In 1983 Vauxhall replaced the outgoing Chevette with the brand new Nova hatchback. The compact and boxy super mini was available in 3 and 5 door configuration, with all models for the European market built in Spain.
In Britain the Nova proved to be a hit and went head to head with the likes of the Ford Fiesta, the Rover Metro and the Peugeot 205. And if you grew up in the 1980s or 1990s, the chances are either someone in your family owned a Nova, or you knew someone who did.
The Nova was popular as it was a cheap car both to own and maintain and for many families up and down the country, it was the ideal runabout motor. Fast forward to today and the trusty Vauxhall Nova is now a very rare sight on UK roads, with fewer than 20 believed surviving. The example on sale here with Car and Classic is a remarkable two owner survivor that has covered just 80,534 miles in 30 years.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
V5C in owners name
Two sets of Keys
First registered on 29th June 1992
It is said that the first owner won the Nova in a competition back in 1992
The cars current MOT Certificate expires on 9th May 2024, with the Nova passing this test with no advisories
Last service and other maintenance carried out on 5th October 2022 at a cost of £942.50
A selection of maintenance invoices in the history document the cars on going maintenance over the years
The Nova has part service history with the service booked stamped up to 52,739 miles. The previous owner is then believed to have then used a family friend for servicing and maintenance.
The Nova comes with its original Owners Book pack which includes the radio code card
In the history file is the Nova’s delivery form from Gwynns Garages Limited in Glamorgan in Wales
The current owner acquired the Nova from Car and Classic in July 2022. They say they have owned a wide range of Vauxhalls over the years but never a Nova and jumped at the chance to acquire such an original example as this one.
THE INTERIOR
The interior of the Nova really is in lovely condition all round and looks to have been well cared for over the past 30 years
The grey cloth seats have hardly any signs of wear, especially those in the back and the carpets are in nice shape as well
The seller states that everything works as it should and some of the recent expenditure, which is shown in the history file, includes a new gear stick gaiter cover and new Kenwood speakers
Even the Nova’s parcel shelf is in excellent shape and has escaped being cut or modified
The Nova’s original sun visors are now showing their age with the internal foam breaking down, but they still work as intended
THE EXTERIOR
The Nova is finished in classic Vauxhall Flame Red and it presents very well for a 30 year old car
It is believed to have been garaged by its previous owner which has clearly helped keep the Nova in the condition it is found today
As one would expect for a vehicle that has covered 80,000 miles, there are some marks and light scratches here and there. The most noticeable is a small area of rust bubbles on the bottom edge of the drivers door. There is also a small car park dink in the drivers and passenger door. A skilled body shop should be able to address these minor imperfections.
The cars pinstripes are in good condition with a small touch in noted in one of the photos
The Nova’s underside presents very well and the common rust areas that the model is know for look sound. There is a small patch repair on the left rear sill which is shown in the photos.
THE MECHANICS
1.2i four-cylinder engine
4 Speed Manual Gearbox
The current owner has spent £1,367.17 on maintenance since acquiring the Nova last year, taking care of a number of age related items, ensuring that the car is in fine fettle. The detailed works are documented in two invoices in the history file.
The owner states that the Nova drives very well with no known issues
SUMMARY
It really is satisfying to come across such an original example of the trusty Vauxhall Nova. This 1992 1.2i Fun has clearly been cherished and cared for and it was its condition and originality that attracted the current owner to the car. Unfortunately they have now decided to pass on custodianship for health reasons. With less than 20 examples believed to left on UK roads, this is an excellent opportunity to acquire a very lovely Vauxhall Nova 1.2i Fun.
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.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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
1992 Vauxhall Nova 1.2l Fun
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