RE: Spotted: 1993 Lotus Carlton

[soad]

Husaberk said:

Not with that godawful interior at that price.

Needs leather.

[moskvich427]

soad said:

Husaberk said:

Not with that godawful interior at that price.

Needs leather.

and those horrible after-market lights changing

[thewheelman]

None for me thanks, i'll keep the AMG Hammer as the daily dog

[Beardy10]

All great cars in their own right. I'm a BMW man but I think the LC gets it as it was just such a monster.....incredible they ever made it really.

[456lbft]

NotNormal said:

Looks about right to me. Rear suspension has variable ride height so pumps up when ignition is turned on and sinks when its turned off as the air is released. Hence why the rear on the one in the article looks low (as they all tend to be when parked up).

Edited by NotNormal on Tuesday 1st November 12:10

It shouldn't leak out, even if you leave it for a week. But a lot do...

[Justayellowbadge]

[j_s14a]

thewheelman said:

None for me thanks, i'll keep the AMG Hammer as the daily dog

You lucky man

[M5 Russ]

I love the LC and was so close to buying one when looking for a super saloon but I went with the e39 M5 in the end.

I still intend to scratch the itch at some point though

[vit4]

Lotus Carlton for me, favourite saloon ever Although that M5 looks tasty

[Johnboy Mac]

On an overall cost basis, the Merc wins hands down I'd reckon plus it even top's the E34 for build quality, bar the L/H/D is the better daily driver. But I'd be more inclinded towards the M5 an early 3.6 would be perfect. The Carlton, no doubt awesome, is a far better licence loser and possibily more costly to run than the M5 longterm, also it ain't very subtle in the looks dept.

The Merc, gets my vote just. Almost an all in one car from the daily commute and town driving to super long dashs across the Continent.

[johnpeat]

soad said:

Needs leather.

Proper performance cars do not have leather seats because proper drivers don't need a wipe-clean finish...

Seriously, what are people obsessed with leather for - as a covering for a sports seat it's st.

[M666 EVO]

Why have the Merc or M5 when you can have an XJR, more power for half the price. And in my eyes and anyone else for that matter who actually see them in the flesh, a far more handsome car...

Edited by M666 EVO on Tuesday 1st November 13:42

[Johnboy Mac]

johnpeat said:

Proper performance cars do not have leather seats because proper drivers don't need a wipe-clean finish...

Seriously, what are people obsessed with leather for - as a covering for a sports seat it's st.

Couldn't agree more.


If one wants leather in a performancer car, half leather is the only way to go. Cloth offers grip, retains less heat, breaths far better. Maybe even lighter too.

[Johnboy Mac]

Garlick said:

US spec 500E? Bootlid plate recess suggests so to me.

I'd say you're right Garlick. Besides the number plate, the warning below the fuel guage & high level brake light suggest it's originally a US market car.

[JoeFrost]

hertfordshire1 said:

Cheers Steve

That's all right, Geoff.

[nav p]

Has to be the 500E for me..much be one of the Q cars of all time and huge capabilities.

[neal1980]

My boss has one in his garage, been stood for over 12 years to my knowledge. Recently put back on the road I believe.

His will be the most unmolested cleanest example probably. One owner from new.

Cracking car

[GingerWizard]

I'm seriously considering that right now. Might go have a look tomorrow......

btw anyone want a mint 05 CTR top spec, 7.5k ?

[toxicfrog]

I have all 3 of these cars in my collection (the M5 is a touring), and the LC is by far the best :-)

Edited by toxicfrog on Tuesday 1st November 14:59

[4x4disco]

Friend of mine was a policeman around the time of this car; he was going to an incident with blue lights and was flat out in the police Rover (around 100 mph) when the Lotus Carlton police car (on loan from Vauxhall) overtook them ‘rocking the car’. This Resulting in him turning off his lights and just cruising on from that point.

The Carlton driver admitted, at the time of passing him, the calibrated Speedo was reading over 150 and was not flat out.

The police did not buy any reportedly as it was too fast.