Michael,
I've seen early Raleigh Competitions with this same color scheme and usually Zeus components and drop-outs occasionally for sale on E-Bay. I couldn't speculate on the lugs because the pictures were not good enough to tell. I've been told (can't remember by whom or when) that these were late-1960's or early-1970's models that pre-date the black Competition introduced in 1973. Although the RetroRalegh site states that the Competition was introduced in 1968 I've never found them in a catalog before 1973. Maybe they have some connection to your "export" model Carlton. BTW, here's an example of a 1973 Competition on E-bay. To my eye, it's obviously a 1973 from the Capella lugs. I believe the serial # may begin with an "H" not "A".
E-Bay item # 7172345760
URL:
http://ebay.com/
George Allen Lexington, KY
At 05:37 AM 7/27/2005, Pete Geurds wrote:
>From: "Michael Toohey" <B50@veloemail.com>
>Subject: [CR]Carlton Competition and Record Breaking
>
>
>>Two unrelated topics tonight.
>>
>>Firstly, does anyone from the northern hemisphere know of the Carlton
>>Competition? This model was heavily imported into NZ in the 1970s and
>>early 80s. It was a workmanlike club frame in 531 with stamped steel
>>dropouts and fairly plain lugs Headbadge was classic Carlton bike and
>>rider silloette wirh the Worksop legend. Imported as frame-only and
>>usually built up with the usual tourist's mix of Shimano or Suntour
>>derailleurs, Mafac or Weinmann brakes, TA cranks, GB bars and stem,
>>Sanshin, Suzue or Normandy hubs and Weinmann rims. Many were toured hard
>>and some are still doing good commuter service. As these do not turn up
>>in English or US catalogues I'm guessing they were exported only to
>>smaller markets. Ring any bells?
>>Here is an example of a faithfully refurbished example; respray and
>>decals are as original, please excuse the owner's seat and bar angle
>>preference!
>>http://www.freefotofile.com/ims/pic.php?u=611DwZOC&i=4010
>=====================================================================================
>
>Michael,
>The paint scheme and frame reminds me of a Raleigh Gran Sport.
>http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/Retro-Raleighs/73-Catalog.pdf
>
>Is the frame decaled "Competition" on top tube?
>I'd bet you're correct that it's an export special, made by Raleigh
>dipping into the parts bins to come up with a new combination.
>
>Pete Geurds
>Douglassville, Pa