest car to be added to an auction of vintage and classic cars in March.

The car is like the one best-known for its role in the 1977 James Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me - but without the missile launcher and underwater capabilities.

It has been added to the auction at Haynes International Motor Museum, on March 9 by Charterhouse Auctioneers, Sherborne.

This Lotus is an Esprit 3, which was produced in 1982, and it is one of just 1053 of its kind. The owner was inspired by Bond to purchase the car, but the difficult decision was made for it to be sold at auction after it was driven into the barn and stayed there after the owner fell ill.

Bournemouth Echo:

Richard Bromwell, from Charterhouse, said: “Arguably the most famous Lotus Esprit was the one used by Roger Moore as James Bond in The Spy Who Loved Me which morphed into a submarine, and this was the car which inspired the owner to buy his white Lotus Esprit 3.

“Today it looks slightly sad covered in a film of dust and dirt in the barn but that is only superficial, and I am sure the lucky new owner will have this Lotus back on the road in no time.”

The car is expected to fetch between £14,000 and £18,000 at auction.