Vauxhall Carlton
ENGINE 1979cc/4-cyl/CIH POWER 100bhp@5200rpm TORQUE 115lb ft@3800rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 116mph 0-60MPH 10sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 24-30mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed manual MoT October 2018 ODOMETER 52,386 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
One thing that becomes immediately apparent is this car’s lack of use over the past decade. It starts readily, but it takes a minute for the automatic choke to release its lumpy grip on the two-litre motor before smoothing out to a steady idle. The clutch is light, gear selection precise and power-assisted steering light. The gauge suggests that oil pressure is perfect and the ride is rattle-free on the move, even over rough roads. Brake discs and pads are recent replacements.
BODYWORK CHECK
Corrosion seems to have passed this car by. The underside consists of freshly painted suspension units and a seemingly factory fresh floor pan; there are no rust bubbles in the wheel arches or sill panels. Several stone chips are apparent under the front bumper and there are a couple more in the offside front wing. The offside rear quarter panel also has a small and barely noticeable area of ‘blow over’ and there is a dent under the bumper. The nearside door mirror casing is cracked – the vendor clipped it while exiting his garage – but the green metallic paint is clean and bright.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The interior takes you straight back to when Wham! would have been playing on the Phillips radio-cassette player. The dark grey and black trim shows no sign of wear, the carpets look as though they were fitted yesterday and the heavy-duty door panels are ready for another 30 years’ use. The driver’s door seal is beginning to split. The small quartz clock cannot be adjusted, but the car comes with a replacement. All the dials and switches work correctly.
UNDER THE BONNET
A careful check reveals no fluid leaks or abnormal noises from beneath the bonnet. It’s very clean and tidy to match both the interior and exterior, with some worthy recent additions including a new fuel pump and battery. The bay area is ready to be displayed while the block, rocker cover and sump show an unblemished satin black finish. The history file confirms a 2005 MoT test taken at 50,056 miles by the first owner and the car being put into storage when he passed away. One of the vendor’s friends acquired it when it came out of storage in 2015. It was re-commissioned and tested at 50,283 miles and has covered just 2000 miles in the last three years.
THE CCW VIEW
Few £2000 classics present or drive this well. Large 1980s Vauxhalls struggled to leave the showrooms in period, so they’re a seriously rare sight today. This particular example would benefit from a little paint plus some miles on the clock and is ideal for the enthusiast working to a budget. Definitely worth a closer look.