Highlights

Uber-rare survivor
Nostalgic wagon in superb condition throughout
Late Mark I facelift Carlton in elegant color scheme
Original Vauxhall book pack, and history spanning the car's lifetime
Now eligible for Historic Vehicle tax and MOT exemption
MOT expires February 2027

The Appeal

Based on the Opel Rekord E, the Mark 1 Carlton featured distinctive ‘droop snoot’ front-end styling and was available as both a sedan and a spacious five-door wagon. With rear-wheel drive and comfortable accommodation, it offered an appealing combination of practicality and refinement.

Initially powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine producing around 100 hp, the Carlton Estate provided dependable performance alongside generous cargo capacity. Equally suited to family vacations and everyday duties, it was a versatile and comfortable hauler, with a range of optional equipment adding to its appeal. It paved the way for the Omega-based Carlton Mk2 introduced in late 1986.

A facelift in 1982 introduced a more conventional front grille, replacing the distinctive droop snoot design. Production continued until 1986, when the Mark 1 was succeeded by the all-new Carlton Mark 2. Our car here is a Mk1 facelift with the 1796cc 4-cylinder engine.

Once a familiar sight on American roads, a Mark 1 Carlton Estate has become an increasingly rare classic. Combining understated styling, straightforward mechanicals and genuine practicality, it represents a nostalgic reminder of an era when large family wagons were built with simplicity and usability in mind.

History and Paperwork

75,550 miles
UK market right-hand drive car
Late Mark I facelift example, showing as a Carlton S on the V5 and HPI
First registered August 30, 1985 at Barbers of Bramhall, Cheshire
Odometer reads 75,550 miles - backed up by service history and MOT record
4 former keepers declared on V5
Original blue Opel Vauxhall wallet present, housing audio manual, maintenance program book and service booklet with x8 service stamps (including pre-delivery inspection)
Large bill for £451.54 in January 2026
Recent new starter motor, battery and spark plugs
A good quantity of old servicing and maintenance receipts
Several old (and new) MOT certificates
MOT expires February 11, 2027
Now eligible for Historic Vehicle tax and MOT exemption on the 40-year rule

The Condition

Love at first sight good looks - the burgundy red paint presents beautifully. Excellent shut lines, plus badges well preserved and trim that delivers a real time-warp first impression
There are a number of blemishes and marks around the car, though nothing of great significance; vendor notes that considering the age of the car, it is astonishingly well preserved
Note a couple of blisters at the bottom of the front windshield surround and on a couple of door bottoms
No obvious perforations and no dents
All stainless steel window surrounds present and free of obvious damage, though would benefit from a polish
Black bumpers and side trim are present and correct, with some fade spots
Inside the engine bay is quite remarkable and belies the car's age; suspension towers and bulkhead all looking virtually as good as new
Lift the carpet in the rear cargo area, and the experience is similar: bright, original paint. Spare tire well is in similar, remarkably good order
Rear cargo area carpets are excellent
Upholstery on seats and door panels all in superb order
Footwells are protected with original GM heavy-duty rubber overmats
All door-shut and tailgate rubber seals remain pliable and in excellent functional order
Continental-branded front tires, Michelin rear tires
Press-on Vauxhall wheel caps all look correct and in good order
Dashboard is free from any cracks or sun splits
All switchgear looks to be in excellent order
The gauges are bright and clear. No warning light
Period Philips radio cassette player
Rear passenger seats are equipped with seat belts (a good few years prior to being a legal requirement)
‘Royal in Cheshire’ rear license plate and rear window sticker (evidence of them servicing the car in 1988)
Registration number etchings on window glass

The Mechanics

1796cc overhead cam engine
5-Speed Manual transmission
Very clean under-hood presentation
Rear-wheel drive
Good MOT record

BEFORE YOU BUY

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