SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A time warp Vauxhall Cavalier Mk3 1.8i LS with one owner and 5,991 miles.
EQUIPMENT
Laminated windscreen, green tinted glass with windscreen shadeband, safety crumple zones, rigid passenger safety cell, anti-lock brakes (ABS), driver airbag, colour coded front grille, bodyside protection mouldings, colour coded bumpers, halogen headlamps, power assisted steering (PAS), electric front windows, central locking, tilt/slide sunroof, digital clock and external temperature gauge, cigar lighter, illuminated glove locker, vanity mirror, Grundig SC303 radio cassette, torch key. Dealer options; Vauxhall Mudflaps, tailored Cavalier mats.
EXTERIOR
This wonderfully nostalgic Vauxhall Cavalier Mk3, a once common sight on UK roads and instantly familiar to many, is now seldom seen and this example is preserved in showroom condition with incredible credentials of one owner and 5,991 miles. Finished in factory original Satin Red Pearlescent, (Code 72L), a cost option when ordered new, the paintwork boasts an incredible deep shine and uniform finish. In line with the exceptionally low mileage and strict garage storage, common troublesome areas such as the rear wheel arches are original and in great shape. All factory panels are damage free and the superb underside is in remarkable condition with fragile paper labels to suspension components long lost on most examples. There is a tiny ding to the bonnet, barely visible. The factory glass, GM Carello headlights, badges and trim sections are as new and the original supplying dealer number plates, rear screen sticker and tax disc holder remain. Certain to impress even the most ardent scrutineer.
INTERIOR
A spotlessly clean, functional and period Vauxhall interior is sure to delight fans of the Griffin badged cars! The original Polka Trim in Grey is in exceptional preserved condition commensurate with such low mileage. The matching colour keyed door cards and headlining are pristine, and the fleece carpets are preserved by tailored Cavalier over mats. The one and only owner was so protective of the car that he routinely laid newspaper in the passenger footwells so that outdoor shoes couldn’t ruin the mats and there is even some of the newspaper still in the car from 2002! Not entirely unwelcoming of passengers, the owner considered their comfort enough to place lounge cushions in the back, which are still there to this day! Functions and controls operate perfectly including the Grundig SC303 radio cassette and the dashboard and associated switchgear are as new. Prominent natural veins to the steering wheel and gear knob are an obvious trait of such a low mileage example and even the gearstick gaiter has not degraded, almost unheard of for a Vauxhall of this era! The immaculate boot floor has the factory insulating panel and the original polystyrene moulding holds the jack and wheel brace. It is almost inconceivable to imagine a better example, let alone find one.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
This Cavalier LS features the desired 1.8i 1796cc OHC four-cylinder engine developing 90bhp at 5400rpm and 145Nm of torque at 3000rpm. This example with 5,991 miles and having just had a major service, cambelt and water pump drives perfectly and the quiet yet free-revving engine is a delight. The engine bay is spotlessly clean, unaltered and displays original panel stampings, plates, stickers and fragile paper labels to components! The five-speed manual transmission is tight and precise.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The original 14in wheels wear the correct LS specification hubcaps which are in pristine condition. The factory fitted Michelin Energy 175/70 R14 tyres remain fitted to all five rims to uphold originality but replacements should be fitted if the vehicle it to be regularly used. The standard 9.3in front discs and 7.9in rear drums are fitted and later Mk3 Cavaliers featured anti-lock brakes on all models as proudly advertised by the ABS boot badge. Having just undergone a brake overhaul the braking system operates perfectly.
HISTORY FILE
Registered new on the 28th September 1994, this exceptional example has covered just 5,991 miles from new with one owner. The car was supplied new by Vauxhall Main Dealer, Cowie of Leicester, to Mr Gianniono who according to the original sales invoice in the history file paid £11,600 less part exchange allowance of £3,500 for his 1988 Cavalier 1.6L. The purchase became more than a mildly contentious matter when Mr Gianniono arrived home with the car having not told his wife about the purchase. According to family members, Mrs Gianniono ‘hit the roof’ and ordered her husband to take the car back! Not an idle demand, there is a Vauxhall Exchange Eligibility Form completed when he tried to return the car stating ‘not happy with car’ on the paperwork. Whether Vauxhall refused to take the car back or Mrs Gianniono relented, the car was kept and has remained in their cherished ownership ever since! After perhaps a less than perfect start, Mr Gianniono being a man of Italian heritage hung a Cornicello ‘horn to bring luck’ from the rear-view mirror which is still there to this day! The Vauxhall vehicle literature pack contains some of the original dealership handbooks and two keys are present including the original working Vauxhall torch key. There is even a 1994 Edition 2 Cavalier range brochure! This beautifully preserved and collector’s quality Cavalier is a credit to its long-term custodian and offers capable, practical and comfortable retro motoring. A guaranteed hit at shows.
HPI Clear.