Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A Vauxhall Astra GTE Mk2 8V with one owner from new and a colossal history file.
EQUIPMENT
Aerodynamic sill mouldings, body coloured bumpers, NACA bonnet air ducts, body coloured front spoiler and rear aerofoil, body coloured door mirror housing, black finish to B-pillars and rear panel, laminated windscreen, green tinted glass, windscreen shadeband, halogen headlamps, high pressure headlamp washers, integral driving lamps, sunroof, steering column adjust, sports front seats, driver’s seat height adjustment, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), seven-function check control panel, courtesy lighting and map lamp, load area and underbonnet lamp, tinted rear view mirror, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors. Dealer options; Mud flaps, Rubber floor mats.
EXTERIOR
This absolutely standard Astra 2.0 GTE is finished in Vauxhall Crimson Red, (Code 76L), which boasts a brilliant bright shine all over with none of the usual fading issues. Garaged from new, this rare survivor has been cared for by just one owner and avoided the fate of the vast majority making this a very unique example. There are some small frontal stone chips that have been carefully touched in. The factory fit labelled glass is etched with the vehicle registration and the supplying Vauxhall main dealer number plates and rear screen sticker, Shaw & Kilburn, remain attached. The original GTE decals and badges are fully intact but there is some lifting to the matt black B-pillar wrap on the nearside. Virtually impossible to find such a straight, genuine and preserved example especially with one genuine owner!
INTERIOR
The interior of this example is exactly as it left the factory and very well presented. Adorned in Laser cloth trim with matching door cards, (Code 821), the standard specification for the GTE and very 1980’s! The seats are beautifully clean and have retained all shape with a little stretch and even the large protruding seat bolsters have avoided the common wear seen on many examples. The door cards have some slight shrinkage but are undamaged and fully intact. The dashboard and incorporated switchgear are perfect and fully functional, including the factory fitted Phillips 752 security coded stereo cassette. There is a small hole in one unused switch blank, once home to a flashing alarm LED, and the rubber gear gaiter has a small unnoticeable split. Further GTE specific equipment extends to the fantastic Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) instrument cluster and additional separate 7-function check control panel, both of which perform exactly as the manufacturer intended with all pixels fully functioning. The colour keyed carpet has been protected by rubber tailored over mats from new. A wonderfully preserved and period classic Vauxhall interior.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The 1998cc eight valve four-cylinder SOHC engine is renowned for its lively nature and robust reliability. Producing 124bhp and maximum torque output of 125 lb.ft, the 8V was a truly strong contender in the ultra-competitive 1980’s hot hatch era. This factory standard example performs impeccably and produces an exciting rasp still fitted with the genuine Vauxhall exhaust system! A top speed of 128mph is achieved whilst 0-62 is dealt with in an impressive 8.7 seconds. The engine bay is beautifully presented with factory plates and labels intact. The 5-speed manual gearbox with final drive ratio of 3:55:1 feels positively tight and allows spirited progression up the range.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The original alloy road wheels fitted as standard to the GTE have not been refurbished and are in excellent condition with only the faintest markings. Brand new premium brand Uniroyal Rainsport 5 185/65/R14 tyres have been fitted in September 2022. The braking system incorporates 10.1in ventilated front discs and 7.9in rear drums has been overhauled now offering ample stopping power under even the most enthusiastic use.
HISTORY FILE
This superb unspoilt example was registered new on 1st August 1987, the first day of the new E registration plate vehicles and the supplying Vauxhall Main Dealer was Shaw & Kilburn of Luton, the home of Vauxhall! A new vehicle order form is made out to Mrs Nina Souster who paid £8,438.63 for the car less a part exchange allowance of £6,000 for her 1985 C plate Astra GTE. Despite owning her previous Astra for just two years, the love affair with this car was to be different, as she is the sole owner from new, an incredible 35 years! The V5 document lists zero former keepers and equally as impressive as the one owner from new credentials is the simply amazing history file. This very special Astra GTE boasts a full and comprehensive service history from new. The huge file of paperwork dates back to 1987 and includes a vast number of invoices for servicing and maintenance as well as every single MOT certificate from the very first in 1990 to present without a single year missing to fully warrant the mileage. All original handbooks, radio guides and manufacturer point of sale literature is present in the plastic wallet along with two sets of keys. A major mechanical and electrical service, brake overhaul, cambelt, water pump and fuel system renewal were carried out in September 2022 to ensure perfect operation.
The car has covered a genuine 65,177 miles from new and remains in unrestored condition, a very rare claim for a sporting Mk2 Astra. A highly prized classic Astra GTE, just as Vauxhall intended and now ready to enjoy.
HPI Clear.
