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Introduction |
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So what is a Lotus Carlton ? The Lotus Carlton was a Vauxhall Carlton saloon modified by Lotus into a 176+mph Supercar. Like all Lotus vehicles, it was given a type designation (Type 104 in this case). The car was only sold in one colour, Imperial Green, a very dark green that in anything but direct light appears black & this covers its bespoke Lotus designed bodykit. Other Lotus modifications included an upgraded engine, which was stroked from the standard Vauxhall 3L 6 cylinder, used in the GSi, to a capacity of 3615 cc. Lotus then added twin Garrett T25 turbochargers to give 377 hp (557 N·m). A six-speed manual ZF transmission from a Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 was used to transfer this power to the rear wheels. The car was capable of 0-60 mph in 4.8seconds and had massive 12.5 in (330 mm) AP ventilated disc brakes with AP racing callipers all round so it could still stop with all its new-found power. As well as being sold as the Vauxhall Lotus Carlton in the UK, it was sold in Europe as the Opel Lotus Omega. Production of the Lotus Carlton began in 1990, four years after the original Carlton went on sale. General Motors (the parent company) had hoped to build 1,100 cars in total, but due to the recession of the early 1990s, the £48,000 cars were not selling as well & production stopped at Lotus in December 1992. Only 950 were completed, 284 Vauxhalls Carlton's & 666 Opel Omega's, 150 short of the original target. The car is now readily recognised as having classic car status which was no doubt in part helped by the adverse publicity surrounding the car at its launch. This was primarily due to its high top speed & its ability to comfortably seat 4 passengers plus luggage. If you'd like to read more general information about the Lotus Carlton please see the links page on this site as its well documented on other sites. What does 0890G represent ? All Lotus Carlton & Opel Omega's where hand built by Lotus in Norfolk & each car has its own specific build number. My car is build number 0890 & the G denotes it was made for the UK. The build number is identified by a plate on the engine slam panel & a plaque on the front of the glovebox. Details of this can be found on James Waddington's site here. So why build a dedicated website ?
My previous car with
which I'd carried out a lot of work on I had again taken a number of pictures along the way.
With these however I used to
keep in a photo album & were placed by the car at shows & events for people
to see the work that went on behind the scenes to create the car they were
looking at. Well times have moved on & in this internet based world I
thought the best way for people to see the pictures of my latest toy would
be via a website. That way its not only a way of showing how much actual
work has gone into the car, but also broadens the viewing audience & allows
people to view at their leisure. Its a car I've always wanted to own since they were released & now having one in its current condition really is the "icing on the cake". To say I'm one very proud owner is a bit of an understatement. If for whatever reason you'd like to contact me click here. Now its in this condition, you'll never drive it ? I get this a lot & I'm sure people looking at this will say the same. Admittedly its not an everyday car & it is effectively a toy, but the car certainly does, & will get driven. I don't see the point in any car not being used & enjoyed as was designed, so to this end all it means is I probably spend a bit more time looking after it & keeping it clean than most normal people would ...... The Site !
I hope you find this site of
interest & I'm sure there's enough to keep you browsing for while. I will
update the site with anything I feel relevant as I hope there's many more
years left of Lotus Carlton ownership for me to come.... I've also kept the
image size down so that its a quick to load & fairly 56k friendly.
With the internet being what it is no doubt some of these pictures will get
used elsewhere, all that I ask is PLEASE reference this site if they are
used. Thank you. |
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