MODEL HISTORY

The Lotus Carlton – also called Vauxhall Lotus Carlton, Lotus Omega and Opel Lotus Omega – is a Vauxhall Carlton/Opel Omega saloon upgraded by Lotus in order to be able to reach speeds up to 177 mph with acceleration to equal contemporary sports cars. Like all Lotus vehicles, it was given a type designation—Type 104 in this case. The exterior changes were minimal with the addition of a rear spoiler, cooling vents on the bonnet, Lotus badges on the front wings and bootlid, a bodykit and considerably wider wheel arches distinguishing it from a standard Carlton/Omega. The car was only sold in one colour, a shade of green called Imperial Green.

The twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine in the Carlton (code-named C36GET) has a power output of 377 hp at 5,200 rpm and 419 lb⋅ft of torque at 4,200 rpm, of which 350 lb⋅ft was available from 2,000 rpm. The car was capable of accelerating from 0–60 mph in 5.2 seconds, and going from 0–77–0 mph in less than 17 seconds. Tall gearing allows it to achieve approximately 55 mph in first gear. The Lotus Carlton/Omega held the title of the second fastest four-door saloon for some years, after the Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo.

Production of the Lotus Carlton/Omega began in 1990, four years after the original Omega went on sale. Opel had hoped to build 1,100 cars in total, but owing to the recession of the early 1990s, the Carlton/Omega priced at £48,000 was not selling as well as anticipated and production at Lotus was halted in December 1992.

Only 950 cars were completed: 320 Carltons and 630 Omegas, 150 short of the original target. The cars are now modern classics with low-mileage, well-looked-after examples become rare.

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.