Vauxhall Carlton Mk2
The aerodynamic executive saloon that secured the 1987 European Car of the Year title.
- Power
- 122 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.3 s
- Top speed
- 121 mph
About the Vauxhall Carlton Mk2
The second-generation Vauxhall Carlton, based on the Opel Omega A, was a significant leap forward for General Motors in Europe, featuring a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.28. The 2.0 GL was the heart of the range, offering a balance of executive comfort and respectable performance from its 'Family II' fuel-injected engine. While the Lotus Carlton grabbed the headlines, the standard models were praised for their smooth ride, spacious interiors, and rear-wheel-drive handling. Today, surviving examples are increasingly rare and valued by enthusiasts of 1980s and 90s 'modern classics'.
Vauxhall Carlton Mk2 specs
The Vauxhall Carlton Mk2 produces 122 bhp (91 kW) and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 9.3 seconds and has a top speed of 121 mph (195 km/h).
| Make | Vauxhall |
|---|---|
| Model | Carlton |
| Generation | Mk2 |
| Trim | 2.0 GL |
| Years | 1986–1994 |
| Type | Saloon |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Engine | 2.0-litre inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc (2.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 122 bhp (91 kW) at 5,400 rpm |
| Torque | 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,200 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 9.3 s |
| Top speed | 121 mph (195 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,245 kg (2,745 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 98 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
Vauxhall Carlton Mk2 rarity in CarSpot
The Vauxhall Carlton Mk2 is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 10 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Vauxhall Carlton Mk2 fun facts
- The Carlton Mk2/Omega A was so aerodynamically advanced for its time that it achieved a drag coefficient of just 0.28, helping it win European Car of the Year in 1987.
- The 2.0-litre engine used Bosch Motronic fuel injection, which was sophisticated for a mainstream executive saloon in the late 1980s.
- Despite being a common sight on British roads in the early 1990s, the Carlton has become exceptionally rare due to rust issues and high scrap rates.


