Vauxhall/Lotus Carlton info/pics/forums/mods

[customsinc]

So, there's 4 cars I want in my life, for the rest of my life. All 4 are genuine cars, but financially-thinking building my own interpretations are the most realistic ways to own them!

One of which is a Lotus Carlton. My older brother had one in the 90's and I've loved them ever since, I always like to do my own take on things and I'm a huge fan of the GM LS-series V8 lumps... see where I'm going?! One of my other 4 cars will be running one, so I might aswell order 2! Seem to be a better option than any other lump for cheap (relatively) silly HP!

So, I'm thinking grab a stock Carlton and build it with full Lotus kit, black paint (they'll all be black), do the interior, spec the running gear, choose rims etc.

Anyway, what good forums are out there for them? Thinking ahead about the drivetrain I'm wondering what other stuff fits, Monaro rear ends etc etc?

Also, any pictures to keep my brain fizzing most appreciated! It's not a project I'll start just yet as I have some others to finish first but I'm one of these buy-bits-before-the-build blokes.

[carat 3.6]

I always wanted to buy a senator, then fit the carlton front end on to that(bolt on swap), makes quite a good looking car...


Or do it the other way round...

[fred]

Lucky you, I have a bucket list the size of England's benefit list
There is a 'Lotus Carlton' in brackets on the RR ebay thread right now, but read the comments before going all doh and bidding !!
edited - was - guy took it off!

[lostsoul]

Lotus Carltons are painted Imperial Green.

[bstardchild]

Aug 26, 2013 2:19:18 GMT lostsoul said:

Lotus Carltons are painted Imperial Green.

^ Correct

And the big problem is most ratty ones are worth more as parts than as a whole cars due to the unavaliability of spares

Aug 25, 2013 22:03:22 GMT customsinc said:

So, there's 4 cars I want in my life, for the rest of my life. All 4 are genuine cars, but financially-thinking building my own interpretations are the most realistic ways to own them!

One of which is a Lotus Carlton. My older brother had one in the 90's and I've loved them ever since, I always like to do my own take on things and I'm a huge fan of the GM LS-series V8 lumps... see where I'm going?! One of my other 4 cars will be running one, so I might aswell order 2! Seem to be a better option than any other lump for cheap (relatively) silly HP!

So, I'm thinking grab a stock Carlton and build it with full Lotus kit, black paint (they'll all be black), do the interior, spec the running gear, choose rims etc.

Anyway, what good forums are out there for them? Thinking ahead about the drivetrain I'm wondering what other stuff fits, Monaro rear ends etc etc?

OK so forums, ABS Forum and Total Carlton are probably the two best for carlton knowledge

Someone in the ABS has the moulds for the body kits (the originals not PSG copy moulds)

A V8 is a bit of a squeeze and the biggest issue is the steering box making it very difficult for the the D/S exhaust but V8 carltons have been done in the past - one guy built a holden tribute car up in scotland but not 100% he ever finished it - I know it was on ebay a while back

[customsinc]

I know they were green, but I want a black one.

Hmmm, original kit would be nice rather than a replica. I've seen a couple of ropey originals for not a lot of cash, trying to toss up whether is better to swap out one of them and makes some changes or start with a boggo Carlton.

[v8kitten]

my mates got 2 Lotus Carlton replicas in his lock-up. 1`s a 3000gsi??? and the others got a 351ci small block ford v8. neither have turned a wheel in 4 years or more. i think he`s got a spare bodykit aswell. seems a shame to just leave them un-loved, but he won`t ever get round to finishing and using them!! he`s also got a 3500 sd1 rover vitesse, a BMW 325 sport, 2 Jag V12 xjs, a Jag XK120 rep, a Scimitar and an MGB GT!! All unfinished and will probably stay that way, and he won`t sell any of them either

[carledo]

If you wanna make a start, I have a pretty good Carlton auto shell, still MOTd till january or thereabouts 1989 so no cat test to worry about, Interior in good nick and lousy (but VERY 80s)colour, exterior very little rot and light gold. I want to keep the engine, autobox, propshaft and engine/trans looms, all else is yours for £150 with MOT and V5. Interested? I'm also breaking a 2001 Omega 2.2 auto so bigger brakes available too.

Steve

Edit, Mot is till 31/05/2014, the car has done only about 200 miles since it was done!

[docjock]

Holden Commodore VB was basically a Carlton with GM V8 fitted, so the running gear to fit is already knocking around, albeit abroad.

[Johnny A]

Good luck with it chap, I have myself my 'version' of a Lotus Carlton. If you need help with any aspects let me know but suspension and 2.0 16v Turbo conversions are my main areas.

[stefan]

I love Lotus Carltons ever since Jonny Herbert drove me round the Lotus test track in on when I was 15 years old on work experience.

My latest thoughts have been a lotus rep with saab 2.3 turbo and loads of boost. or supra 3.0 turbo motor and loads of boost.

not seen a replica kit on ebay for ages or a cheep solid base car for cheeps ether, I do keep checking now and then

[Johnny A]

I've got a LC replica bodykit available if anyone is interested.

[stefan]

how much?