Made me smile today, had to take my son to a birthday party this afternoon. Anyway got talking to someone I'd never met about cars as they noticed my Sierra parked outside....

...from there we got onto last Monday's "5th gear"....their first words, "ooh, I'd love one of those Lotus Carltons..."

How many pages back did you have to go to find the thread

I'm interested too

Harsh......... But probably true - they aren't and never will be fun in the wet

Two true stories

1. First time I ever did a 6th to 4th cog swap on a wet motorway at 75 mph with SWMBO on board it went a bit squiffy and wagged the tail a bit - she wasn't amused and no amount of "technical explaination" was gonna explain that one away.....

2. Driving back from a day out with a mate in the car and my brother following in a Celica VVTi on damp twisty B roads I was being very careful as the conditions and the roads are less than ideal and my brother was enjoying being able to keep up with me and I knew I wouldn't hear the last of this for a while so we ended up at a roundabout that is followed by a big hill and I hoofed it a bit - well a lot

Half way up the hill mate says "once you get over the turbo lag it really goes doesn't it"

I replied - "no turbo lag the last quarter of a mile was all wheelspin"

I repeated the the acceleration process for him later that day on dry roads - he was left in no doubt that it accelerates very quickly indeed when grip is avaliable

My brother's comment when we stopped later was "you were just playing with me thro the bends you barsteward - when you hit the hill I knew you were cos you were gone!!"

I have never told him than any faster and I was going to be joining the scenery - it's now our secret

Best magazine feature on a Lotus Carlton ever - RB had large balls

Hi All,
First, apologies for delay, no internet connection.

Wasted trip on Monday - even after confirming the availability of the car, it turns out it has been sold, subject to the buyers agreements.

So... NOT happy..... Have to continue the dream .....!

Probably read this forum before you turned up.

Shame though I was looking forward to the review.

Still, you could always go drive an e39 M5 instead.

Well rememeber I have owned a M5 - although its not up for discussion, as this is about the LC
What I can tell you, is that when I arrived the car looked very, very mean. Larger and darker than expected. When the sunlight started to shine on the body, you really could see the green body shine out. It really did look good. Apart from alot of stone chips on the front, it all looked to be ok.

What p***ed me off, is the fact it was ALL arranged. If I had known another buyer was purchasing the car, I would not have wasted my time. However, the questio is... has it put me off wanting a LC?

Truthful answer: Dont think so! Seeing the car has actually made me want it more, but I would have to raise the money either via a bank loan, or partly selling one of my other cars which comes out now and again. And remember... I only wanted to drive one to get a feel for the car.

There really is something about the Lotus Carlton, having seeing one right upfront now and being THAT close to it. Comparing to another car I owned as a Business car, I have to admit the LC stance and its looks certainly stand out for me.

One other point to make..... during my time being outside the car, it was very interesting to notice ALOT of people driving by looking at the car. This may or may not be a common thing with the Lotus, but I think its place as being iconic is definetely there.

If only I had the keys

However, some light at the end of the tunnel.... if the deal falls through, then I was promised next refusal.

A nice dream to have... driving one would have made my mind up for sure.
NOTE: My views on the car will obviously not be agreeable with everyone, however for those that have wanted or seen a LC, it certainly makes its presence aware

On a final thought, I won a book called "Lotus Carlton" - its a large black book, that goes into the detail and behind the scenes work on how the LC was built up. I spent most of yesterday reading it while I waited for my Internet connection to be restored. What I can say, is that its a fascinating story or what 2 companies achieved, even though the odd argument or debates appeared.

Well worth a read in my own honest opinion. But again, the LC is not for everyone....!

Quinny
Well, its not second best.... think of it as "an ideal" car to use. My experience with the "other" car was the faults and the expense, which meant as a business car, I could not wait to return it. Its not to say its bad, but I am not saying its better than the LC - because I have not driven the car yet.

There is something special about the LC - its VERY hard to explain what it is

I thought it was 50:50 that you would actually get a test drive.

Still will always be another one in the future.

If I see our local one again, I'll ask if it's for sale for you.

YES!! You are right... .however if (and its a big if!) I had known that someone WAS going to buy the car, then I would not really have made the journey

But in a sort of way, I am pleased I had a good look around the outside. But as mentioned, when you actually see one for real right up close, it really does look big - I think its helped by the bodykit, the stance and of course the colour.

And when the sun shone on the body.... wow.... didnt that green show!!

Importantly, if the buyer then pulls out, I have 2nd refusal, and I will make 100% certain this is not going to be a wasted trip.

Went through finances yesterday, and with some negotiation, I could (possibly) buy one if the right one came along.

But we will see.... quite happy to take my time.