Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
An original and iconic Lotus Omega / Carlton with 39,558 miles.
MODEL HISTORY
Produced at the Lotus factory at Hethel, only a few people will be fortunate enough to drive a Lotus Type 104, also known as the Lotus Omega / Carlton. The team at Lotus Engineering took a production car, built a new engine, added suspension modifications, fitted more powerful brakes and modified the bodyshell to accommodate the repositioned engine, gearbox and wider, larger wheels and tyres. General Motors hoped to build 1,100 cars in total, but due to the recession of the early 1990s, the £48,000 price tag and adverse publicity surrounding the cars 176mph top speed for a family car, just 950 were completed. Of the 950, 666 are LHD Omegas and 284 are RHD Carltons. Once the fastest production saloon car in the world, number 593 is a very rare original survivor.
EQUIPMENT
Long-range halogen driving lights, green tinted glass, central locking, automatic suspension levelling, speed-sensitive power steering, heated seats, height and lumber adjustable seats, split folding rear seats, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, electric sunroof, front and rear electric windows, multi-function check control warning panel, cassette holder, Phillips SC804 stereo.
EXTERIOR
The integrated aero package serves a vital purpose in the handling of this awesome machine and helps to distinguish it as an all-time classic hero. Finished in striking Imperial Green 2-coat pearlescent paint, (Code E355), it looks tremendous. The colour, which is unique to the Lotus, comes alive in bright light and minor stone chips to the bonnet and wheel arch extensions do not detract from the overall stunning deep gloss shine. The correct tinted glass and Cibie headlights remain fitted and a small ding to the bonnet and front tow cover are barely visible. The slots in the bonnet to feed the turbocharged engine remind admirers how special this car is.
INTERIOR
Absolutely preserved, the Anthracite Connally leather looks incredible combined with the fluted grey alcantara door cards and polished wood. Correct features such as the Lotus badged rev counter, Lotus padded leather rimmed steering wheel and unique glove box Limited Edition plaque 0593 are present. Perfectionists will note the factory set of driving mats made from the same material as the carpet with dark grey piping are in situ and a discreet racimex boost indictor has been neatly installed. Four Lotus Omega door sill covers remain correctly fitted and the headlining is perfectly clean and tight. Very special.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The 3.6 litre 24v inline DOHC engine with a brace of Garratt T25 turbochargers and twin watercooled inlet charge coolers unleashes 377bhp at 5,500rpm and 568Nm torque at 4,200rpm. The power delivery is phenomenal with an unlimited top speed of 176mph and 0-60mph in 5.2 seconds. A recent full service has just been carried out by Specialists Harvey Gibbs. The six-speed manual ZF transmission has a long-throw and offers reassuring solidity.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Unique to the Lotus Omega and Carlton are the stunning Ronal one piece 8.5Jx17 front and 9.5Jx17 rear alloy wheels. Minor marks are barely visible and are shod in Yokohama 235/45 ZR17 front and 265/40 ZR rear tyres with ample tread. The correct metal tyre valves are fitted along with the factory spare. 330mm diameter ventilated front discs with AP Racing 4 pot calipers and 300mm diameter ventilated rear discs with AP Racing 2 pot calipers perform impeccably and are standard fitment.
HISTORY FILE
One of just 415 Lotus Omegas supplied to the German market when new, this example was manufactured on the 19th December 1991 as confirmed by the Lotus Certificate of Vehicle Provenance. Supplied by Adam Opel A.G. in Rüsselsheim to Mr Joerg Tuerkismue and according to the Fahrzeugbrief, (German Registration Document), this example has had just three keepers. The Lotus Omega Inspection Booklet records the servicing over the years helping to confirm the 63,663kms, (39,558 miles). An amazing collection of literature makes fascinating reading from the market launch material to the GM Continental Public Affairs negative photo slides! Offered for sale by Classic Park in Boxtel (NL) who house a fabulous museum, our current UK owner was thrilled to acquire this original unmolested example after viewing many substandard cars and is now only available due to a new business venture. All handbooks are contained within the unique Lotus Omega green leather folder. An amazing opportunity to own a piece of motoring history.
HPI Clear.
