1991 | Lotus Carlton

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 calipers.

This stunning example of the iconic super saloon is presented in near unmarked Imperial Green coach work with the luxurious full black leather. First registered on the 1st August 1991 to the first owner who treasured the car until 1995. More recently the car was found by a gentleman who discovered the car in a barn having been stored between 2006 when it had covered 59,614 and 2020. Our vendor seeing the potential in what is a low mileage example, purchased and embarked on what became a three years restoration program. The restoration included a full glass out repaint after any necessary welding had been completed, the underside was fully refurbished, engine removed, rebuilt and turbo refurbished and indeed still under warranty before the entire interior and wheels were refurbished. A significant amount has been spent, £20,000 with a Lotus specialist and an estimated £60,000 of restoration costs alone. The history file has been sourced from new until 2006 when the car was taken off the road and a photographic history of the restoration since is accompanying the car as is the original build number 0214G. After finishing, a previous owner got in touch to see the car in its splendour fondly recalling the Lotus bruit in its heyday. One of the most iconic 90’s saloons, and an example that has had far in excess of value lavished upon it to make it one of the best examples on the market and entirely collectable, viewing is highly recommended and is offered with a fresh MoT. Consigned by Mathew Priddy