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Lotus

Lotus - Carlton (1992)

Discover the real cost of owning a classic wild‑cat—a 1992 Lotus Carlton. The number one question for any prospective buyer is, “Lotus Carlton price?” While the base price at launch varied by market and optional equipment, a 1992 model today is a sought‑after find among collectors and performance enthusiasts. Whether you’re after a pristine mint‑condition example or a heavily used example that still sizzles on the track, understanding the price dynamics and depreciation helps you make an informed purchase.

  • Model Year: 1992
  • Engine: 3.5 L twin‑turbocharged 6 × 5‑valve Type 9 3.5‑liter V8 (Unleaded, 12 bar boost)
  • Power: 560 hp @ 7,250 rpm
  • Torque: 515 lb‑ft @ 3,850 rpm
  • Transmission: 5‑speed manual (optional 6‑speed in some markets)
  • Top Speed: 185 mph (record‑setting for a street‑legal sports car in the early 1990s)
  • 0–60 mph: 4.4 seconds
  • Carburetion: Fuel injection (electronic throttle)
  • Fuel Type: High‑octane gasoline (≥ 95 RON)
  • Dimensions: Length 4,040 mm, Width 1,880 mm, Height 1,260 mm, Wheelbase 2,600 mm
  • Weight: Wet 1,385 kg (3,053 lb)
  • Suspension: Double wishbone independent front and rear with coil‑over dampers
  • Brakes: 4‑wheel Brembo disc brakes, 355 mm front diameter
  • Interior: Alcantara upholstery, leather seats, optional aviation‑style trim
  • Optional Extras: Carbon‑fiber skin, air‑conditioning, Sony audio system, parking lights, power electronics package

When it comes to discussing the Lotus Carlton depreciation, the car stands out for retaining value far better than many other high‑performance vehicles. On average, you can expect the 1992 model to lose roughly 15‑20% of its initial value during the first year of ownership—less than the typical 30‑35% depreciation rate seen in mainstream sports cars. After the first year, the decline rate stabilizes at about 5‑8% per year over the next five to ten years, depending on mileage, upkeep, and market demand.

But how does this translate into real terms? While prices vary greatly by condition, market, and region, you can anticipate a used 1992 Lotus Carlton to fetch anywhere between a comfortable mid‑$200,000 for a low‑mileage, pristine example to around low‑$100,000 for a well‑used car with higher mileage but in good mechanical shape. In hot markets such as the UK, US, and Japan, a well‑maintained example can command premium prices, often closing the gap with newer “cousins” like the Lotus Elise or even the Lotus Exige II when it comes to performance.

The used Lotus Carlton price is often weighed against a few key comparables:

  • Lotus Elise 1995: Roughly £30 k–£35 k (interactive market data)
  • Lotus Exige II (1999): £45 k–£55 k, depending on mileage and condition
  • Rolls‑Royce Silver Shadow first show (1955): £20 k–£25 k for comparable luxury but far less track focus

Thus, what is a 1992 Lotus Carlton worth? It remains one of the most valuable classic Lotus models on the European and American used‑car market due to its rare speed record, limited production run, and contemporary demand from collectors who value high performance and automotive heritage.

Beyond the price, the Lotus Carlton 1992 price is heavily influenced by


Last 20 car trackeds

Last tracked date Status Price Price rank Link
4 years ago used £40,000.00 Unlock all links
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