The Carlton Carrera story

Carlton Automotive was based in Royston, Barnsley, UK and was run by Dave Peasant and Stuart Allatt. Both shared experience as engineers and their company specialized in GRP manufacturing, for external clients as well as their own offerings. They produced two models; a pioneering sport utility vehicle called the Commando and the Carrera sportscar which is the subject at hand.

The Carlton Carrera was a 3-door sports coupe made between 1985 and 1994. It was based on the ubiquitous (in the UK at least) Ford Cortina. It was compatible with drivetrain and mechanicals from the Mark 3, 4, and 5 Cortinas specifically. The kit featured a forward hinging bonnet assembly which combined both inner and outer wings. Two intake scoops, mounted symmetrically on the bonnet allowed fresh air for the car's internal ventilation system. An intricate molding provided the under-bonnet air ducting which was directly linked to the heater box.

The Carlton Carrera, rear 3/4 view

The main body shell was a one-piece molding, providing a sealed bulkhead and rear floor section. A steel roll-over cage was molded into the body shell and carried the seat belt mounting points. The doors were completely GRP, mounted onto steel posts and housing Ford Capri window winding systems on pillarless frames. The doors also included two steel tubes for support and side impact protection. The rear tailgate was a one-piece molding housing an MGB GT rear window. An Mk2 Escort would donate front indicator units, the rear lamps were from a Manta or Cavalier Coupe. The headlamps were the usual 7" Lucas units, as found on so many British cars, going back to the 1940s.

The body was aerodynamically efficient with subtle curves along with integrated spoilers and side skirts. The chassis was of deep box section construction, with "back-bone" type rails to provide a very high degree of torsional rigidity. The chassis extended the full length and width of the car giving superb front, rear and side impact protection.

The Carlton Carrera, with rear hatch and clam-shell hood open

The styling certainly recalled the Jaguar E-Type but was not strictly a replica. The design actually had a far more graceful roofline than the various versions of the E-Type coupe. The use of the windshield and side-glass from the Ford Capri gave the car a slight resemblance to the classic Datsun/Nissan 240z as well. The design was intended to be more evocative than a mere Jag copy. The result was a handsome GT with classic proportions.

The Carlton Carrera's Fort Cortina sourced dashboard

Two versions of the Carrera were offered, one a 2+2 (using Cortina front and rear axles), or the full 4-seater, which utilized a Jaguar rear end, with the option of using either Cortina or Jaguar front suspension. Optional extras included a glass sunroof, and gas struts for the tailgate and the bonnet. A convertible version would also go on to be offered, later in the production run. Apparently 150 Carreras were sold, with an unknown number completed. Carlton ceased trading in 1994.

Sources:

Carlton Commando and Carrera owner's group

Old Classic Car (UK)