£53,600
1992 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton
Trade Classics • UK • 30 Jul 2026
Market Position:
Upper Mid-Market
Track live values and receive listing alerts
Track live values and receive listing alerts
£53,600
1992 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton
UK • 30 Jul 2026
Vehicle Details
AI Listing Summary
This 1992 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton, build number 303, offers supercar-slaying performance with a 3.6-litre twin-turbocharged engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. It has undergone a significant mechanical overhaul in 2022, enhancing its performance and reliability, and comes with a MOT valid until June 2027.
Despite some age-related cosmetic wear, including minor rust spots and wheel scuffing, the car retains a pleasing presentation and a notable history, having previously been owned by the same enthusiast who owned the infamous '40 RA' getaway car. This unique provenance, combined with its performance capabilities and recent mechanical attention, makes it a highly desirable classic.
Condition
7
The car is in good overall condition with some age-related rust on the lower doors and wheel arches, minor scuffing on the front wheel rims, and a small dent on the front wing. The paint has some light stone chips and minor blemishes, with early bubbling noted in a few areas. The driver's seat shows bolster wear. The ABS warning light is illuminated. However, the mechanical overhaul in 2022 and the solid underside suggest good underlying mechanical health. The interior is generally well-preserved.
/ 10
76,608 miles
SCC000019M1222510
RHD
United Kingdom
Manual
J690 WFF
1992
Auction
£53,600
1992 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton
Trade Classics • UK • 30 Jul 2026
Market Position:
Upper Mid-Market
Track live values and receive listing alerts
Description
Launched by General Motors in 1990 to elevate its brand image, the 177-mph Lotus Carlton injected genuine supercar engineering into an unassuming family saloon.
In doing so, it sparked intense public controversy and even a Parliamentary debate over its formidable speed.
Lotus took Opel’s standard 3.0-litre, 24-valve straight-six and increased displacement to 3.6 litres, pairing it with twin Garrett T25 turbochargers and a chargecooler system derived from the Lotus Esprit.
A saloon boasting 377 bhp and 419 lb-ft of torque was genuinely astonishing for the era - at the time, only the newly released Lamborghini Diablo could out-accelerate it.
By wrapping supercar performance in a mass-market Vauxhall package, the car drew immediate fire.
The Association of Chief Police Officers publicly condemned it as an "outrageous invitation to speed," while national newspapers launched aggressive campaigns demanding an outright ban.
The establishment’s worst fears were realised in November 1993,...
Price Analysis vs Other Lotus Carltons
£13,620
Lowest Price (Since 2020)
£53,600
Median Price (Since 2020)
£111,524
Highest Price (Since 2020)
World Record
If this vehicle sells at the mid-point of its estimate it will set a new world record for the [enter model]
Upper Mid-Market
Compared to previous sales, the sale price placed this vehicle in the upper mid-market for the Lotus Carlton.
Lowest Price
If this vehicle sells at the mid-point of its estimate it will be the lowest price we've seen for the [enter model]
Average Price
The mid-point of the vehicle's estimate places it near the average price we see for the [enter model]
Rare Sale
This vehicle comes to market rarely. In auction records we've only seen [enter number] sold before
Icon
This vehicle is an icon of the game. Any collection would benefit from having one
Previous Lotus Carlton Sales
MOT Information
Valid
Expires on 24th Jun 2027
Latest MOT mileage:
76,579 miles
MOT History
Passed
On 25th Jun 2026, 76,579 miles
There were 2 defects noted.
Advisory:
- Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))
- Offside Rear Nail in tyre
Passed
On 23rd Apr 2025, 75,756 miles
There was 1 defect noted.
Advisory:
- Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))
Passed
On 25th Apr 2024, 74,369 miles
Passed
On 5th May 2023, 72,998 miles
MOT Mileage Trend
Gallery
People Also Viewed - Historic
Auction House Headquarters
Trade Classics
Blackdown Mill, Kenilworth Road, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 6QT
Operating from Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, Trade Classics is an online auction platform handling classic, sports, and modern classic cars. They operate timed online auctions and provide vehicle consignment services.
Insurance
