1982 Vauxhall Astra MK1 1300S
(Featured on 29th May 2014)
Make: Vauxhall
Model: Astra
Year: 1982
Mileage: 55,680
Sellers original description:
'timewarp' 1982 Vauxhall Astra Mk1 1300S 5-door hatchback, in the now very rare colour of Jamaica Yellow. The car was first registered in July 1982 in Kempston, near Bedford, and has only done 55680 miles from new. As you can see, it has quite an interesting original number plate. I have owned the car for six years, in which I have driven it just under 11,000 miles.
The original owner was a Vauxhall worker approaching retirement, and the car was supplied via his local main dealer, Park Road Garage in Kempston. Because it is an earlier Mk1 model, it has the benefit of chrome door handles and extra brightwork. Fitted to the car as extras were the Hitachi 3-band radio (still working) and the Webasto sunroof (this was a very rare extra on the 1300 model, and in the boot there is still the original vinyl storage bag for it).
After only 14 miles, the car received a full Ziebart rustproofing treatment, with all cavities etc included. The original guarantee document for this is retained. On my photo of the offside rear wheel arch, you can see three Ziebart studs where the protection was injected and sealed. These studs are to be found in all areas of the car. Over the years, this protection has been regularly inspected and kept up to scratch, and I was advised when I bought the car that it had never been welded. It has not needed any attention in this department whilst I have owned it, flying through its MOT's in terms of structure. One of my photos shows the underneath of the car, and just how solid it is.
The original owner had the car for 22 years, during which time a full unleaded cylinder head conversion was carried out in 1999. After he passed away, his widow sold the car to an elderly neighbour and friend in 2004. I then subsequently bought the vehicle in December 2007, after the second owner had passed away. I have used it only as a second car, and in my ownership it has never seen rain or any bad road conditions, having been dry run only.
The condition of the car has to be described as exceptional for its age. It attracts a great deal of admiring attention due to the Astra Mk1 now being a rare sight on the road. Also, the striking colour and overall cosmetic condition greatly add to this. As my photos show, the car really stands out. It is not perfect, as there is the odd imperfection and some touch-up here and there, and the bootlid has some bubbling along the lower edge of the rear windscreen, which has been treated and painted. Unfortunately, before my ownership, a key scratch and minor dent had also occurred to the bootlid, and the front bumper had suffered an abrasion to the offside corner. However, for an original example of an Astra Mk1, I feel you would now struggle to find one much better.
The interior is superb, with the seats, carpets and dashboard in amazing condition. Apart from the driver's, the original GM rubber mats are present. However, a point to mention is that the storage pocket on the driver's door is missing, and the one on the passenger side has a crack in it. The boot area, including the parcel tray, is immaculate. Upon lifting the boot carpet, the spare wheel well is totally solid, once again due to the rustproofing, and the original jack and tools are present. The car drives very well, and is a very capable and enjoyable vehicle to drive, being economical also. A new cambelt was fitted only 2000 miles ago.
The car has a current MOT which is valid until the 12th September 2014, and it is taxed until the end of February 2014. Since its current MOT, it has done just 142 miles. With it comes a number of previous MOT certificates and receipts, including the one for the unleaded cylinder head conversion. Also included are the Ziebart treatment guarantee document and brochure, the Vauxhall Astra Owner's Manual plus supplement, a Vauxhall Service Location map, a Haynes manual and even the sales brochures the original owner collected at the time of purchase. There are two keys present.
This is a very reluctant sale of a much loved vehicle. I have enjoyed owning it and taking it to numerous shows in my area, where it has always been very well received, and as mentioned previously, it has attracted great interest when out and about generally. Much of this can be attributed in my opinion to the very striking Jamaica Yellow colour, which nowadays is perfect to show off this era of retro car (actually, my photos, which although were my best efforts, show the yellow as being a little paler than it really is). I am not sure how many Astra Mk1's in Jamaica Yellow have survived in this condition, but I would imagine very few indeed.
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