Registration number: LO-53-94
Manufacturer: Gallery Aaldering Arnhemsestraat 47 6971AP BRUMMEN, NL 0575564055 http://www.gallery-aaldering.com info@gallery-aaldering.com
The first owner bought this Lotus Omega new for his wife. Not for himself. Apparently, he considered that an important detail to mention. Whether she truly needed 377 horsepower, two turbochargers, and a six-speed manual transmission every morning to go grocery shopping, we do not know. But what a wonderful story.
The Lotus Omega began life as a perfectly respectable Opel Omega. A spacious four-door sedan for people with a family, an executive position, or both. The car was then sent to Lotus, where the engineers decided that respectability could coexist perfectly well with performance capable of making many sports cars distinctly nervous. The engine grew from three liters to 3.6 liters. Lotus then added two Garrett turbochargers. And just like that, the well-mannered family sedan suddenly produced 377 horsepower and 568 Nm of torque.
Lotus referred to the project internally as Type 104. The standard six-cylinder was not simply subjected to additional boost pressure, but was extensively reengineered to cope reliably with the increased output. The engine block was reinforced, while new pistons, connecting rods, and a new crankshaft were fitted. A water-cooled intercooler system kept the intake-air temperature under control.
Power was sent to the rear wheels through the same ZF six-speed transmission used in the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1. A limited-slip differential then helped put that power onto the pavement. This was not merely an Omega with a tuning package and a few Lotus badges. Lotus reworked virtually everything.
The suspension, steering, brakes, and aerodynamics were all revised as well. The fenders were widened, the hood received ventilation openings, and a spoiler appeared at the rear. Yet the underlying shape of the standard Omega remained clearly recognizable. And that was precisely what made it so effective.
A Ferrari driver did not see a low red sports car approaching in the mirror. He saw an Opel. Until that Opel was still behind him at 250 km/h.
The Lotus Omega accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately five seconds and was capable of a top speed of more than 280 km/h. At the time, that made it one of the fastest four-door production cars in the world. Lotus itself still describes the model as a world-class performance car and cites a tested top speed of 174 mph, or approximately 280 km/h.
On the German Autobahn, this made the Lotus Omega a rather unpleasant surprise for drivers of established sports cars. Four doors. A large trunk. And somewhere in the distance, a Ferrari slowly disappearing from view.
Every Lotus Omega was delivered in Imperial Green. There was no need for a color chart, nor for an afternoon spent with a salesperson holding different paint samples beneath a showroom light. Lotus had already selected the correct color.
In the shade, it appears almost black, but as soon as the light moves across the bodywork, the deep dark green emerges. Just conspicuous enough for those who know what they are looking at, and discreet enough for everyone else to assume that an old Omega is simply driving ahead of them.
This Omega dates from 1992 and comes directly from its first owner. The car is in exceptionally neat, well-cared-for condition and is accompanied by an extensive historical file. And it drives truly fantastically.
At a relaxed pace, the six-cylinder feels remarkably composed, but as soon as the two turbochargers begin contributing in earnest, the character changes completely. The long gearing, immense pulling power, and exceptional stability allow speed to build almost too effortlessly.
A 1992 Lotus Omega from its first owner, fully documented and finished in the only color Lotus considered necessary: Imperial Green. It was bought new for his wife. Naturally. We would keep telling that story too. Perhaps one for your wife? Or for someone else? We understand completely. Contact Gallery Aaldering today and discover this extraordinary Omega for yourself. We export our vehicles worldwide; please inquire about the available possibilities.
