What you'll find here
Year-by-year archive pages with brochure PDFs, core specs, and links to related models.
Carlton3 PDFs
Vauxhall Carlton
This archive holds three dealer brochures for the Vauxhall Carlton spanning 1978 to 1990. The collection traces the British saloon's evolution across sedan, estate, and high-performance Lotus variants. Original literature from the UK market reveals period styling, mechanical specifications, and trim options across multiple model generations. A valuable resource for automotive historians, enthusiasts, and researchers seeking authentic documentation of this family car's development and market positioning throughout the 1980s.
Multi-marketMarket
3PDFs
1978–1990Production
3Model years
Why it matters
Original manufacturer materials document equipment and options exactly as they were offered.
How to navigate
Use search or the year browser below. Each brochure card links to the full PDF download.
Browse by model year
Open a year to view details and download the brochure.
1978 Vauxhall Carlton Brochure
The 1978 Carlton reached UK showrooms as Vauxhall's answer to the Ford Granada and Rover P6, targeting buyers seeking middle-ground comfort without German or Italian complexity. Its 2.0-litre six-cylinder engine produced 112 hp, adequate rather than thrilling, but paired with a three-speed automatic that appealed to company-car fleet managers. British practicality over continen
1986 Vauxhall Carlton Estate Brochure
The 1986 Carlton Estate arrived as a three-body proposition: saloon, estate, and a coupé variant that few buyers ultimately chose. The estate itself offered 1,748 litres of load space when the rear seats folded, paired with either a 1.8-litre petrol engine good for 90 horsepower or the more substantial 2.0-litre unit delivering 115 hp. British fleet operators favoured the pract
1990 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton Brochure
When Lotus tuned the Carlton's 3.6-litre straight-six to produce 377 horsepower, it created something unprecedented: a four-door saloon that could outrun most supercars of 1990. That engine, paired with a reinforced five-speed manual gearbox, transformed what had been a capable executive car into a genuine performance machine.
Frequently asked questions
How many documents are in the Vauxhall Carlton archive?
The archive contains 3 original documents covering the Vauxhall Carlton. This collection includes factory brochures and dealer catalogs from the model's production era. While modest in size, these pieces provide valuable insight into how this British saloon was marketed and positioned.
What years does the Carlton collection cover?
Documents span from 1978 to 1990, capturing the entire first generation of the Carlton. This range documents the model's launch and evolution across more than a decade. However, coverage is not continuous throughout this period, with some years underrepresented.
Can I use these documents for restoration research?
Yes, absolutely. Original brochures and catalogs are excellent restoration references. They detail factory color options, trim levels, and period-correct accessories. Specifications and maintenance guidance help ensure authenticity when rebuilding or restoring a Carlton to original condition.
Are different markets or regional variants represented?
The collection focuses exclusively on the UK market. Only one regional market is represented in this archive. This reflects the Carlton's primary identity as a British Vauxhall model sold domestically.
Which Carlton variants are documented in the archive?
Three main variants are covered: the Carlton, Carlton Estate, and Lotus Carlton. Documentation spans from the standard family saloon to the high-performance Lotus version. Each variant is represented with corresponding original sales literature.
How does this archive page differ from the catalog page?
This archive page focuses on original documents and their historical significance as sources. The catalog page presents technical specifications and detailed performance data about the car itself. The archive shows how Vauxhall marketed the Carlton when it was current.
How often is the Carlton collection updated?
The archive expands regularly as new original documents are discovered and digitized. Update frequency depends on source availability. Check back periodically to discover newly added brochures and catalogs from the Carlton era.