2017 ADESS-03 LMP3 IMSA Endurance Car

History

Advanced Design & Engineering Systems Solutions (“ADESS”) is one of only five manufacturers that were approved to design and build LMP3 cars for the ACO (Automobile Club de l´Ouest) LMP3 (Le Mans Prototype 3) category in 2015. These LMP3 cars, like those of Ligier and Ginetta-Juno, were required to use a normally aspirated 420 h.p. V8 Nissan engines mated to a six speed X-Trac sequential shift gearbox. The goal of the category was to provide access to endurance racing with limited costs and a car cost cap of €207,000. 

The ADESS-03 model debuted with a limited schedule in the 2015-2016 Asian Le Mans Series. Its best result was second at Sepang. In 2018, the 03 also debuted in the U.S. in the  IMSA Michelin Encore Series four hour race at Sebring. After mechanical issues in the early going, the Atlantic Racing Team came back to finish 6th. 

In mid-October, 2017, this particular ADESS, chassis 008, was delivered to ANSA Motorsports in Miami Gardens, Florida. The car was taken to Palm Beach International Raceway for testing. F3000 Champion, and three time Champ Car Series runner up, Bruno Junqueira, did the initial shake down testing of the car. He assessed the car as “a great car and a perfect first step for a driver looking to start driving prototypes.”  

Thereafter the ADESS 03 was used for testing and development with ANSA, including at such circuits as Homestead-Miami Speedway. Approximately five total test days were put on the car during this period. The car was not raced. 

The ADESS was purchased in 2023 and shipped to California. There, with factory support, the ADESS was fitted with significant ADESS 03 EVO LMP3 upgrades, including the more powerful 460 h.p. Nissan NISMO VQ56, 5.6, V8 engine and traction control. Other upgrades included a dual element rear wing, Zylon side panels for greater driver protection, and a shorter wheelbase. The wheelbase change was implemented to cure a rear axle angle design problem that resulted in rear axle failures and lengthy pit stops for several ADESS 03 cars. The upgrade cured the problem.

Chassis 008 was then tested at Thunderhill Raceway Park, and at Buttonwillow Raceway. Now fully sorted, it was campaigned for a remaining few races of the 2023 racing season in the Western Endurance Racing Championship (“WERC”) as well as in the MPG Prototype Celebration Series. 

The ADESS finished 2nd at the MPG Prototype Celebration at Sonoma Raceway in June, 2023. That was followed up by the car claiming the front row at Utah Motorsports Campus event, and capturing 1st place in ESR in the WERC Sunchaser 6 Hour Enduro. The ADESS would finish the season 3rd in points. Since then the car has been professionally maintained, but not put back on the track. For an endurance car, this ADESS has extremely low miles on its chassis.

Description

As mentioned above, the ADESS is powered by a 5.6 liter, 460 h.p Nissan VK56 V8 engine. The engine is situated in the car’s carbon-honeycomb monocoque chassis, and mated to its X-TRAC six speed sequential gearbox. The gearbox is operated by a semi-automatic paddle shift system. Also included are cockpit adjustable sway bars. 

Suspension is by double wishbones with pushrod activated springs and three way dampers.

Steering is handled by the Cosworth developed steering wheel controls and electronically adjustable power steering. The car rides on OZ12.5” X 18” wheels in the front, and 13” X 18” wheels at the rear. Stopping power is provided by six piston Brembo ventilated disc brakes. 

A fresh new engine and multiple sets of new, unmounted, tires are available by separate negotiation. If you intend to campaign the ADESS at an intense level, these would be nice extras to consider.

So what is the relative value of the ADESS-03? We think it is a good buy on multiple levels. Compare this ADESS at $95,000 with some other 2017 LMP3 cars currently on the market, such as this 2017 Liger LMP3 at £140,000 (roughly $174,000 USD). While that car does come with a spare engine, The ADESS can also be supplied with fresh new, top-of-the-line, engine at additional cost. 

There are two AVE Riley AR-02 LMP3 cars currently available for $225,000 and $250,000. There are multiple Ligiers for sale ranging from €100,000 to €140,000 (roughly $103,000 – $145,000 USD). There are three Duqueine D08 LMP3 VK56 cars for sale ranging from $185,000 to $190,000 as well. We are sure there are more, but these seem to be fairly representative samples. The point is, the ADESS is offered at less than all of them, and if you are in the U.S. (the ADESS is located in California), then you may also save on taxes, shipping, and Customs fees too. 

The LMP3 prototype racing class has provided us mere mortals the opportunity to race world class prototype sports cars worldwide, as well as in our own backyards. These are safe, relatively affordable and reliable cars in which we can experience the thrills of endurance racing. They are now eligible for many series, including Masters Historic Racing, HSR, the IMSA VP Sports Car Challenge, SVRA Prototype Sprint Series Association, SCCA, NASA, and more. 

One of the other great benefits of racing an LMP car is that you have many opportunities to share the car with other drivers, and additional owners as well. So consider getting a partner(s) in the ADESS, and exploring the world of endurance racing on whatever level suits you best.

All vehicle descriptions are accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. Corrections, and supplemental information, are always welcome. Buyers are responsible for confirming vehicle histories, condition, and authenticity to their own satisfaction prior to purchase. Motorsports Market is not the owner of the vehicle and assumes no liability for errors and omissions.

(c) 1996-2025, Motorsports Market. All Rights Reserved.

Photos

Questions, Comments, Offers?

Please Contact Us if you have any questions or comments, 

or would like to make a non-binding offer.