Highlights
- Impressive Senator in one of its most desirable specs
- Highly impressive interior with early digital dash
- Valid MOT until August 2023
- Rare final year example - one of only 2,688 produced in 1993
The Appeal
Introduced in 1987, the Opel Senator B - as it was dubbed in its home market - was a highly impressive executive car. Oft-seen in Police liveries (and, of course, on ITV’s The Bill), these were exceptional pieces of kit. Powerful, swift and beautifully presented, they were a step beyond the competition that, sadly, never quite managed to set sales on fire - despite being the flagship of Opel/Vauxhall’s international market.
As a result, they pick up great prices with a lot of car for your money. Some still murmur that this car is amongst the best-value modern classics you can get your hands on, and we struggle to disagree…
This example, with its original period features, deep blue paintwork and a highly desirable spec - the 3.0L 24V inline-six engine - is in rare order and should make for a highly impressive driver.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1993
- 12 registered owners from new
- However, the vendor informs us that 3 of these have been the same owner
- Indicates 185,167 miles
- Comprehensive paperwork file
- Photographic record of work done from 2007-2009
- Selection of invoices, including an extensive service in 2021
- Selection of original sales booklets and paperwork
- Paperwork from the Monza-Royale-Senator Register
- V5 document
The Interior
- Highly appointed leather upholstery with no visible rips or tears and a pleasant patina
- Impressive digital dash, with all instruments bright and well lit
- Walnut veneers with a gentle patina and the odd scratch or mark
- Soft wear to the steering wheel, while still maintaining clean and nicely kept
- Attractive tactical switches with no clear issues or reported faults
- The vendor does note that one of the speakers has stopped working
- Concealed push-button start
- Onboard computer reportedly working as it should
- Some light marks to the Vauxhall branded wheel
- Lightly worn carpets and headlining with no visible tears
- Nicely kept boot with CD changer, tool kit, spare wheel and some spare bits and bobs
The Exterior
- Attractive deep blue paintwork with age-commensurate wear
- Black plastic trim with a cheeky flash of chrome across the bodywork
- Car largely presents well, with some blemishes here and there
- Light stone chips and marks behind the wheel arches
- Some soft worn paintwork underneath the plastic trim
- Sills show some light wear, though nothing of major concern
- Branding is in good order with a bright contrast against the paint
- Headlight lenses and glasswork all appear to be in very good order
- Car is wearing its original Vauxhall branded alloys
- Shod in a full set of Dunlop tyres that have plenty of tread
- Underneath, the car shows some spots of corrosion
The Mechanics
- Highly desirable 3-litre C30SE 24-valve, inline-six powerplant
- 4-speed automatic transmission
- Engine bay is in good condition with Dual-Ram system on clear display
- 3.0–24V branding clear on display
- New battery
- Some spots of grime, but no excessive corrosion or faults we can spot
- The vendor reports an oil leak from the sump
- The latest MOT notes that anti-roll bar linkage joint cover has deteriorated
- No other reports of any major issues
- Car has been dry-garaged, according to the vendor
- The vendor reports very low mileage while in his ownership
Summary
Nicely kept, and fabulously appointed, this is a big motor among the best of the 90s executive cars. With so many seductive period features and that desirable 24-valve engine, we think this will make for an enviable modern classic.
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.
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.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
