Description

Originally a replacement for the Vauxhall Viva, the 1979 Mk1 Astra really helped to kickstart a huge sales drive by the manufacturer and cemented Vauxhall’s position as Ford’s chief rival and by 1984 with the introduction of the new Mk2 the game moved on further, thanks to its ‘pear drop’ styling and excellent value for money. It scooped the Car of the Year award in 1985 and spawned a wide range of variants, including estate, convertible and hot GTE and GTE 16v models. It was by far the most aerodynamic car in its class, the GTE having a Cd of 0.30 and it continued to looked good, even after the arrival of the Mk3 in 1991.

Delivered on the 25th April 1991, through the James & Keats Ltd Vauxhall dealership in Blandford Forum, Dorset this delightful Vauxhall Astra 1.4 L has, quite remarkably, had only 1 owner from new, a Mr Clark, whom in his 28 years of ownership has only driven the car a warranted 36,600miles and she remains completely untouched from how she left the Ellesmere Port production line, with the following 'L' for Luxus specification:

5 door hatchback finished in Glacier White
Epsom cloth interior finished in Anthracite
1.4 litre petrol engine - offering 75bhp.
5 speed manual transmission.
Fully reclining from seats with open-type head restraints.
Height adjustable drivers seats.
Height adjustable front & rear seat belts.
60:40 split-folding rear seats.
Halogen Headlights.
Twin internally adjustable door mirrors.
Philips DC670 stereo radio / cassette with 4 speakers.
Cassette storage facility.
Sliding / tilting glass sunroof with blind and wind deflector.

Looking at the car today its clear that this Astra has been completely cherished and save for a few minor imperfections, we're being picky here, this little gem could so easily pass for a nearly new car, there's no rust or dents, the panel gaps are right, the exterior plastics remain great and she even continues to wear her original dealer number plates and unmarked 13" 'L' spec flush-fitting wheel trims on a matched set of Michelin 'Energy' tyres (all with 6mm+ tread).

Opening the door and the same is said for the interior; it's immaculate and to further confirm the remarkable low mileage both the steering wheel and gear-knob still have all the original texture and feel too, to coin the phrase 'time warp' is simply the best way to put it and stepping inside this Astra will no doubt take many in their early / mid 30's back to a time when their parents will have owned an Astra L, LX, CD or possibly a GTE model.

This wonderful story continues when driving the Astra too. From cold the 1.4 litre engine starts without fuss, not a puff of smoke in sight. The clutch is light and the 5 speed gearbox engages easily, she just pulls away with ease and thanks to the aerodynamic shape of the Mk2, she's quiet on the road too and when we finish by saying that the service book has a staggering 26 service stamps in it, we think you'll get the idea that there possibly isn't another Mk2 Astra 1.4 L quite like this one!

A genuine delight to drive, this 1 owner car comes with her full book pack, her remarkable maintenance record, MOT until May 2020, 2 keys, rubber over-mats and offers any potential owner either a wonderful trip down memory lane or an excellent way into owning a unique example of a inexpensive classic.