Lotus Carltons cannot be kept 'on the cheap'. Many parts are common to the Carlton GSi3000, and so you may be able to get these from motor factors & scrap yards. Parts that are supposed to wear out or need replacing (brake pads, clutches, fuel, oil & air filters, exhaust pipes etc.) are more expensive than for a normal car, perhaps by a factor of 2 or 3. But the parts that are not supposed to be replaced (engine parts, clutch, gearbox, differential, driveshafts, propshafts, suspension parts, shock absorbers, brake disks, body kit parts etc) will cost more than your worst nightmare to replace if they break or go wrong. If you can't afford to maintain the car, don't buy it.

Contact James Waddington of the Autobahnstormers on Webmaster@Autobahnstormers.co.uk. Also have a look at his web site - http://www.lotus-carlton.co.uk. He is the main force behind the Lotus Carlton section of the club, and knows much more than me. He has even helped other people to choose their cars.

A Lotus Omega is a left hand drive version of the Lotus Carlton. Around 660 were built, all for sale in mainland Europe, mostly in Germany. There are a few people re-importing these into the UK, mainly because they are more highly prized here than they are on the continent. A Lotus Omega will cost you £10-£15K depending on condition. Check that you can insure it first though ! Many companies won't touch them.

All Lotus Carltons are right hand drive, and these carry a premium over their 'continental cousins'. Only 284 were built for sale in the UK, and they will cost you between £15K (for a dog) to £25K (for a well kept 40K miles example). A low mileage, showroom condition car could cost you over £30K.

Check you can insure it - I have 8 years NCD, was born in 1965, live in Somerset, and the car has various additional security devices fitted. I used to pay over £1000 a year, but have just changed to Priviledge Insurance of Leeds (0113 243 6855) who want less than £500 quid (July 1999). If you pass a 'Driving Risk Assessment' test with BSM, they will reduce your premium by a further 10%. When I took it, the instructor said that nobody ever fails, and that I wouldn't fail unless I killed him or someone else.

Know you cars. There are 3 distinct batches of cars. Numbers 1 to 177 are the oldest, and have the original clutch arrangement and exhaust. Numbers 178 to 777 have the old clutch, but a newer, cheaper exhaust. Numbers 778 to 950 have the newest clutch arrangement and exhaust. Any of the older cars (1-777) that have has either of the clutch problems in the past will probably have a new clutch housing and pivot pin, bringing it up to the latest standard. Also cars first registered in 1991 don't need catalytic converters to pass the MOT. After 1991 they do. Replacement cats are expensive, because they are only available as part of a complete exhaust system. My car is number 0112, and was first registered in May 1991, so if/when the cats pack in, I'm having them removed !