1990 Lotus Omega (Carlton) Bonhams Paris Sale February 2021

1992 Paris Motor Show,1990 Opel Lotus Omega Type 104 Sports Saloon

Bonhams have for sale in their Les Grand Marques du Monde à Paris Sale in February 2021 the former Paris Motor Show Lotus Omega (Carlton in Britain).

The 1992 Paris Motor Show features this very car, a 1990 Opel Lotus Omega type 104 sports saloon. This is also the second oldest Lotus Omega bearing chassis number 0002D is left hand drive and delivered new to Germany.

The Lotus Omega / Carlton grabbed many media headlines in the day being the fastest four door saloon car produced. With a top speed of 175 mph or 282 km/h. This top speed was only bettered by a handful of exotic supercars. The thought of a family car attaining those kinds of speeds got the authorities in a bit of a spin.

Bonhams have for sale in their Les Grand Marques du Monde à Paris Sale in February 2021 the former Paris Motor Show Lotus Omega (Carlton in Britain).

The 1992 Paris Motor Show features this very car, a 1990 Opel Lotus Omega type 104 sports saloon. This is also the second oldest Lotus Omega bearing chassis number 0002D is left hand drive and delivered new to Germany. 

The Lotus Omega / Carlton grabbed many media headlines in the day being the fastest four door saloon car produced. With a top speed of 175 mph or 282 km/h. This top speed was only bettered by a handful of exotic supercars. The thought of a family car attaining those kinds of speeds got the authorities in a bit of a spin.

At the time Lotus was owned by General Motors and GM had conceived the idea of creating a high performance flagship for its European marques. The Opel Omega came with a 24 valve 3.0 litre straight six, and this was chosen for the basis of this project. Enlarging the engine to 3.6 litres and fitting it with a pair of Garrett turbochargers increased power to 377 bhp and 419 lb/ft of torque. The six speed gearbox came from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 and was coupled to a limited slip differential. Racing derived suspension, ventilated disc brakes and aerodynamic improvements enhanced the cars capabilities. And kept it under control.

Lotus assembled the cars by hand at the factory in Hethel, Norfolk, England. All were finished in Imperial Dark Green with an anthracite leather interior. Only 950 examples were built 1990 and 1992. The split between the Omega and Carlton being 666 and 284. Making this quite a rare and increasingly collectable car.

At the time Lotus was owned by General Motors and GM had conceived the idea of creating a high performance flagship for its European marques. The Opel Omega came with a 24 valve 3.0 litre straight six, and this was chosen for the basis of this project. Enlarging the engine to 3.6 litres and fitting it with a pair of Garrett turbochargers increased power to 377 bhp and 419 lb/ft of torque. The six speed gearbox came from the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 and was coupled to a limited slip differential. Racing derived suspension, ventilated disc brakes and aerodynamic improvements enhanced the cars capabilities. And kept it under control.

Lotus assembled the cars by hand at the factory in Hethel, Norfolk, England. All were finished in Imperial Dark Green with an anthracite leather interior. Only 950 examples were built 1990 and 1992. The split between the Omega and Carlton being 666 and 284. Making this quite a rare and increasingly collectable car.

1992 Paris Motor Show,1990 Opel Lotus Omega Type 104 Sports Saloon 2

Chassis 0002D was one of three German press cars, 0001D, 0002D and ‘0003D. The D standing for Deutschland, the country of delivery. This car was built in June 1990 and used for promotional duties. Appearing in a 12 page portfolio and later at the 1992 Paris Motor Show.

After finishing its time as a press vehicle, the car was sold to Herbert Schneider from Gelsenkirchen, the first German owner. The car wore the registration GE-HS 1953. Mr Schneider moved to the USA and sold the car to the second owner who resided in Northern France. Servicing was performed by a Belgian Lotus dealer. From 2008 the car moved to Belgium where is has lived ever since. Having been used sparingly the car only registers 103,000 kilometres. 

It is believed that the car is un-restored and described by the vendor as in well-preserved condition. Showing no accident damage and with only a repainted front bumper by way of restoration. The vendor advises that the engine and gearbox are very sound and that the brakes have been rebuilt as part of general maintenance.

1992 Paris Motor Show,1990 Opel Lotus Omega Type 104 Sports Saloon 2
1992 Paris Motor Show,1990 Opel Lotus Omega Type 104 Sports Saloon 3
With the cars documentation pack there are the Belgian registration papers. A Lotus certificate; an old photograph taken in Germany; workshop manual. Press maps; original illustrated book; and leather wallet containing the owner’s manual.
 
This car is the earliest example currently available and could be a great opportunity for a private collector.
 
Voiture du Salon de Paris 1992 Opel/Lotus Omega (type 104) berline 1990 Châssis n° 0002D
1992 Paris Motor Show,1990 Opel Lotus Omega Type 104 Sports Saloon 5

Thanks to Bonhams for the images.

You can register to bid at the auction and attend if possible; https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/26926/

Simon