Carlton Acer

ENGINE 1994cc/4-cyl/OHC POWER 117bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 134lb ft@2800rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 110mph 0-60MPH 8sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 26-30mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT March 2018 ODOMETER 3245 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Loud. Very loud. Squeeze into the snug seats in the surprisingly spacious cockpit, turn the ignition key, thumb the starter and you’re away. Not one for shy and retiring types, the BL O-series engine on a big SU carburettor shoves you off down the road to a flurry of pops and bangs on the overrun. Originally built as a replica of ‘ Tatty Turner’, a hugely successful racer from the Sixties, it still evokes the heady days of club racing at its best, but now makes a tremendously fun alternative to a Lotus Sevena-like. There are no rattles or creaks and it feels predictable and safe, even for novices.

BODYWORK CHECK

It’s well built and its current custodian gave it a thorough restoration in 1999. As such, it’s perfect in almost every way, with a superb finish to the period green paint, and chrome roll bar, bullet mirrors and trim setting off the Shelby stripe and roundels. Five-slot Wolfrace wheels hint at its Seventies build date, while the pair of extra grille-mounted driving lights give it a real attitude. The tyres are in good condition with plenty of tread remaining. What can be seen of the chassis members looks sound and the aluminium inner wings are free of dents and are well fitted. It is a similar story underneath, where there are only very limited areas of light surface corrosion.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

It’s not exactly the height of luxury in here. There aren’t even any seatbelts fitted, although this should probably be remedied – maybe even with a harness if it’s ever to venture back on to the track again. The dashboard is dominated by a large cream Smiths speedometer flanked by oil pressure and engine temperature gauges. The inoperative speedometer will be repaired before the car is sold. The wide transmission tunnel still allows plenty of room for the front seat passenger, with alloy chequer plates serving as rudimentary ‘carpets’. Overall, it’s a nice place to be, with just a bit of comfortable patina.

UNDER THE BONNET

The leak-free O-series engine is mounted well back in the decent-sized engine bay, with a recent sticker showing that the cambelt was changed in April. There is a functional, if not exactly dressed-up-concours presentation to the whole area, with a chrome bulkhead plaque showing engine and VIN numbers. The oil is recent, the coolant clear and fresh, and there’s no tell-tale ‘mayonnaise’ on the inside of the oil filler.

THE CCW VIEW

If you’re looking for an interesting and affordable alternative to a Caterham or Westfield, this is worth a look. A wonderful recreation of a successful racer, but with its own identity. It’s unique and a guaranteed fun weekender.

EXTERIOR Presents well Nice period fittings INTERIOR Surprisingly spacious No doors or seatbelts MECHANICALS Tight and well built Might be too noisy for some!