1991 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton

Offered here is a fascinating car that was carefully selected by our private vendor as a good, low mileage example with excellent history. Discovered in 2015, J204 JKR would only require some minor blemishes attending to before being enjoyed – or that was the initial plan. Once part of the rear arch body-kit had been removed, it was clear to see that the car would require some further investigation and from there, the project escalated into a full, highly-detailed, nut and bolt, cosmetic and mechanical restoration.

The decision was made to take the bodyshell back to bare metal and, where there was any sign of rust, the relevant area was removed and expertly replaced (even a second donor Carlton was purchased to use where panels were no longer available). After six months, the shell was totally prepared and sent off to a paint shop with previous experience applying the tricky Imperial Green Pearlescent paint. Once each panel was prepped, the car was left for two weeks to settle before the paint was carefully applied. The result is astonishing and a testimony to what can be achieved by expert craftsman.

Whilst in the paint shop, the mechanical parts were refurbished where possible and refinished ready for reassembly. In fact, such was the target for perfection that our vendor purchased another very low mileage, original Lotus Carlton to use as a reference car. The engine, gearbox and final drive was totally overhauled and correctly finished. Specialist parts were manufactured including the radiator assembly to appear original but improve reliability. Using other Lotus Carlton specialists our vendor sourced some amazing ‘no longer available’ brand new parts including the heat-cover under the bonnet unique to the Lotus Carlton at a cost of some £1,500. The only area of the car left mostly alone was the interior which, as a low mileage car, was in beautifully preserved original condition.

Once every part was either as new, refinished exactingly, or new old stock, the car was ready to be reassembled and the result of this project is outstanding. The attention to detail by our vendor and his team of experts is remarkable. The car is flawless, and Lotus Carlton build number #0234 has to be one of, if not the finest example in existence.

Featured in the April 2022 issue of Classic Cars Magazine, titled ‘Epic Restoration’, the entire process has been fastidiously documented. This special car is accompanied by the original service book, old MOTs dating back to three years old supporting the mileage, the current V5C ready for transfer or export, a wealth of invoices as you would expect, a copy of the aforementioned magazine and literally thousands of images from the restoration.

The Lotus Carlton is a legend and these low-production performance saloons have now achieved iconic status and rightfully so. Examples rarely come to market as they disappear off into notable collections of landmark cars. If only the very best will do, this is a rather special opportunity that may never be repeated.