Ditch the BMW for a Vauxhall am I mad

[hoppo4.2]

Should I sell my e46 m3 for the car I have wanted for ever. A Vauxhall Carlton lotus.

I no its goin to be quick but I'm afrid it's going to be a case of never meet your hero's.

I no at my budget I can't get a minter but I'm quite handy with the hammers.

[Baryonyx]

You'll need to be very handy with the hammers to save yourself cash, but I suspect the biggest gripe will be sourcing parts for it. No doubt a much cooler car than the M3 and every drive would be an occasion, but dedicated owners tell of some very high running costs...

[s m]

Undoubtedly higher running costs, but IMO ......yes.

You only live once and there will be cheap M3s around in a few years if you want to switch back

[Cemesis]

The M5 would undoubtably be a better car (and cheaper). I'd suggest you track down some LC owners and see if you can get a ride/drive before laying out that much cash.

They are nearly 20 years old now so the interior and general ride will be showing their age I suspect (in feel if not in wear)

[Face for Radio]

Ever since a Lotus Carlton made me look like a pissant when I was doing 140mph down a runway, I have always wanted one.

E46 M3 isn't a patch on one, but finding parts for it must be an arseache?

[Johnnytheboy]

Do it!

Seriously, if I had the mechanic ability, the money and the sheer hairy-chested bravery to own a Lotus Carlton, I'd do it.

Be honest, it's got a cachet that an M3 just doesn't have.

I should point out I've been drinking scrumpy before writing this.

[Alucidnation]

Get it bought.

http://pistonheads.com/sales/3962056.htm

[Perd Hapley]

In this case I'd say take a chance on your hero!

[Davie]

This one looks nice too...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

I was lucky enough to be able to take a Lotus Carlton from Bath to Luton (the M4 wasn't used!) a couple of years and it was just unreal. They are massive, heavy and feel so agricultural and being sat looking at a Carlton dash lulls you into a false sense of security... until all hell breaks loose and the turbo's kick in. Not the most nimble, not the best at stopping but never ever have I been in a car the commanded so much respect and had so much road presence.

I doubt I'll ever get the opportunity again, but as for "Never meet your hero"...

Do it!

[Killer2005]

Get it bought

[Defcon5]

One of my dream cars.

Do it.

[s m]

Good excuse for this at least

Elan Valley drive

[traffman]

After reading the original post i felt myself saying theres no contest!

Just go for it , i would given half the chance.

[NotNormal]

I own both.

Put it this way the E46 M3 I use as a daily and it's good for that purpose. If it was a weekend 'special' car i would be bored and would have sold it ages ago. There really is no comparison, the LC is a VERY special car and truly lives up to its reputation, but yes technology has progressed in 20yrs but then that's not really the point.

Finding good one now though will be the issue and you will need to be committed when it comes to ownership, but they really are great cars even today.

If you have any Q's I'll be happy to answer

[hoppo4.2]

Thanks for the encouraging words guys.

I'll keep looking and saving and see what happens.

I'm not afraid to buy one that needs a little light restoration. I no parts can be a pain but that's part of the fun.

It would be my main car but I use a van for work so it's not like I have to commute in it every day. I have run a cerb as an everyday in the past so the Carlton should be ok I hope.

[300bhp/ton]

hoppo4.2 said:

I'm afrid it's going to be a case of never meet your hero's.

This is all down to perspective and having realistic expectations.

I see no reason why a Lotus Carlton won't be a great today as it was when new. Just don't blinker yourself that it'll be like a modern car - its not and won't drive or feel like one.


I'm a great believer that in most cases were people are disappointed with their hero's it's due to unrealistic expectations. So chances are they'd have been just as disappointed even driving/owning them when new.

[PascalBuyens]

hoppo4.2 said:

Should I sell my e46 m3 for the car I have wanted for ever. A Vauxhall Carlton lotus.

I was going to say if you did it, make sure it's a proper RWD Vauxhall, like a VXR...

But a Lotus Carlton will do just fine as well

[s m]

Davie said:

not the best at stopping but never ever have I been in a car the commanded so much respect and had so much road presence.

Really? The brakes came in for quite a bit of praise at the time.

Even in that recent Elan Valley video ( above ), Jamie Corstorphine commented particularly on how good the brakes were for a car of that age ...and he'll have driven quite a few modern super-saloons being at Autocar

[NotNormal]

s m said:

Davie said:

not the best at stopping but never ever have I been in a car the commanded so much respect and had so much road presence.

Really? The brakes came in for quite a bit of praise at the time.

Even in that recent Elan Valley video ( above ), Jamie Corstorphine commented particularly on how good the brakes were for a car of that age ...and he'll have driven quite a few modern super-saloons being at Autocar

I also thought strange because they are impressive. Old Group C racing AP items used all round. Because they are racing items the lack of dust seals means that the pistons can corode and seize which could account for poor brakes on an older car.

Easily remedied by using stainless pistons though

[redgriff500]

hoppo4.2 said:

I have run a cerb as an everyday in the past.

In that case I'd expect the LC will be a walk in the park.