In memory of
Richard Austin

Everyone has heard the story of the famous Lotus Carlton, “40 RA”, but few have ever known the full truth behind it.

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The number plate – four-zero Romeo Alpha – became one of the most recognisable in motoring history, though its origin was far more personal. It was never meant for notoriety. It began simply as a 40th birthday gift for Richard Austin, the owner of the Lotus Carlton that would later be stolen, used in a series of ram raids, and ultimately lost to a canal.

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It was, in many ways, a story that seemed to write itself. The car itself – the Lotus Carlton – was already a controversial figure. A four-door saloon with the practicality of a grand tourer, yet performance to rival a Ferrari, it was seen by some as a bold challenge to convention.

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Such was the prominence of the Lotus Carlton that it became the subject of debate in Parliament - and remains the only car to ever be debated - amid concerns that the car's capability could be exploited for criminal use. Those fears, in this case, proved well founded.

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A gang, who remain unidentified to this day, used high-performance cars, namely a Sierra Cosworth and a Cavalier Turbo, to take one of the fastest production vehicles in the world. What followed was a series of ram raids carried out with remarkable audacity, with the Lotus Carlton repeatedly outrunning pursuing police.

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And through it all, the plate remained.

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“40 RA.” Four characters. Four syllables. Instantly recognisable. Impossible to ignore. Whether through confidence or defiance, the thieves never removed it, and it became central to the legend.

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After ten weeks, the story came to an abrupt end. The car was discovered submerged in a canal, found only after a barge ran aground on its roof.

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Richard did eventually replace the car, but it was never the same. For many years, “40 RA” remained something of a myth, spoken about, but rarely revisited in full. Then, more recently, Richard found a fitting successor in another Lotus Carlton, quietly bringing the story full circle.

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Now, that story reaches a more personal and poignant conclusion.

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On Monday 20 April 2026, Richard Austin passed away.

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In the days since, news has gently spread throughout the Vauxhall and wider car community, with many sharing their memories and condolences.

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In 2024, Richard, alongside Brian Osborne, the police officer who led the pursuit of 40 RA in 1992, shared the true story of the car at VauxALL. It was a rare and meaningful moment, one that many were grateful to witness.

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To honour Richard’s memory, this page has been created to collect messages of condolence. These will be gathered and shared with his family as a reflection of the respect and appreciation held for him within the community.