1993 VAUXHALL CARLTON

*FOR SALE* LOTUS CARLTON // NO 886 OF 950 // 35K MILES // PEARLESCENT IMPERIAL GREEN // BRITISH PERFORMANCE 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

Few performance icons command the same presence as the Lotus Carlton. Developed during the golden era of homologation specials, it redefined expectations of what a four-door saloon could achieve, combining understated styling with truly extraordinary performance. Lotus transformed the standard Carlton with a deeper front bumper, pronounced wheel arch extensions, sculpted side skirts and a fixed rear spoiler, all finished in the model’s signature Imperial Green. Discreet Lotus badging on the front wings is the only hint at the extensive engineering beneath the surface.

This example presents in exceptional condition throughout. The Imperial Green paintwork retains a deep, consistent finish, while the body panels display excellent fit with crisp shut lines throughout. Exterior trims, seals and mouldings have all aged remarkably well, reflecting the careful ownership and low-use history that has allowed this Lotus Carlton to remain one of the finest surviving examples.

INTERIOR

The cabin is a wonderfully preserved reminder of the early 1990s, trimmed in Ruched Anthracite Connolly leather with rich Walnut veneer accents throughout. A soft-touch dashboard houses the full complement of Lotus-branded instrumentation, keeping everything clear, purposeful and refreshingly free from distracting digital displays. It is an interior that perfectly reflects the Carlton’s understated character, blending executive comfort with genuine performance intent.

The Connolly leather seats remain in excellent condition, the bolsters show only minimal wear while the dashboard, switchgear, door cards and veneer trim have all been exceptionally well preserved. Every control operates with reassuring simplicity, creating an analogue driving environment that has become increasingly rare.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

At the heart of the Lotus Carlton is a comprehensively re-engineered version of Vauxhall’s 24-valve twin-cam straight-six. Enlarged to 3.6 litres through the use of a longer-stroke crankshaft and Mahle forged pistons, the engine was further enhanced with a pair of Garrett T25 turbochargers, producing the immense performance that made the Carlton one of the fastest saloons of its era. Following a period of storage, the car was lightly recommissioned by Robsport International in late 2020 and has covered very few miles since, remaining in excellent mechanical health.

Power is delivered through the renowned six-speed ZF manual gearbox, shared with the Corvette ZR-1 and chosen for its ability to handle the engine’s immense torque. A limited-slip differential, derived from the Holden Commodore V8, ensures the power is transferred effectively to the road, completing one of the most celebrated drivetrains of the 1990s.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The staggered Ronal monoblock alloy wheels are an integral part of the Lotus Carlton’s unmistakable appearance, filling the flared wheel arches perfectly and giving the car its purposeful stance. All four wheels remain in excellent, unmarked condition and are fitted with matching Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres, each showing excellent tread depth.

To match its performance, Lotus extensively reworked the Carlton’s chassis with a new multi-link rear suspension, revised dampers and one of the most capable braking systems fitted to a production car of the period. Four-piston AP Racing calipers grip 330mm ventilated discs, delivering exceptional stopping power. Robsport International replaced both the front and rear discs and pads in November 2020, with fewer than 300 miles covered since.

HISTORY FILE

No. 886 was first registered on 1st August 1993 by Steve Thompson Cars of Lichfield, returning to the supplying dealer later that month for its first service at just 1,133 miles.

The Carlton covered the majority of its mileage during the 1990s, supported by six stamps in the original service book. It was then retained by two dedicated collectors over a combined 17-year period, during which it was used sparingly to preserve its exceptional condition. At 33,000 miles a modified clutch bell housing was fitted, before Robsport International carried out a comprehensive health check and fitted new brakes at the end of 2020.

Accompanying the car is an outstanding history file including the complete original book pack, warranty and policy documentation, the stamped original service book and the spare key, all helping to support the car’s well-documented provenance and careful ownership.

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.

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** 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.