MK1 & MK2 Carltons REQUEST FOR NEW SECTION ON TOTAL CARLTON

[Ian Derrick]

NOTE TO SITE OWNER/ADMINISTRATOR AND ALL
Hello
Just an idea, but would it be possible for owners of MK 1 & 2 Carltons like me (and doubtless other members) to have our own dedicated section on Total Carlton. These cars are a fast dying breed, but always generate much interest when the subject is raised on this site. Details of Viceroys and Rekords could also be included. Hope the decision makers see this posting. We need somewhere to discuss and show off our early Carltons inc. my MK1 and 2200 CD MK2.
Here's hoping!!

[royston1945]

Out of curiosity,I wonder how many mk 1/2 owners are in the club? I know there's a few,myself included,but how many in total.

[Scatmancraig]

Colonel K has got 2 Mk 2's and there's another guy with a Mk2 estate (recently retro-fitted with a Mk3 2.0i engine i believe!)

[royston1945]

Just a select few 'early Carlton' admirers then. Most youngsters on here probably think that the 'V car' range is to old fashioned and fuddy duddy for them and lacking in the toys they consider essential.However,,as we all know, toys go wrong on Carltons and then they become a liability, not a asset. How many Carltons that come up for sale have electrical faults? Virtually every single one. From non working aircon that '' just needs regassing'',defunct electric windows and sunroofs that '' probably just needs a fuse'', broken digi dashes that ''might need a couple of bulbs'',cruise controls that ''worked until last week'', to a myriad of vague ECU faults that effect the running of the car and can be difficult and expensive to put right.
  A mk1/2 is  more retro and old school, without any complex electronics (unless its a 2.2 CD and theres very few of those left) with simple to fix mechanicals, yet very comfortable and fun to drive. My 1982 car has power steering, auto transmission and a manual sunroof,what more do you really need? '
Mk 1/2's are quite rare now,but most of the survivers are in decent condition and are usually fairly low mileage,having been 'old git' owned and looked after.There is always an odd rustheap to look out for ,of course, but most rotboxes have been scrapped by now because repairs were uneconomic. The low market value and lack of popularity means its a buyers market and even minters are only worth a few hundred pounds - great value.
         The equivalent Opel Record E has a huge following in Germany, having big one model shows with hundreds of modified cars in attendence plus vans and special editions, complete with loads of sellers of both standard and modified parts.
   One reason for the big number of modded Records is weight, or lack of, to be more precise.The lack of toys and the corresponding lack of electronics means the mk1/2 Carlton is a massive 700 lbs lighter than a GSI 12 valve .Slip a 12 v six under the bonnet, fit some bigger brakes and by leaving the car standard looking you have a real sleeper.
  Throw in the classic insurance,very cheap parts and the ability to turn a quite a few heads and the MK1 makes a lot of sense for those of us that like something different,even as a dailly driver.

[chrismec]

Agree with what you say Mr R, wish I had kept my 2.2cdi it was a lovely car

[Pedro]

I know what you're saying about the leckies on Carltons, but all VX's of the same era suffer from them!

Why would a dedicated section for Mk1/2 Carltons benefit anyone?

You could go to the logical conclusion of that way of thinking and have seperate sections for the 1.8 GL, 2.0 GLi, 2.0 CD and so on, right up to the Lotus Carlton and Evo 500.

As a forum, we have enough trouble (especially at the moment!) with the forum, so using extra bandwidth for seperate sections, could cause more hosting problems.

[royston1945]

You're right of course, Pedro, a seperate division for any particular model would be more trouble than its worth,and the gallery section already features many variants of Carlton and related models.

 The thing is the mk 1/2 are of minority interest, both in this club and by classic car fans in general and I can understand Ian's frustration at the lack of a specific club or forum especially for those models,a frustration felt by many other 'oddball' old car owners.The fact that the later models generate much more enthusiasm,IMHO must be due in a great degree to the reflected glory generated by the Lotus version. If the Lotus and the GSI had never seen the light of day ,would there be any enthusiast interest in the lesser models? Probably not,at least not any more interest than is shown in the mk1/2.

Personally,I feel that whatever the reason for the Carlton's lasting popularity is, I'm glad that this site exists for the benefit of all Carlton owners and that everybody is made welcome,whatever version they prefer.

The ABS have a wierd anomoly in the elligable cars list, the 4cyl Opel Record is welcome but the VX version is not.
Wasn't much point in renewing my membership when I sold my GSI, might as well keep the £20 in my pocket

[Scatmancraig]

The ABS have a wierd anomoly in the elligable cars list, the 4cyl Opel Record is welcome but the VX version is not.

That's because the ABS was merged with another club called the "Old Opel Club" (or something to that effect) so pre-1980 Opels are classed as club cars whatever they are!

[colonelk]

One thing. We have plenty of bandwitdh, its more a server speed issue, which wouldnt be affected by it!

When Totalcarlton was started, it was started not only for a free place to support the Mk3 Carlton, but also as a place where owners of Mk1s and 2s could come together as AFAIK there was no other place for their owners (in english!) on the web.

While Im not fully against a seperate section, I am wondering where it would fit in exactly! Any other members have any input?

To add to the case for the mk2.... 5 linked suspension from the factory! Oh yeaaaah babY!!!

I do have 2 Mk2s. Both 1.8s, one will be being kept nice and tidy and original, and the other is going to be turned into my track / drift / nutty car

[royston1945]

Maybe just by bringing the MK1/2 to the attention of the other members by threads like this, it might just prompt some  interest in the earlier versions. Some pics, scans of brochures and maybe some roadtest reprints of the earlier models in the media section may persuade some more owners to sign up to the forum.
I find it hard to believe that there is less than a handfull of owners in the whole of the uk who are interested in and enthusiastic about the potential of the mk 1/2.I'm sure there are more out there but they don't realise that TC exists.
These cars are quite rare now but most people who drive one are pleasantly surprised by the way they drive .They handle well when in good condition,are very comfortable and the 2 ltr CIH engine that most came with is virtually bombproof. After all, it's 2/3rds of the 12v six. Personally, I like the chrome bumper versions. They look more classic to me, are much rarer than the plastic bumper models and usually come with outragously lurid interiors.The more old  fashioned the look the better as far as I'm concerned,it makes it a bit of a sleeper.

[Pedro]

One thing. We have plenty of bandwitdh, its more a server speed issue, which wouldnt be affected by it!

That's why I covered my arse with the word "could"

I can see Mr. Royston's point - but if there were a few MK1 and 2's at Billing that joined up with the Mk3 lot for piccies like last year, then might that bring the earlier cars to other owners' attention?

Then we could replace the MK3 dominated banner (top of page^^^^) with all the breeds of Carlton, plus a Senny or two and maybe a certain (soon to be mag featured, as rumour has it!) 24V Monza!

[colonelk]

TBH, if we could organise a 'through the ages' shoot that would be awesome.

A Mk1 2 3 and 4 () next to each other would be awesome I reckon.

[royston1945]

Great idea. Maybe at Billing?

[colonelk]

Thats the best chance I think

I was going to do it with my own personal cars..... but none of them are that pretty to look at, and Im scrapping the omega rather than fixing it! LOL

[royston1945]

I'll bring my mk1,so we only need a mk2. I'll be there on the sunday,driving down from Manchester early morning.

As an aside, the forum is very slow tonight. 8pm and I can't post this ATM because the server is busy.

[Pedro]

TBH, if we could organise a 'through the ages' shoot that would be awesome.

A Mk1 2 3 and 4 () next to each other would be awesome I reckon.

Like your thinking, Colonel

Obviously why you are the Colonel then!!!

Sod the 'Mk4 Carlton' though........

I agree - Billing might well be the best bet, unless there is a full company all near to each other?
Can't think of any Mk1 or Mk2's around here TBH.......Hell, there ain't that many Mk3's!

[carltonman]

to Be fair ths is is callled TOTAL CARLTON so should be open to all owners which has that name on the boot of therr car.

[Murph]

Thats the whole point -

It is, was and always will be

[colonelk]

Royston.... the site speed is a known issue, currently being supported in the "Connection!" Thread

I cant guarantee that my Mk2 will be at Billing sadly Its going to be a toss up as to whether that or my senator is most roadworthy! The only problem is deciding whose Mk3 to use without offending anyone!

[chrismec]

Have to use them all Mark lol, could be biggest pic in the world

[royston1945]

Maybe someone will buy the MK2 2.2 CD thats on ebay at the moment and bring it to Billing.

Hadn't read the 'connections' thread when I posted.Sorry about that. I shouldn't moan anyway 'cos time is the one thing I've got plenty of since I retired.

[Murph]

The only problem is deciding whose Mk3 to use without offending anyone!

We'll have to get hold of Budgie, Mark!

[ian]

personally i think its a good idea as it raies awarenss of the car.
and mark if you dont have that GL there i will burn u on the bbq

[carlton_mad]

i have a fire extinguisher!!!!!! lol

[Pedro]

The only problem is deciding whose Mk3 to use without offending anyone!

We'll have to get hold of Budgie, Mark!

Seconded!