carlton carrera

[john byrnes]

i have a 2 litre carlton carrera, 4 speed auto box ,i need as much info as possible on this make of car, ie ,who made,when last made,how many made ,how many sold,and why is it i can only find two others,one in the isle of man, and the other in some where south of manchester

[Justin S]

your best bet is to post on the kit car forum.There is a guy asking about info on an orange carlton in this months Kit Car mag.I don't have it to hand as it had the owners club phone number in it.It is under the question and answer pages.Hope that helps.

[john byrnes]

thank you ,ive also read the article,the owners club is no more ,ive tried phoning mervyn butler but no answer,never mind though there is still a few more to try,atleast once again thank you,john

[grahambell]

Hi John,

As Justin says, you'd be better with this on the kit car forum.

However, as we're here, here's a bit of info.

The Carrera was produced by a company called Carlton Performance Mouldings based in Yorkshire (Barnsley way I think) who also produced a 4x4 style kit called the Commando.

From memory the Carrera was launched in the mid-80s and it was originally based on Cortina mechanical parts, though Capri and XJ6 options were added, as was Rover V8 power.

No idea how long it was made for (a few years though) or how many were made. Don't think it was many - probably double figures rather than triple.

Used to get three or so turning up at Stoneleigh kit car show, but none this year. At least not the day I was there.

Carlton stopped kit car production many years ago in favour of panel kit production but no idea if they're still going.

[john byrnes]

from whats in the mag, only 150 were made from 85 to 94 who knows if i do get this car up and running then you might just see mine there one day (on my knees wishing)anyway thank you for the input much appreciated .if you take a look in my profile you will see what i mean ignore the other two at back and front.fiesta not mine volvo 740 turbo is (at back)

>> Edited by john byrnes on Thursday 7th October 21:01

[Justin S]

John,do post this on the Kit cars section.It will show you there are plenty of people who are willing to help with all manner of troubles you will face in the rebuild.As a rule of thumb,kit cars are much easier to rebuild than production cars,as there is no standard vehicle.It's all down to personal ideas and wants.Different kit cars to the usual I find interesting and you will find that a well built and different kitcar will endure many a passing eye at the car shows.A work colleague has just bought a Pilgrim Bulldog,as his wife is not happy riding vintage bikes pillion now she's cracked 60.I looked through the Thames Valley free ads and he's picking up some granada leather seats up for it for £15.It's amazing what you can find and it doesn't necessarily cost millions to do.