Can anyone help telling me year of my Carlton Cobra

[Chenzo 74]

Hello hope someone can help me out , I’ve just purchased Carlton Cobra seller told me 1969, not sure I bought it as my later father used to work at Carlton cycles Worksop. Hope someone can help . Thanks pics below

 

[Paulus]

Looks a nice bike. Is there a frame number somewhere?

 

[Chenzo 74]

Looks a nice bike. Is there a frame number somewhere?

Not sure if that’s it mate 197599 near back wheel . And found letter X

 

[Cycleops]

Very nice. I'm sure @midlife or @Spokesmann will be able to help you out.

 

[midlife]

Very smart, not Crespera lugged and no letter code puts it in the 1967-73 era when Carlton numbering went a bit haywire lol

Rear mech hanger would be best put in the right place

 

[Gunk]

The rear mech is a Huret Eco (2490) which was introduced in 1976 and the Weinman 999 centre pull brakes are the later 1970's version. So my guess is mid 1970's. that first part of the number on the dropouts may identify the production year of the frame.

 

[midlife]

Mid 70's would have the standard Raleigh / Carlton numbering and Crespera lugs and different colours.. I wonder if the OP has checked the bottom bracket and behind the seat tube for another number.

 

[Gunk]

Mid 70's would have the standard Raleigh / Carlton numbering and Crespera lugs and different colours.. I wonder if the OP has checked the bottom bracket and behind the seat tube for another number.

Possibly an older 1960's frame with a 1970's groupset

 

[Chenzo 74]

Can’t find any other numbers apart from letter X under crank

 

[midlife]

Only other hiding place is behind the seat.

https://www.kurtkaminer.com/TH_serial_74raleigh.jpg

 

[Chenzo 74]

Checked it mate nothing 😢

 

[midlife]

The number on the dropout is the proper number then . No date letter so probably 67-73.

 

[Chenzo 74]

Thanks for clearing that up for me mate going to get autosol out on here at weekend 👍👍🚲

 

[carpenter]

I had a Carlton catalogue in my teens and used to lust over the Cobra frame

Thinking about the autosol though, wouldn't the chrome have had a lacquer coat?

 

[Illaveago]

.
Your bike looks nice . I have a similar frame which was a bit rustier . My frame number was stamped into the back of the seat tube near the top . Your frame number looks similar to my Carlton Competition which was stamped on the left hand rear dropout .
The frame should be coated in a clear lacquer which was sprayed over the red and black paint after the transfers were applied .
There may be a date stamp on the back of the brake calipers which may help identify the year .
They look really nice once cleaned up .