The third-generation, seven-seater Renault Espace was launched in 1996 and, like its predecessors, used a galvanised steel spaceframe covered with a fibreglass skin.

This generation also witnessed the launch of the long-wheelbase Grand Espace in 1998, and the top-of-the-range luxury Initiale model.

This latter offering could be specified with a multitude of desirable features including metallic paint, leather upholstery, picnic tables, a remote-controlled Pioneer CD changer, heating and air-conditioning, power windows, and the three-litre overhead-cam V6 with four-speed automatic gearbox.

Though Espaces were once common, as the most expensive and best-appointed model, the Grand Espace Initiale V6 Automatic never was.

In fact, sources indicate that, at its height, there were never more than 75 on British roads, and that figure is now down to nine, of which five are on SORN.

This rare survivor from 2001 was first registered in Luton and is understood to have had just six owners from...