Lot details
Registration No: K150WFP
Chassis No: SCC000019N1260945
Mot Expiry: May 2010

Introduced in October 1990, the Lotus Carlton 'Type 104' (or Lotus Omega as it was known outside the UK) soon became infamous for its reputed 177mph top speed. Based around a four-door Vauxhall Carlton bodyshell modified to accept wider wheelarches, sideskirts and a pronounced boot spoiler, the newcomer also benefited from Lotus enhanced power steering, disc brake and suspension assembles (the latter including a sophisticated multi-link rear set-up complete with limited slip differential). Fed by twin Garrett turbochargers, its 3.6 litre 24-valve straight-six engine was allied to six-speed ZF manual transmission. With a quoted 377bhp and 419lbft of torque on tap, the Lotus Carlton / Omega could apparently sprint from 0-60mph in 5.2 seconds and 0-100mph in 11.5 seconds. Judged by the contemporary motoring press to be a performance match for the Ferrari Testarossa and Porsche 911 Turbo (though, some of its in-gear acceleration times were superior), the Type 104 only remained in production until October 1992 by which time just 950 are thought to have been made (320 Lotus Carltons and 630 Lotus Omegas).

Finished in Imperial Green with dark grey leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, six-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. Since entering the current ownership during 2005, `K150 WFP' is said to have been "kept in a heated, dehumidified garage and used sparingly on dry summer days only". Reportedly able to boast service history with former Vauxhall authorised Lotus Carlton dealership, Frost's Cars of Shoreham-by-Sea, the last four years are understood to have seen the super saloon cover less than 3,000 miles. Still among the quickest four-door cars money can buy and an undoubted modern classic, this fearsome Lotus Carlton is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until May 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle's odometer reading is circa 64,000 miles