1983 Vauxhall Cavalier MK2 SRI

Highlights

  • Just 2 former keepers
  • Incredibly low mileage 
  • Fantastic condition
  • Desirable, and increasingly rare SRi specification

The Appeal

Produced between 1981 and 1988, the Mk2 Cavalier is without a doubt one of the most memorable retro vehicles, highly regarded by critics of the time, and held dear by enthusiasts even to this day. 
This is of course the highly sought-after SRi model, which stood near the very top of its class, competing with the likes of the Ford Sierra. This Cavalier SRi boasts a fuel-injected 1.8L, 5-speed manual gearbox, desirable Recaro Highland Check interior, and of course, a superbly retro two-tone paint job, unique to the model. 
Whilst finding any Cavalier SRi on the road these days is seemingly an impressive feat, this particular example stands head and shoulders above the vast majority. One of the key factors leading to this is, of course, the incredibly low mileage covered, and the remarkably low number of former keepers. As a result, this Cavalier presents itself in excellent, mostly original condition throughout, with only a few minor signs of its age.

With the excellent condition and mileage in mind, this would make a superb addition to any collection, and will only increase in scarcity as time continues to pass. 

The History and Paperwork

  • The original Vauxhall booklet pack is present, complete with the original service booklet, last officially stamped at 27,430 miles in 1997
  • Recommissioned in 2009, after being stored and seldom driven since 1997
  • A few invoices for various repairs/ parts are included
  • The V5C document is present and ready to sign over
  • 2 keys are included with the vehicle 
  • MOT valid until 15 June 2023

The Interior

  • Original Highland Check interior, wonderfully preserved and presented in fantastic condition
  • Matching Highland Check Recaro front seats, with only slight bolster wear to the driver’s side, and a slight mark just below the passenger’s headrest
  • Much like the rest of the interior, the rear seats also reflect minimal use, and would very easily fool you of their age
  • Contact points such as the steering wheel, gearknob, and controls show minimal wear, further supporting the displayed mileage
  • The beige carpeting throughout the cabin is presented in stunning condition, having been protected over the years by a set of tailored rubber Vauxhall floor mats 
  • Headlining, the dashboard, parcel shelf, and door cards also appear to have been frozen in time and are free from the signs of age typically found with other examples
  • All instruments and controls throughout the interior are believed to be in full working order, including the Phillips radio & cassette player
  • The interior of this Mk2 Cavalier is truly remarkable, reflecting minimal use, and plenty of care over the years

The Exterior

  • Stunning two-tone White Gold & Anthracite paintwork
  • Believed to be mostly original, the paintwork is in excellent condition for its age, with only a few instances of previous repairs, and slight signs of age as pictured
  • The bodywork also presents itself rather impressively, with seemingly only the one noticeable dent, to the O/S/R door, and slight corrosion in the boot as pictured
  • Lights, glass, trim pieces, and badging are in excellent condition for their age, and as an added bonus, the vehicle still sports its original dealer plates and rear windscreen sticker
  • Each 14” wheel also shows off an excellent finish, with only minor blemishes and easily rectifiable marks to note. The wheels come wrapped in a set of Genesys XP1 tyres, with plenty of tread left to enjoy
  • Overall, the finish of this retro icon has been rather well preserved over the years, and now shows only a few signs of its age. It’s a vehicle that never fails to attract admiration wherever it is parked, and will no doubt continue to shine for years to come

The Mechanics

  • Powered by a 1.8L 4-cylinder, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox
  • The vehicle starts and performs exactly as intended, with reportedly no known faults
  • Recommissioned in 2009
  • Fitted with a new cambelt in 2009, at 36,448 miles 
  • Fitted with a new fuel filler neck overflow pipe and fuel pump relay in 2016
  • Prior to putting the car through the MOT in June 2022 the car had the following work: A new fuel tank, new plugs and leads, new fuel pipes and a new battery 

Summary


As retro enthusiasts will fondly recall, the Cavalier was one of Britain’s top-selling vehicles, with the rare SRi model proudly rivaling the nation’s performance cars. Unsurprisingly given their age, a great deal of these iconic cars have fallen over the years, making this a very rare opportunity to secure not just a Cavalier SRi, but perhaps one of the finest available at the moment. 

This mighty Vauxhall boasts an incredibly low mileage figure and reflects both minimal use and decades of care. It’s a vehicle that will enhance any collection, and never fails to turn heads wherever it ventures. 

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 1984
  • Make Vauxhall
  • Model Cavalier MK2 SRI
  • Colour White Gold & Anthracite
  • Odometer 38,409 Miles
  • Engine size 1789
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Northampton
  • Location Northamptonshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
15 bids from 7 bidders
  • fo•••• £10,000 28/11/22
  • fo•••• £9,500 28/11/22
  • 15•••• £9,100 28/11/22
  • fo•••• £9,000 28/11/22
  • An•••• £8,700 27/11/22
  • fo•••• £8,500 26/11/22
  • Pe•••• £7,600 25/11/22
  • fo•••• £7,500 25/11/22
  • st•••• £7,200 25/11/22
  • ja•••• £7,100 24/11/22
Message C&C Auction Team

The Gallery

The safest way to buy a classic car online

Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller. More about buying with us
Safe, secure payment process

About Max Bids

The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.

Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.

Anti-sniping

Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.

Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.

Auto-bidding increments

  • If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
  • If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
    • Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
    • We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.

Bid Amount Increment
£0 to £9,999 £100.00
£10,000 to £49,999 £250.00
£50,000 to £99,999 £500.00
£100,000 + £1,000.00

Automatically outbid immediately

When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.

You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.

Matching max bids

When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.

Pre-authorisation

We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.

What are pre-bids?

A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Problem with your bid

Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.