Highlights
- 2 former registered keepers
- 65, 518 warranted miles
- New Mot and just serviced
- Light restoration in February 2021
- Fantastic folder of paperwork
The Appeal
A trend started by the original VW Golf GTi, the hot hatchback put driving thrills within the reach of those who couldn’t afford a supercar. Launched in 1983, Vauxhall’s entry to the hot-hatch party, the Astra GTE, entered an already crowded market but the car was every bit as good as its more established rivals. It was a good all-rounder, with strong performance and a surprisingly comfortable ride. The Mk.II Astra GTE started life with the same 1.8-litre engine as in the Mk.I but this was soon dropped in favour of a 2-litre unit that gave superior performance.
Designed and made by Bertone, the cabriolet version of the GTE was intended to rival similar cars in VW’s and Ford’s ranges. Some 6,784 convertibles were made in total between 1987 and 1993, but very few remain, making this example a rare and desirable car.
The History and Paperwork
- Thick folder of paperwork
- Original Vauxhall wallet
- Original owner’s manual
- Manual for radio/cassette player
- Original service book
- Documented service history
- Lots of recent invoices
- MoT until May 2024
The car comes with a really comprehensive folder of paperwork, with invoices and MoT certificates going back many years. It also has the original Vauxhall plastic wallet and the owner’s manual, radio manual and other booklets. The original service book is present and between this and the accompanying invoices the entire service history of the car is documented.
The vendor bought the car in July 2020 and then had the car partially restored in February 2021; he’s selling because he has other cars and storage is an issue. The car’s current MoT certificate expires in July 2023 but the vendor intends to secure a new MoT before sale.
The Interior
- Digital dashboard
- New overmats
- Fabric seats in great condition
- Rear ‘+2’ seats
- Original radio cassette
- Spare wheel
- Original tools all present
Everything here looks very original, and the car has clearly been carefully looked after. The smart red-and-grey fabric seats are in remarkably good condition, while the dashboard and centre-console are in excellent order with no damage.
The doorcards are in good condition, although there are some small holes appearing along the top of the armrest on both sides.
The grey carpets are a bit grubby, as one would expect on a car of this age, but the vendor has recently fitted some matching red and grey mats to protect these. The original radio/cassette is present although the vendor reports that the cassette player works only intermittently. In the boot, the lining is in good condition, underneath this is a spare wheel and the original tools are all present.
The Exterior
- Smart grey paintwork
- Restored February 2021
- Original dealer numberplates
- New decals
- Headlamps and rear lights in great condition
- Repainted wheel covers
- Hood in very good order
- Hood cover
The vendor had a partial restoration carried out after purchasing the car, and this involved some panels being re-sprayed. Consequently, the car looks very good from all angles and belies its thirty-plus years. Some of the body decals were also replaced as part of the restoration.
The hood is in reasonable order, with only one small hole at the base below the rear window, although the inside could do with a clean. The hood cover is also present, although this doesn’t fit readily. The wheel trims were all repainted as part of the restoration (although the rear offside one has some scuffs). The vendor fitted new tyres all round in July 2022 and estimates that he’s driven less than 1000 miles in the car since then.
The Mechanics
- 1998cc engine
- 5-speed manual gearbox
- Starts and runs well
- New tyres July 2022
- New exhaust rear box July 2022
- New fuel pump February 2022
The folder of paperwork records the care and attention that has been spent on the car for many years, and it has clearly been kept in first-class running order throughout. Even on the short drive to our photo location it was clear that the car drives and handles as it should; the vendor says that it drives really well.
Under the bonnet the engine shows signs of its age but there are no visible issues, while underneath the car there appears to be only superficial rust and no leaks.
Summary
Now a rare sight on Britain’s roads, the Astra GTE was a key player in the 1980s heydays of the hot-hatchback. This one is in very original condition and has clearly had a cherished lifestyle; it comes to the market just in time for summer top-down motoring.
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.
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