Lot details

Year: 1992
Make: Vauxhall
Model: Lotus Carlton
Registration: J820 UPB
Chassis No: SCC000019M1203141
Engine No: C36GET30M60302
Mileage: 76,941
•: Boasting the last ever Lotus re-worked 3615cc, 24V straight-six engine
•: Restored to an original yet incredible standard
•: Provence dating back to 1992
•: Thought of as the best Lotus Carlton in the country

The Lotus Carlton was a Vauxhall Carlton upgraded by Lotus Cars to be a 177mph sports saloon with acceleration equal to contemporary supercars. When released, it was the fastest four-door saloon car in the world. The external differences were minimal with the addition of a rear spoiler, air intakes on the bonnet, Lotus badges on the front wings and bootlid, a bodykit and considerably wider wheel arches. The car was only sold in one colour, a shade of British Racing Green called Imperial Green, a very dark green that in anything but direct light appears black.

Lotus re-worked the 2969cc, 24V straight-six used in the Carlton GSi and bored it out to 3615cc. In addition, twin Garrett T25 turbochargers were attached resulting in 377bhp and torque at 419lb/ft. Power was transmitted through a six-speed ZF manual gearbox and power was driven to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential. The brakes were supplied by AP with 330mm ventilated discs all round and racing callipers.

First registered on the 18th March 1992 this truly stunning example of the ultra-collectable 90's super salon is presented in unmarked Imperial Green with contrasting luxury black full leather. Our vendor always dreamt that his dad would turn up from work in a Lotus Carlton when he was younger but having not experienced it as a child, when the opportunity to purchase his own in 2013 arose he jumped at the chance. The car he purchased in 2013 was a indeed a very good example, just four previous owners with documentation back to when new and in 1996 at 49,478 miles had benefitted from a brand new replacement engine under warranty, which is documented as the last Lotus crate engine in existence, therefore the last-ever factory Lotus re-worked 3615cc, 24V straight-six engine is fitted to this very car.

Although happy with his pride and joy, in 2022 he decided to contact his local trusted Bodyshop to tidy up a few aspects, this brought what eventually became an unplanned, comprehensive and frankly breathtaking cosmetic restoration. The car was treated to any necessary work to sills and underside before all nuts and bots were replaced and treated before being fully photographed and then undersealed. Then the body, initially planned to rectify any areas in need, our vendor decided to strike a deal with The Bodycentre, Norwich and they could showcase this car for their work… and boy did that pay dividends, where some body shops would take the route of least resistance The Bodycentre took the philosophy that this was their opportunity to demonstrate the highest level of workmanship, indeed three days alone were taken on one wheel arch to ensure the work was exactly as it would have been from new before replicating it on others. It was handy that another original Lotus Carlton was already in the bodyshop, so no stranger to the cars they could make sure all necessary details were seen to. The fit and finish of the panels and even the body kit is exemplary, the finish being part of the reason our vendor is selling 'it's just too good that now I'm worried about driving it and getting even a stone chip'.

The car is no trailer queen… yet, recent mechanical works include full brake rebuild front and rear with refurbished calipers, new discs, new pads and new hoses all round, fully powder coated and rebushed suspension, new OE wheel bearings all round, new ball joints and new steering control arms and the car performs impeccably and remains garaged between short trips.

The interior wasn't left out of the works, the headlining and A pillars all retrimmed to sustain the 'fresh' feel and as original by an original Lotus factory trimmer, which compliments the original stereo and leather trim which feels like it has done ½ the 76,941 miles on the odometer, even the optional over mats feel fresh and are a nod to the sheer opulence of this car when it was new. On that note, the car is completely standard and incredibly original with all work completed as such, the original unused spare is in the boot alongside the unused medical kit and of course the car is complemented by a comprehensive from day-one history file including full book pack and various dealer booklets and magazines of the day. Never intended to be such a comprehensive restoration project, with the plan to simply tidy the car up, our vendor has for want of a better word 'shot himself in the foot' striving for perfection he has created one of the best if not the best example on the market, as new yet drivable, boasting the last Lotus re-worked straight-six and with provenance that cannot be replicated, viewing is imperative to appreciate the opportunity to collectors and enthusiasts alike. Consigned by Mathew Priddy