Friday 7th October 2011

PH Carpool: Vauxhall Lotus Carlton

No-one messed with this bad boy in the '90s - what's it like today?

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PHer David Frankzak (aka NotNormal) bought his boyhood idol and restored it to 'better than new' condition...

No, er yes - it's NotNormal!

*****

People of a certain age will remember the impact the Lotus Carlton had when it was launched to the public back in 1990. It was a four door saloon that was faster than the majority of the supercars of the period, and its performance was sufficient to create a bit of a stir with Daily Mail readers and get a mention in Parliament.

Our man David was a teenager at the time, and was already mad on cars. 'On my walk to school I used to pass the local chip shop and the owner used to have a Lotus Esprit parked out the front. One day that Esprit was replaced with a brand new Lotus Carlton and to see it in the flesh demonstrated what an imposing car it was. The huge rear tyres nestled under the exaggerated arches had me truly hooked.'

Skip forward to 2002 when David found himself in a position to realise the dream and started doing some detailed research. 'There were, and still are, a lot of stories of crazy running costs, parts and reliability issues so I did think twice about getting one and looked at other alternatives, however the heart still yearned for the Carlton.

Following a six month search to find the right car, build number 890 was purchased in 2003 with a history of two previous owners who'd covered a total of 76,000 miles since the car was sold as new in 1993. It was in pretty good condition compared to the other cars I'd already viewed, and for the money I think I got a good buy. However, when it comes to cars I do like them to be clean so always knew I wanted it to be the best it could.'

After just a few months the clutch pivot pin broke (apparently a known issue), and this was the catalyst for what ended up being a full restoration spanning almost 3 years. 'During this time the car was completely stripped to a bare shell and all signs of rust and corrosion were remedied along with a full repaint. In addition, all engine and underside body components were fully refurbished and I rebuilt to a better than new condition.'

Pictures of the restoration can be found on David's website. Since being back on the road the car has apparently been extremely reliable as known issues were remedied during the restoration. 'Apart from standard service items and the odd relay, it's just been a case of fill with fuel and enjoy! As the car isn't my only mode of transport, outings do tend to be very weather-dependant and it's also stored in the garage over the winter months to help maintain its condition. During the summer months though I try and attend numerous shows and events both in the UK and abroad. I seem to be averaging around 1500 miles a year.'

So how does the car compare to modern kit? 'The car is fast, even in today's bhp-crazed times. Once the turbos spool-up the surge of power is relentless in any gear and at any speed. The suspension received good reviews in its day, however technology has indeed moved on a lot in 20 years and you're very aware of the 1663kg that's being shifted when you get to the corners compared to more modern machines. There's a fair amount of roll but Lotus certainly worked their magic and it really does keep hanging on, especially with more modern tyres.'

Having owned and driven one of his boyhood heroes, David reckons that it more-than lives up to the hype, and has no plans to sell. But there is one more car from the same era which he hankers after. 'Yes, all I need to do now is work towards getting an F40 to sit next to it in the garage!'

[thewheelman]

I could well be wrong, but i thought the bonnet badge was a Lotus item, not a Vauxhall item? I've seen several that do have the Lotus badge, unless that's the owners changing them.

[BigI]

Very nice motor, i need this in my life.

[soad]

That's very cool indeed.

[RenesisEvo]

Had a good long look at this car at the Sunday Service, it was nothing short of stunning - a real credit to the owner. A truely iconic motor, never fails to draw my attention.

[LotusOmega375D]

thewheelman said:

I could well be wrong, but i thought the bonnet badge was a Lotus item, not a Vauxhall item?

You're right in that you could well be wrong.

The round Lotus badges are only on the wings. Up front you either have a Vauxhall one for RHD Carltons or an Opel one for LHD Omegas.

[will_]

I saw this car at Brooklands earlier in the year and wondered how it could be so immaculate - a three year re-build explains it!

I had a ride in a Carlton a few years ago, and later that day a ride in a Countach 25th. The Carlton felt quicker...!

[ChrisDT]

If I remember rightly is this the one you were doing when you had a fire in the workshop?

(if your Astra and Cavalier are anything to go by this will be stunning - I had the pleasure of meeting you at a CavalierCrazy meet in Chichester when it first started up many years ago!)

[j3ffers]

Admired this car at many a Sunday Service

[vit4]

1. 1 car on "if I get a nice amount of disposable income" list. That looks like a truly stunning example

[Fartgalen]

Lovely.
When these were around I often got to borrow a GSi3000. That was fun to drive, and handled quite well for such a big car. I'd love a go in one of those.

[britsportscars]

That car's been a favourite of mine for years! Awesome looking thing!

[obscene]

Being of the younger generation I never really knew about these till attending the Sunday Services (may I add what an immaculate example). Absoutely love it.

[Wammer]

I just read his website and i was appalled to find out that he took apart 2 cars too create 1. This sort of practice will end up with there being no classic cars around in a few years time.

[iain1970]

Wammer said:

I just read his website and i was appalled to find out that he took apart 2 cars too create 1. This sort of practice will end up with there being no classic cars around in a few years time.

Or just 50% of them. I know what you mean though.

It's got to be better to save one car rather than see two go for scrap though, hasn't it?

[NotNormal]

Cheers for the words guys

In answer to some Q's

ChrisDT said:

If I remember rightly is this the one you were doing when you had a fire in the workshop?

Yes it is

ChrisDT said:

I had the pleasure of meeting you at a CavalierCrazy meet in Chichester when it first started up many years ago!)

Couldn't have been me, not attended any meets in Chichester or with the Cav

Wammer said:

I just read his website and i was appalled to find out that he took apart 2 cars too create 1. This sort of practice will end up with there being no classic cars around in a few years time.

Your only part right, one car was a complete write off, so I purchased the rights to the car and I just effectively saved it from the crusher and stripped it of parts that can be used elsewhere.

But you are correct on pulling apart the one LHD car which I needed to use for all the parts. If you've read the website correctly you'll know this car has bodywork issues anyway

[GFWilliams]

Great car David

I loved it when you pulled out of the shell garage a little while ago behind me, it's pretty awesome having it in the rear view mirror!

[NotNormal]

Cheers George, I did think to myself what were the chances when I saw you again.

More of your stunning pics being put to good use

[mgbond]

Is this the one I often see in the car park at my work in portsmouth?

[J4CKO]

Is there another car with that much attitude and presence ?

I think not !

How did they do that to a Carlton which was a proper middle manager/grandad chariot ?

[thewheelman]

J4CKO said:

Is there another car with that much attitude and presence ?

I think not !

How did they do that to a Carlton which was a proper middle manager/grandad chariot ?

I'd say yes, the modern day equivalent being the VXR8. Attitude & presence in abundance