Description
* FOR SALE* LOTUS CARLTON // NO 886 OF 950 // 34K MILES // BRITISH ICON
EQUIPMENT
Pearlescent Imperial Green, Anthracite Leather, 6 Speed Manual, Manually-adjustable heated sports seats, Electric heated mirrors, Electric windows, AC, Electric sunroof, Becker Traffic Pro, VECTA vehicle security system, Analogue clock, Ashtray, 12v socket, Green tinted glass.
EXTERIOR
As Performance Icons go, the Lotus Carlton takes some beating – born out of an era of fantastic homologation specials from all the industry leaders, this British bred Super saloon blew the press away upon launch. The dimensions of the Carlton look just right with Lotus inspired revisions to front bumper, arch extensions, side skirts and fixed rear spoiler; the result being all purpose and aggression offset markedly by the luxurious Imperial Green paintwork. Subtle Lotus badging to the front quarter is a simple nod to the significant overhaul from the Hethel factory.
Presentation is first class all around the car with excellent panel fit and gleaming bodywork throughout. Trims and rubbers exhibit excellent integrity and have survived particularly well over the years.
INTERIOR
Ruched Anthracite Connolly leather and Walnut veneer trim covers all your 90’s nostalgic needs in this time warp cabin space. A soft touch dash houses a full complement of Lotus branded instrumentation – all clear and easy to read without any clunky digital menus or clumsy wheel controls; simple and straightforward ergonomics.
The leather seats present in wonderful condition thanks to a recent re-colour in the original Anthracite and the bolsters show minimal wear.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Vauxhall’s 24 valve twin-cam iron block straight six was totally reprofiled by Lotus. Thanks to a new longer stroke crankshaft and Mahle forged alloy pistons the resulting 3. 6 litre unit utilised a lower compression ratio capable of withstanding the brute force of the two small Garrett T25 Turbochargers. After a period in storage, Robsport would perform a light recommissioning in late 2020 and having covered minimal mileage since the car sits in excellent mechanical health.
To cope with the tremendous torque of the turbo engine a 6 speed ZF transmission was installed, as found in the Corvette ZR1, alongside a limited slip differential shared with the Holden Commodore V8.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
As with any homologation special the wheel design is a critical part of the race car for the road aesthetic and these staggered Ronal monoblocks complement the wide arch kit perfectly. The wheels are unmarked wrapped in Goodyear F1 rubber showing plenty of tread depth across all four corners.
Lotus transformed the handling by fitting a new multi-link rear axle, improved twin-tube shock absorbers and fitting some of the biggest brakes ever fitted to a production car at the time – 4 piston AP calipers clamping 330mm discs similar to those used on Group C machinery of that era. Both front and rear discs and pads were replaced by Robsport International some 200 miles ago in November 2020.
HISTORY FILE
No 886 was first registered on the 1st August 1993 by Steve Thompson Cars of Lichfield and would return to the supplying dealer later that August for it’s first service at 1, 133 miles.
The Carlton covered a majority of it’s mileage in the 90’s, as illustrated by 6 stamps in the original service book, before finding it’s way into long term ownership with 2 collectors over a 17 year period. The car would be used sparingly to preserve it’s fantastic condition before a modified clutch bell housing was fitted at 33k miles and a full health check and new brakes installed at the end of 2020 by Robsport International.
All original literature is supplied from new – book packs, warranty and policy documents, original service book and spare key.
Please visit our website for a full write up and additional photographs.
The car is supplied having had an extensive intake inspection. Warranty, Finance, Part Exchange and Worldwide shipping are all available on request.
Buy with confidence: we operate from a 10, 000sq ft indoor showroom with the support of a fully functioning 4000sq ft preparation and service centre that includes a professional photo studio that is used by Top Gear, McLaren and Alpine Stars. We have a passionate team that work incredibly hard to ensure all our motor cars go through our rigorous and unique sales process so they are presented in the best possible condition and light, then found homes all over the world.
Keep up to date: Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Register on our webpage for the latest stock updates.
** SIMILAR VEHICLES ALWAYS REQUIRED**
Selling? Our commission sale or SOR (Sale or Return) program is a great way to utilise and access our services and facilities while still maximising the return from your vehicle with minimal hassle, If you’d like to take advantage of this then please get in touch for further information. Alternatively If you’d like to move your vehicle on quickly and efficiently with minimal delay then we can make an offer on an outright purchase basis with payment and collection arranged soon after.
