Vauxhall Carlton Mark I

Production period:	1978 to 1986
Body versions:	Saloon, station wagon
Engines:	Gasoline: 1.8-2.2 Liters (66-85 kW)  Diesel: 2.3 Liters (52-63 kW)
Length:	4620-4678 mm
Width:	1720-1726 mm
Height:	1470 mm
Wheelbase:	2668 mm
Curb weight:	1145-1305 kg

The first-generation Vauxhall Carlton was introduced in late 1978 as a replacement for the Vauxhall VX. The Carlton replaces the old VX (formerly Victor) range, and is of the “upper middle class" category; with its 2-litre engine, generous accommodation for five in its four-door body, and above-average boot space.

History

The Vauxhall Carlton offered in the United Kingdom from the end of 1978 to the spring of 1994. It was based on the contemporary Opel Rekord, but had the typical for Vauxhall "Droop snoot" (between the headlights lowered front end) and thus no conventional grille. 

The cars were available as a sedan or estate with rear-wheel drive and a large, comfortable interior (initially only in "L" equipment). The drive was a four-cylinder engine with 2.0-liter displacement and carburettor, which gave the car sufficient power and was characterized by smoothness and economy. The 1979cc engine performs well has appeared in various body’s including the Cavalier since it was introduced Although it originates from the smaller engines, it has a different block, by the increased bores with the camshaft mounted high in the head and operating the valves via short pushrods, hydraulic tappets and rockers. With a 9.0:1 compression ratio, the power output is 100 bhp (DIN) at 5,200 rpm; the peak torque, of 116.5 1b ft (DIN) at 3,600 rpm. Fitted with a 14.8-gallon fuel tank, for which four-star petrol with a minimum octane rating of 97 is recommended.

• PERFORMANCE: 2.0L
  max power (DIN): 100 hp (73.6 kW) at 5,200 rpm;
  max torque (DIN): 116.5 1b ft, 16.1 kg m (158 Nm) at 3,600 rpm
  max engine rpm: 6.000 50.5 hp/l (37.9 kW/l)
  max speeds: (I) 29 mph, 48 km/h; (II) 51 mph, 82 km/h; (III) 80 mph, 129 km/h; (IV) 107 mph, 172 km/h
  power-weight ratio: 33.7 lb/hp. (32.4 lb/kW), 11.4 kg/hp (14.7 kg/kW)
  carrying capacity: 1,036 1b, 470 kg
  acceleration: standing 1/4 mile 18.5 sec, 0-50 mph, (0-80 km/h) 8.5 sec
  Fuel consumption: 24.4 m/imp gal, 20.3 m/US gal, 11.6 1 x 100 km.

There were some interesting extras, such as central locking, alloy wheels and power windows, which was exceptional for a large-scale model in the late 1970s.Both design and construction are better than ever they were now that Luton has swapped American influence for German authority with close links with Opel been highly beneficial to both companies. But Vauxhall still has retained its own, distinctly British character and history. So, the Opel Rekord and Vauxhall version is called the Carlton. Two largely similar models under different labels. Not only do the two models look different, but there are enough changes in specifications for them to appeal to different customers but the Carlton is mechanically identical but a restyling job by Wayne Cherry recognisably a droop-snoot Vauxhall so the aerodynamics have been improved in the Carlton, yet which uses most of the same panels the Carlton also differs from the Rekord by its more wrap-around bumpers. While the overall length is greater than that of the old VX 2300, this is all accounted for by increased overhang mainly due to the large rubber overriders the wheelbase, is unchanged.

The GM four-speed gearbox is a good strong unit and it gives rapid changes. The clutch is also smooth through the gears. For the suspension the Carlton is also fitted with MacPherson strut front suspension in conjunction with an anti-roll Bar and independent brake reaction arms. The rear fitted with a Panhard rod, and live axle by four trailing links the coil springs are mounted on the lower links, ahead of the dampers.

Good use has been made of interior space. There are other internal differences between the two cars. The line of the facia surround, the seams in the door trim panels are horizontal in the Carlton, whereas they are vertical in the Opel. The seat cover material is different type of velour and the steering wheel has two rather than four spokes. The seats are comfortable with variable backrest angle adjustments, in addition to the lockable glove box, there are bins in the front doors and a pair of trays in the central console. There is a single, centrally-mounted ashtray in the front, and others in each of the rear armrests. The wide doors allow easy access, and there is generous room for four or even five adults. with the front seats whose head restraints are adjustable fully rearwards, there is plenty of knee room in the back and adequate headroom. A rear central armrest is fitted as standard.
The boot is easy to load and 12.4 cu ft capacity The large glass window area enables excellent visibility on the move. Large door mirrors give an excellent view of the road behind. The two-speed wipers do not lift, even at high speed, but they leave an unwept area near the offside pillar.  Fitted with powerful halogen headlamps the main lights switch is a wheel on the facia (which is also used to turn on the interior light) and back window is quickly cleared away by the rear screen heater. The horn button is in the centre of the steering wheel. The usual single multi-function stalk with Twisting functions operates the wipers, indicating, dipping and flashing the headlamps, also operating the screen wash. the instrument panel features a large speedometer separated by large clock and warning lights, and with gauges for water temperature and fuel level to either side behind a single curved pane of glass which eliminates reflections.

The heating and ventilation slide controls are mounted to the left the central console thermostatically-controlled powerful fan boost.The amount of air admitted to footwells and demisting the side windows. There were also extended and more powerful models based on the Carlton and record. Directly above, the Vauxhall Viceroy - almost identical to the Opel Commodore - placed, and above the Vauxhall Royale - an Opel Senator - and its coupe variants Vauxhall Royale coupe, or Opel Monza. Of the latter, the Opel versions in the UK but were more widespread than their Vauxhall counterparts.

By late 1982 carried facelift accounted for the typical for Vauxhall "Droop snoot" and the rectangular radiator grille was the Opel type. At this time, the marketing of Opel models was discontinued in the UK, as it was apart from the emblems, no differences to Opel. During the revision, as in the record E, additional engines were introduced: a 1.8-liter R4 petrol engine and a 2.3-liter R4 diesel engine. Also introduced in addition to the entry-level variant "L" as a further equipment lines "GL" and "CD”. In 1984, a 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder injection engine, which was replaced in 1985 by a 2.2-liter.

• PERFORMANCE: 1.8L
  max power (DIN): 90 hp (66 kW) at 5,400 rpm;
  max torque (DIN): 106 1b ft, 14.6 kg m (143 Nm) at 3,000-3,400 rpm
  max engine rpm: 6,000; 50.1 hp/l (36.7 kW/l)
  max speed: 107 mph, 173 km/h - Estate Car 104 mph, 167 km/h
  power-weight ratio: saloons 27.3 lb/hp (37.3 lb/kW), 12.4 kg/hp (16.9 kg/kW)
  Fuel consumption:: 35.8 m/imp gal, 29.8 m/US gal
• PERFORMANCE: 2.0L Injection
  max speed:116 mph, 187 km/h
  power-weight ratio: 22.9 lb/hp (31.2 lb/kW), 10.4 kg/hp (14.1 kg/kW)
  Fuel consumption:32.2 m/imp gali 26.7 m/US gal, 8.8 1 x 100 km at 75 mph, 120 km/h.
  max power (DIN): 110 hp (81 kW) at 5,400 rpm
  max torque (DIN): 120 1b ft, 16.5 kg m (162 Nm) at 3,400 rpm
• PERFORMANCE 2.3L (diesel)
  max power (DIN): 71 hp (52 kW) at 4,400 rpm
  max torque (DIN): 99 1b ft, 13.7 kg m (135 Nm) at 2,400 rpm
  max engine rpm: 4,600; 31 hp/l (23 kW/l)
  max speed: Saloon 99 mph, 160 km/h - Estate Car 95 mph, 153 km/h
  power-weight ratio: Saloon 39.4 lb/hp (53 lb/kW), 17.9 kg/hp (24 kg/kW)
  Fuel consumption: Saloon 37.7 m/imp gal,75 mph, 120 km/h - Estate Car 35.3 m/imp gal at 75 mph, 120km/h.