Identifying a 1970s? Carlton

[raleighinternational]

Hi all, anyone know what the frame is here, I'm wondering if it's 531 as it has forged dropouts.
Also what is the model / year approx / American/English market etc. and what was original from new? Sorry no other pics available.

 

[Midlife]

Colour looks like fire red which here in the UK was a 70's colour for the Carlton Grand Prix. Any frame number?

The Carlton frame with the teardrop cutouts was a Corsair / Pro-Am variant here. Here's a Pic of a Corsair....

Shaun

 

[raleighinternational]

Colour looks like fire red which here in the UK was a 70's colour for the Carlton Grand Prix. Any frame number?

The Carlton frame with the teardrop cutouts was a Corsair / Pro-Am variant here. Here's a Pic of a Corsair....

Shaun

Hi Shaun, thanks for your input here. I'm having trouble identifying the model and year.
It's a listing and the seller knows very little about the bike and thinks it's very valuable!!!
I have no serial number to offer, can you identify the approximate year from the decals?
I doubt very much is original on the bike but are more interested in the frame. There's remnants of a 531 decal but think the fork's are hi ten, it has forged dropouts with eyelets and what looks like racing geometry - going on the front fork rake.
Recently there's been an influx of Raleigh of America bikes to Australia, do you think it might be one of those?

 

[Midlife]

The design of the frame is late 70's to early 80's, and they used 531 main tubes only.

The Pro-Am was launched at the Harrogate bike show in 1978. The style of the decals (square and blocky with the dead tube transfer) if original will date it as well because I think Carlton only used them on non-professional frames for about 4 years (74-78 rings a bell).

Is it very valuable? Well it's certainly not the 531 Carlton Professional so I think he'll struggle to sell it for a lot of money. Many of the USA Carltons were actually badged as Raleigh with a "made by Carlton" decal on it so may not be a USA import.

Shaun

 

[Raleigh-Interational]

The design of the frame is late 70's to early 80's, and they used 531 main tubes only.

The Pro-Am was launched at the Harrogate bike show in 1978. The style of the decals (square and blocky with the dead tube transfer) if original will date it as well because I think Carlton only used them on non-professional frames for about 4 years (74-78 rings a bell).

Is it very valuable? Well it's certainly not the 531 Carlton Professional so I think he'll struggle to sell it for a lot of money. Many of the USA Carltons were actually badged as Raleigh with a "made by Carlton" decal on it so may not be a USA import.

Shaun

Thanks Shaun a 531 main tube frame will slot in nicely between the International and Grand Prix. Glad it's not a US export too. Am waiting for seller to get back to me with measurements. Cheers, Matthew

 

[Midlife]

It's the top tube cable clips that get me, Carlton liked their braze ons. Reminds me of this bike which looks like a Carlton Clubman from the late 70's

Shaun

 

[Midlife]

Below is a 1978 advert for frames, you can just make out the Carlton Clubman came in fire red. £42 quid so not a cheapie by any means.

Shaun

 

[pigman]

Re:

I was thinking clubman too. Came in post office red or metallic blue as a frame only. 531 main tubes if I remember correctly. The posher dedicated winter frame for those who could afford a new purpose built winter bike. Most of us rode hand me downs for winter

 

[raleighinternational]

The pieces of the puzzle are coming together! Thanks everyone of your valued contributions. Shaun you have better eyesight than mine - I can't read the Bates ad copy text at all! It makes sense that it was offered as a frame as the components on the listed bike are mismatched and low end. Thanks again!

 

[Midlife]

I'll re scan the Carlton section of the advert later at a better resolution.

Shaun