Stunningly restored Lotus Carlton for sale
New hot Vauxhalls are coming soon; as if any excuse was required...
It’s all too easily said, and oh-so-often heard, that new fast cars aren’t like old fast cars. Largely because they aren’t, of course. But that’s always been the way: technology, tastes and legislation change, so inevitably the products do as well. Problem being at the moment is that everything seems a bit out of kilter because the market has diverged from what some buyers actually want. Or even what manufacturers would prefer to be selling, were they given a free hand.
Which is a long way of saying the new Vauxhall Mokka GSE probably won’t be met with the warmest reception when it’s fully revealed soon. Not a proper GSE, not a proper hot Vaux, that sort of thing. But something surely has to be better than nothing in these barren times, and it is Vauxhall tradition to spring the odd surprise. Perhaps it’ll be a Meriva VXR for the electric age…
The Lotus Carlton was most certainly not like anything before it, or very much after it for that matter, which is why it’s forged such a reputation as a fast car icon. There had been GSi versions of the Carlton, of course (and if anyone knows of a 24-valve 3000, send it my way), plus the GSE Monzas, but nothing so overtly performance-focused - or with specialist input from a sports car maker. Omegas offered here were never more potent than a 3.2-litre MV6, and while the rebadged Holdens were deeply cool, they were a different prospect really.
It was a unique creation, the LC, and a uniquely awesome one as well. These days, it is harder than ever to make your mark, because there are ordinary family cars out there capable of 0-62mph in less than four seconds. Add that to motorsport-spec dampers on hot hatches, differentials that could rotate the world the other way and eminently tuneable engines, and you can see how hard it is to reach the edge of the envelope. Imagine a Vauxhall coming out now even more powerful than a BMW M5, even faster, and even more expensive. YouTube would grind to a halt.
There’s no point dwelling on the Lotus Carlton story for too long. Like that final in 1966, the semi in 1986, Love Actually or the lyrics to Bittersweet Symphony, we’re all familiar with it by now. Suffice it to say that the palaver associated with getting a Carlton straight six to 3.6 litres, adding two turbos and running the Corvette ZR-1 six-speed was more than worth the effort. Always highly desirable super-saloons, LCs are now stone-cold six-figure classics.
There weren’t very many in the first place, and that first place was more than 30 years ago now; plenty will have suffered an ignominious fate with that much power and rear-wheel drive. This one, number 882, must be one of the very best left in existence. Not only is the mileage incredibly low at 21,000, it’s also been freshly and extensively restored - to the tune of £18,000.
Bless it, the poor old Carlton hasn’t done very much since 2005, which is a bit of shame. Back then, it was showing 19,777 miles; at its MOT last month it was on 20,912. But far from being a barn find, that money spent in 2023 means it now looks ready to rule the road all over again. The advert suggests it’s a ‘truly unrepeatable opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike.’
It’s pretty damn magnificent just to gawp at, let alone drive. Those wheels have never looked better, the paint is pristine, the interior gorgeous and the original numberplates a lovely detail. A low mileage example should always have presented nicely, but whatever was done a couple of years ago really has brought the best from it. There’s not anywhere a Lotus Carlton won’t be the centre of attention for all the right reasons. A supercar saloon, if you will - with the price tag now to match…
Is a perfect high performance saloon, hell no, there are many far more accomplished cars with 4 seats, but few so raw, steeped in so much myth.
If I had the means to buy one, it would have to be a fairly ropey example, one that could be used and abused, not cosseted.
This is a car from a time when manufacturers could say ‘sod it’ we’re building this.
There's a reason cossies keep going up in value, it's the Ford crowd and there's lots of em willing to recreate their youth in one, the Lotus Carlton never really sold well and although admired didnt attract anything like the same following.
Lovely car, currently way overpriced imho.
By the way, that's some inventory at th dealer.
Only 10 cars but a real eclectic mix of dream garage stalwarts
Having browsed the advert for this one I can't see any detail as to how they spent £18k recommissioning it either?
Speaking of ‘of it’s time’ - does anyone know this GT4RS? SCC members car - I’m at the buying stage. Dick Lovett - Bristol. Also £130K but, with a warranty, and less than a year old - as a comparator to the LC - this is where I will spend my money - I suspect many others would also not spend on the LC…?
I had the opportunity to buy a Lotus version around 2007, but the owner at the time was telling me a horror story about how hard it was to find brake pads and clutch parts, which wasn't an ideal sales pitch, so I dipped on it.
It's still an itch I'd love to scratch, but as other have said, not in a £130k example that's almost too good to enjoy.
Great cars though and a moment of madness from GM that's rightly celebrated!
Ran 0864 for five years,used almost every day,only sold due to child number 5 arriving in 2005.
People I haven't seen for decades will still ask about it,they had an huge influence on my generation,if you were into your cars. £ 130 k is strong money for sure,but if I had it spare I don't think I could help myself,the only car I would revisit.
Of its time. Now, a Mini Cooper S would be quicker.
Of its time. Now, a Mini Cooper S would be quicker.
Brighton Speed Trials back in 1990 was the first time I set eyes on one of these.
Frosts had one for years in their showroom amongst other interesting cars.
Love a fast Ford, but these are so rare now and just that little bit more desirable for me.
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