The Mk1 Astra GTE is one of those hot hatches that has pretty much vanished. A rare car today, to find one is always exciting. This 1983 example however, ramps that excitement up considerably thanks to being in complete factory specification bar a stainless exhaust system. No modifications, no tweaks, no changes - this is a Mk1 Astra GTE in its purest form.

Then there’s the fact this car has been with the same owners from new. And during their tenure, they have seen to it that the GTE has been left wanting for nothing. Recently subject to restoration, this has to be the most original, and one of the most honest GTEs to still exist. Make no mistake, this is not an opportunity that will present itself again. Drink in the stunning nature of this car, care of this video.

Bought new by the current owner in 1983, the car was first used as an exciting form of family transport, before being given the chance to relax into a life of being used for high days and holidays. In 1997, the car was stored away where it remained until 2015. While the V5 does show a previous owner, this is due to a husband/wife swap. The car has been with the same people from new. 

In 2014, work was started on the car in readiness for a new lease of life. The fuel tank was lined, a new fuel pump was fitted, a new complete braking system front to back went on, too. The car also had new complete sills on either side. A new radiator went in, the ignition system was completely renewed, a new timing belt went on, and more bodywork was done in the form of work to the rear arches and a rear panel. 

In 2015, the body and wheels were repainted, the boot hatch was repaired (lead, not filler) in 2019, new tyres went on, as did a stainless steel exhaust system due to OE parts being unobtainable. The car has a recent battery, and has had a new fuel pump and filter in the last couple of years. 

Since the various works were carried out the car has only covered 1,600 miles. When not in use, it lives in a warm, dry garage under a bespoke Cover Your Car Softech luxury indoor cover, which will come with the car upon sale. 

Just have a look through the pictures and drink in the originality. These hot hatches were often the unwilling victim of modification, and as such, to see one that hasn't been chopped about or butchered is quite a find. And the originality doesn’t mean it’s worn. The GTE Recaro seats are still shapely and firm, with only minor wear to be observed.

The dash is mint, with no cracks or damage, and the carpets are all in good condition. The door cards are free of damage, both front and back. The headlining is good, and even the parcel shelf is mint - no holes for speakers here. Speaking of which, the car still has the factory tape deck. Perfect for those old Duran Duran hits.

As you can see from the image, this Polar White beauty shines bright. The body is utterly arrow straight, the panel gaps are excellent and that all important body kit is present, correct and free of any damage. There is no corrosion to be observed, nor any damage. The underside has been fully protected with a healthy coat of underseal and as such, it’s all very pleasing indeed. The wheels all have the original centre caps, and the seller will even include another set (these are near impossible to find). 

The Polar White GTEs were different from the red, black and grey versions, as they had body colour bumpers and wheels, making them more desirable as a result. This one is no exception. The details are all there, and this has the potential to be a show winner. There are some small bits that need detail, like the rear number plate lamp (pictured) and there is some slight overspray to clean up, but that’s all we could see. 

Mechanically, this GTE is absolutely on the money. The strong, low mileage 1.8 OHV engine fires up at the first turn of the key and sounds glorious as it idles. Under the bonnet, there is an honest, maintained scene awaiting. The current owner has cleaned up the strut tops as a demonstration of what's there, and with a professional detail this could be a show class engine bay. 

The only modification to the engine is a new stainless steel exhaust system. It’s not loud or ‘boy racer’ though, and has been designed to replicate the original system, but with a nicer finish and slightly deeper tone care of a larger bore tailpipe. 

On the road, the GTE pulls well through all five gears. It’s worth noting that, being such an early build, this car doesn’t have the close ratio transmission. However, this makes it far more usable in modern traffic, and it’s still a sharp, snappy gear change. 

It drives beautifully, with no untoward bumps or bangs, the brakes are on point and the steering is direct and connected. It is every bit the hot hatch it was in 1983. It might only have 115bhp, but let us not forget that this car tips the scales at a featherweight 925kg, and as such, has plenty of power. 

A rare example of Vauxhall’s now sadly rare iconic hot hatch. Maintained with no regard for cost, and kept original, this is a very rare find indeed. 

You can see more of this vehicle in video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmytr0xxk4s

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