1991 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton.

3615cc, 24Valve, straight-six with twin Garrett T25 turbochargers. 377bhp-491lb/ft

Pearlescent Imperial Green paintwork retains a good shine. Treated leather. Smart interior

Good service history. Original service booklet with 12 stamps, 12 previous MoTs 86,000 miles

Just 5,000 miles since an engine and gearbox rebuild by Lotus specialists Paul Matty Sports Cars

Fitted with Image 3-piece alloys and a louvred bonnet. Originals with the car

The Lotus Carlton was a Vauxhall Carlton upgraded by Lotus Cars to create a 177 mph sports saloon with acceleration to equal contemporary supercars. When released, it was the fastest four-door saloon car in the world. The external differences were minimal with the addition of a rear spoiler, air intakes on the bonnet, Lotus badges on the front wings and boot lid, a body kit, and considerably wider wheel arches distinguishing it from a standard Carlton. The car was only sold in one colour, a shade of British racing green called Pearlescent Imperial Green, a very dark green that in anything but direct light appears black.

Lotus reworked the 2969cc, 24V straight six used in the Carlton GSI and bored it out to 3615cc. In addition, twin Garrett T25 turbochargers were attached resulting in 377bhp and torque of 419lb ft. Power was transmitted through a six-speed ZF manual gearbox and onward to the rear wheels through a LSD. The brakes were designed by AP and were 330mm ventilated discs all around with racing calipers.

Be under no doubt these cars are phenomenal machines and they were so far ahead of their time that they are widely regarded as the reason that "hot" saloons exist today. This, increasingly rare, right-hand drive Lotus Carlton was sold new on 1 August 1991 and is the 134th example off the production line.

It has been with its current custodian, one of six owners from new, since 2016 and the previous owner from 1997. In this time it has covered very few miles and has been maintained regularly. There is a decent service history, including the original service booklet with twelve stamps, and twelve previous MoT Certificates, that corroborate the total indicated mileage of just over 86,000. There are also a large number of receipts and bills that record earlier servicing, work on the brakes, suspension, new gearbox and routine maintenance.

Cosmetically this example presents well, the paintwork retains a good shine, and the panel fit is very good. The interior leather has recently been treated and the cabin looks fresh. The car is standard other than the addition of a stainless steel exhaust system.

The Carlton has covered just 5,000 miles since an engine and gearbox rebuild by the respected Lotus specialist Paul Matty Sports Cars at 81,000 mils in November 2017 at a cost of over £25,000. During the rebuild, the engine block was replaced and one of the very last new engine blocks in existence was sourced from South West Lotus in Plymouth.

This beloved vehicle has also been treated to a set of three-piece Image alloy wheels as an homage to the original Opel 'concept car' unveiled to the public at the Geneva Salon. The car also benefits from having de-cat pipes with its stainless exhaust system as well as rare carbon fibre bonnet vents fitted. The original wheels are in excellent condition and along with original bonnets vents and the original head unit are included in the sale. The enthusiastic owner is also supplying the tailored car cover, and the limited edition copy of the book "Lotus Carlton". This is the fascinating, in-depth story of the car and contains the Certificates of Provenance for this car number 0134. The current MoT is valid until 29/10/2019 and there is a huge file of history and receipts.

Great opportunity to acquire one of the first 'Supersaloons which, considering its condition and provenance, is remarkably sensibly guided.