Description
HERE we have a most incredible 45-year-old car, tax and MoT exempt and ULEZ complaint. And what an absolute beauty she really is.
This 1980 Vauxhall Carlton (a rare Mark 1) has covered just 25k miles from new. She has been with three owners during that time. The first and third owners kept her for brief spells only with the "middle" owner caring for her for 42 years! It was during this lengthy stay with the same person that this oh so cool Carlton covered the bulk of her 25, 000 miles!
To open any door and peep inside and you instinctively know that this Vauxhall has covered such a tiny mileage. It is like stepping into a brand new car. And I don't say that lightly. The deep velour seats of the Carlton Mark 1, the early wood effect dashboard, the headlining, the door cards, the carpets..... just everything about it screams time warp.
Being a Mark 1, the original Carlton (launched just two years before this car in 1978) was basically an Opel Rekord. All body panels and engine parts were manufactured at Opel HQ in Germany with the cars assembled at Vauxhall's Luton plant. In effect, were it not for the typical Vauxhall drop snoot front end, this would be an Opel Rekord. Much of these features were soon to vanish when the Mark 1 was given a facelift in preparation for the forthcoming Mark 2.
Vauxhall gurus inform me that she is the 4th oldest Carlton left on the road.
She is in the most remarkable condition and the photos do not lie. Naturally, at 45-years-old, she cannot be a new car. But the body and paint work have survived incredibly well and this Carlton is just one hell of an eyeful! It is beauty to behold.
Powered by a 2-litre petrol engine, she drives magnificently and with such ease via her auto box. This is a car that gives you the feeling that it could take you anyway in luxury and comfort.
I very much doubt you would be able to find a more original, low mileage Mark 1. But, if you know of one to beat this, then please let me know and I shall try my utmost to acquire it. There are one or two small touch-ups and minor imperfections here and there but, in the grand scheme of things, they barely warrant a mention such is the overall condition of this voluptuous Vauxhall!
This delightful old girl has only just arrived here at Martin Howey Classics (Est. 26 years) and, although I am in the business of sourcing classics and re-homing them, I would be more than happy to hold onto this one and use her in dry weather only. The car is an absolute joy. I genuinely don't think you could find better.
Viewing is welcome and I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote. Thanks, Martin the details below).
