Lotus Carlton: PH Used Buying Guide
The car they wanted banned is now a genuine classic. Here's what you need to know...
In fact, the Lotus Carlton was so quick by the standards of its time that some thought its 176mph top speed was just too much. In today's world of 200mph super saloons, that figure doesn't seem exceptional, but three decades back it was every bit as indecent as streaking at a cricket match.
That reaction would have been understandable if this Carlton were nothing more than a dragster. However, Lotus was responsible for developing this model, so that meant the suspension, brakes and steering were all more than up to the job in hand. There were bespoke components in all of these systems, which also helped to explain the model's £48,000 price tag that had all but the wealthiest buyers take a gulp before signing the cheque.
Sadly, the list price, economic climate and limited pool of buyers meant only 950 were made, with 285 intended for the UK - but with a mysterious extra car built in right-hand drive to take the British tally to 286. That makes it a rare beast, and prices have firmed up considerably in the last few years, so you'll now need around £45,000 to own a Vauxhall Lotus Carlton in good condition. Even at that price, though, it's a mad, bad, outrageous to know bargain.
Search for Vauxhall Lotus Carltons here
Bodywork and interior
Extended bodywork sections for the Lotus Carlton are made from fibreglass and can be easily damaged, so look for signs of previous repairs and ripples in the surface. Also check where these panels attach to the steel bodywork for signs of corrosion.
Look for rust along the door bottoms, rear arches, sunroof surrounds, both screens and boot floor. Also check under the rear bumper panel, inner rear wheel arches, inside the back door shuts and around the aerial mount.
Make sure any car you look at has its original plaque on the glovebox with leather pad and 180mph speedo. Original floor mats are also a sign of a fastidious previous owner.
Engine and transmission
Twin turbochargers cause high under-bonnet temperatures, so make sure all of the electrics work properly as the heat can fry wires and connections. Also make sure the cooling system is leak-free and in fine condition.
Few cars on sale now will stray from standard spec, but beware any aftermarket tuning chips as they can lead to problems with head gaskets, pistons, differential and drive shafts. Listen for any whines from the differential that point to an imminent, and large, bill to rebuild it.
The timing chain will make a whining noise long before it's in danger of snapping or jumping a tooth. If you hear anything on inspection, get it sorted immediately.
The viscous fan for the radiator can fail. If you suspect it's on the way out, get it sorted as it can cause a blown head gasket.
Cracks can appear in the stainless steel exhaust, so listen for any puffing or blows.
Gearbox is tough as it was sourced from the contemporary Corvette ZR-1. Just make sure it operates through the gears smoothly and the lever's rubber gaiter isn't damaged. The clutch has quite a hefty action, but if it feels light then it could be that the pressure plate, friction plate or bell housing need to be replaced. The pivot pin can also fail.
Suspension and steering
The front suspension's spring cup washers can rust and the springs can break through corrosion too.
Any knocks from the rear suspension are most likely from worn trailing arm bushes.
Wishbone bushes wear and put the suspension out of geometry. Look for uneven tyre wear as an early warning that new wishbones are needed.
Before starting the engine, turn the key to position 2 and listen for the self-levelling pump beginning to work. It may take up to two minutes for this to activate, but it's crucial to maintaining the handling of the Lotus Carlton.
Wheels, tyres and brakes
Brakes don't wear too quickly for such a quick car because the Carlton isn't heavy by modern standards and most parts are available, even if they are expensive. AP pistons are used at both ends.
Original fit Goodyear Eagle tyres are hard to find now, so many owners use Goodyear Eagle F1s in their place.
Search for Vauxhall Lotus Carltons here
Search for Vauxhalls here
VAUXHALL LOTUS CARLTON
Engine: 3,615cc, straight-six turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 380@5,200rpm
Torque (lb ft): 419@4,200rpm
MPG: 22
CO2: na
Price new: £48,000
Price now: £45,000 upwards
Search for Lotus Carltons in the PH classifieds here.
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Feeling pleased as punch after the road test I was stood outside admiring my car when the owner of well lane (Billy Howie) turned up and a lotus carlton.
It looked amazing, sounded amazing and totally dwarfed my car in every respect. I've never seen one since but it was a pleasure to see one out in the wild back in the day.
These are fantastic cars, however I would go in eyes open as most parts are no longer available and replacements for even consumable items can be difficult to source. Given this in contrast to the article I would say there is now no such thing as a standard Lotus Carlton as parts must be sourced or made Ad hoc depending on when the item broke.
Ultimately the lack of parts availability led to the sale of mine as you never knew how long the car would be off the road. For example when the clutch went in mine we had to have a company make one using a spare someone donated as a template.
There is a fantastic owner community the Autobahnstormers without which it would be impossible to run these cars at all. I would suggest joining them before making a purchase.
https://online.handh.co.uk/m/lot-details/index/cat...
https://online.handh.co.uk/m/lot-details/index/cat...
Maybe I'm being cynical but thought these buying guides were to help drive website traffic to certain cars and improve sales of them - not much good when there's only one to buy.
No chance now given the prices. I found 2 very nice examples but at 100k and 150k is just nuts, ok low milers but its still nuts!
So much of the classic car world has gone this way well out of the reach or the average wage packet.
This one must be a bargain.
It wasn’t the most reliable though, largely due to manufacturing faults. Turbo’s, brake calipers, gearbox, porous timing cover (engine out head off) etc.etc. all had to be replaced. One bill came to just over £11K which I’m pleased to say was covered by the warranty. I’m sure most, if not all, of the cars still around have had these issues fixed. If not, be prepared!
Currently seen one for sale for £125k, but with only 4500 miles on the clock...
- Musing over man-math*
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