Facebook marketplace find turns out to be rare British V8-powered coupe

A British V8-powered coupe with a Carlton Carrera badge, a Rover engine, and Porsche seats has just been discovered on Facebook Marketplace.

This forgotten fiberglass-bodied classic is one of only a handful of Carlton Carrera examples left in existence.

Designed and built in Barnsley, UK, during the 1980s, the coupe represents a lost chapter in British motoring history.

It is rare, intriguing, and unexpectedly complete for something listed online as a non-runner.

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The Carlton Carrera was produced by a small UK manufacturer that specialized in limited-run kit cars.

Most units were sold as kits, and only a few were factory-assembled.

This particular British V8-powered coupe is rumored to be the original factory demo vehicle. This particular detail has followed the car through several ownership listings.

Its structure includes a steel ladder chassis and a one-piece fiberglass body with integrated reinforcement. All of which means it’s an impressive build compared to typical kit cars of the time.

The Rover engine sits front and center under a large clamshell bonnet, and it’s advertised as running.

After fitting a replacement ignition coil and adding fresh fuel, the British V8-powered coupe started on the first try, idling smoothly without smoke.

Despite the working Rover engine, though, the Carrera would not drive. And that was due to a lack of fluid in the automatic transmission.

Attempts to add fluid improved movement slightly, but not enough to make the Carlton Carrera mobile under its own power.

Inside, the car includes a full pair of Porsche seats that appear to be from a classic 911.

While worn, they remain intact and suitable for restoration.

The dashboard and other interior components appear to be a mix of period parts, including elements believed to be from the Ford Cortina and Capri.

The rest of the British V8-powered coupe’s cabin was filled with useful parts, including spare glass, lights, and vintage trim.

To troubleshoot the lack of drive, the gearbox bands were suspected as the issue.

Unfortunately, access to the bands in this British V8-powered coupe is extremely limited due to the tight packaging and fiberglass bodywork.

A temporary solution involved cutting into the gearbox tunnel and removing the dashboard to reach the adjusters.

Even then, rust and poor access made it difficult to complete the job without removing the Rover engine and gearbox altogether.

With support from Adrian Flux Insurance, who specialize in insuring rare cars like the Carlton Carrera, the owner hopes to transform the British V8-powered coupe into a lightweight, stripped-back driver’s car.

Inspired by racing-style classics, the project will forgo air conditioning and unnecessary electronics in favor of performance and simplicity.

Once the Rover engine and gearbox are sorted, the plan is to prepare the Carlton Carrera for the road with minimal weight and maximum character.

Despite early setbacks, this British V8-powered coupe is an extraordinary find.

The combination of a fiberglass body, a Rover engine, and Porsche seats makes it a standout example of forgotten British engineering.

With less than a dozen known to exist, the Carlton Carrera is not just a project car. It’s a piece of automotive history.

Whether it becomes a weekend road warrior or a showpiece for a rare car collection, its revival is well underway.

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