Beschreibung
Background:
One of the most iconic super saloons ever conceived, the Vauxhall Lotus Carlton was at one time the scourge of Police forces across the UK, and has gone on to be a legend in it's own right, offering supercar performance for ordinary people. At the time of it's launch in 1990, the Lotus Carlton (based upon the Vauxhall/ Omega Carlton/ Omega saloon) was able to keep up with, or exceed the performance of it's contempory sports and supercars from the likes of Ferrari and Porsche, despite having room to carry four passengers and an impressive amount of luggage. Externally, the car was kitted out with wider wheels, a small rear spoiler, deeper bumpers and wider wheel arches, resulting in a far more aggressive appearance than a standard Carlton. The Lotus Carlton was only available in one shade, Imperial Green, and carried only a few subtle Lotus badges on the bodywork. Under the bonnet, a 3. 6-litre inline-six engine was blessed with two Garrett T25 turbochargers, improved ignition system, water-air intercooler, higher cylinder pressure, forged crankshafts and forged Mahle pistons, with a total power output of 377bhp being sent rearwards through a six-speed ZF transmission. Naturally this gained in some interest notoriety within the automotive press, argued that the claimed top speed of c 180mph was wholly unnecessary, with plenty of journalists - including Bob Murray of Autocar - stating that Vauxhall should follow the example set by their German counterparts and restrict the top speed of the vehicle. Not only were the automotive press apparently enraged by the car's performance, but it quickly became a firm favourite with criminals and joyrider's, and thus a major thorn in the side of the Police force across the UK. In 1993, one Lotus Carlton "40 RA" was stolen from the West Midlands, and proceeded to embark on a spree of ram-raids, with the police at the time stating "we simply haven't been able to get near the thing, and it looks unlikely that we ever will" due to the high performance nature of the car. Unfortunately, the high price of £48, 000 during the recession of the early 90's proved to be the Lotus' downfall, with only 950 cars completed in total, split between 320 Lotus Carltons and 630 Lotus Omegas, with these super saloons proving rare in today's marketplace.
The Vehicle:
Having lusted after a Lotus Carlton for most of their lifetime, the previous owner picked up this 1993-registered example during August 2014, having purchased the car sight-unseen on a whim, something many petrolhead's are familiar with - when you want the car you will buy the car! Upon collection, they were informed that in the ten years prior to their purchase, the car had been dry-stored and used extremely sparingly, something that the stamps in the service record would serve to enforce, though this is the only documentation that the vendor received from the car's past life. The plan was to use the car regularly and enjoy it, which started off in earnest by using the 'LC' as a daily driver for a number of months, before it was put away for the winter. Unfortunately, this plan quickly fell apart, and the car was left in dry storage for a significant amount of time along with other vehicles from the previous owner's collection, though it was connected to a trickle charger to keep the battery in good health.
On the outside:
The chunky arches, aggressive body kit and Imperial Green paintwork are still as striking today as they were in the early 90's, and the design is so wonderfully 'of it's time' that you find yourself simply sitting and admiring the lines of the Lotus Carlton. On this example, the bodywork is in generally good condition.
On the inside:
Inside, the cabin has been remarkably well-preserved, and on the whole presents very well throughout. The seats are all in good shape and retain an impressive level of suppleness to their leather coverings, with only a few deep creases noted and no apparent scuffs or rips to the material. The headliner, too, has remained in great shape and shows no sign of any sagging, with the sunroof working as it should. All of the interior systems appear to be working as they should with only one dashboard display light on, to indicate that the bulbs in the brake lights and still working and swiftly turns off once the brake pedal has been pressed.
Underneath:
Underneath the bonnet sits the 3. 5-litre twin turbo charged engine which is in fabulous condition, both visually and mechanically. As a result of this fact the car drives incredibly well for it's age with a great 'well built' feeling bout the car when it drives. When looking underneath the car, there is the usual commensurate areas of 'bloom' and corrosion noted to exposed areas, though nothing that screamed out as dramatic or problematic. The recent MOT exam - dated 28 May 2021 - would certainly support this, with a clean pass being achieved on the first attempt, which is also mirrored for the previous MOT in October 2019.
About Us:
Picador Motor Company Ltd was formed in 1962 by founder Mr Lionel Jacobs. The business consisted of a small workshop, showroom and some very old petrol pumps. There were four employees, a salesman, a partsman, who was also the general handyman, an office clerk, a petrol pump attendant and Lionel in the workshop.
For the first two years, the company operated under the BMC franchise but in late 1964 it was changed to Vauxhall.
In the early 1970’s as the business continued to thrive, a new 12 bay combined workshop and body shop was built at the rear of the premises.
The early 1980’s saw the existing building transformed with a refurbishment of a new 5 car showroom, the latest Vauxhall corporate identity and a parts department.
During 1984 an additional workshop and compound were purchased in land behind the existing premises.
The acquisitions didn’t end there because in 1988 a 6, 500 square feet factory was purchased at the rear of the premises and converted into a standalone Body Repair Centre.
The company continued to go from strength to strength and in 1989 it was decided to change the trading name to ‘Picador Plc’ - giving the company enhanced gravitas.
During 1992 the main building was refurbished to a modern 7-8 car showroom, new parts department and super modern petrol forecourt, officially opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire.
In 1999 the company purchased ‘Rowles Ltd’ in Chandlers Ford, previously trading as a family owned Rover dealer. As a satellite to the Head Office in Portsmouth Road, the site was immediately converted to Vauxhall, with the large petrol forecourt and service department all being refurbished.
2003 saw a standalone site previously trading as Stuart’s garage, purchased to become the third site for Picador. The existing building was immediately knocked down and redeveloped as Picador Vauxhall Winchester.
In 2007 Denkale Motor Co, a large site in central Southampton selling Chevrolet was acquired. However, when General Motors pulled away from the brand the site was disposed of in September 2011.
Petrol remained a part of the business at Sholing until 2008, until it needed to meet the increasing demands of a growing business and Vauxhall’s new CI requirement for a new 10-11 car showroom – this was completed in September 2015.
In 2012 Picador acquired the business known as Pats Garage in Lyndhurst. In the latter part of 2015 the dealership had a major re-fit to the new Vauxhall CI.
Most recently in November 2015, Picador Plc saw a major shift in the business with the introduction of new franchises to the company. A brand-new duel Renault and Dacia dealership was opened on existing land at the Sholing site.
Picador Plc has come a long way since it’s humble beginnings and is now a multi-franchised motor group led by CEO Graham Jacobs, son of founder, Lionel Jacobs, Managing Director Robert Oakeley and Financial Director Neal Cruse ACA BA Hons.
Lionel, our Chairman is still very much involved but is semi-retired, allowing him to continue his charity fund-raising work.
The business now has over 150 staff across four locations and five businesses and has a turnover in excess of £40million.
