1989 Vauxhall Astra GTE 16v

We are very proud to present a unique opportunity, to purchase what is quite possibly the lowest mileage MK2 Astra GTE 16v left in existence.

A bold statement, but we do not know of another with similar mileage, the next lowest mileage example we know of is at 18k miles, which we sold last year.

Early MK2 Astra GTE 16v
9k miles from new
One owner from new
Unrestored condition
Original bill of sale
Perfect rear arches (original)
Stunning underside condition (original)
Spare keys (with tag)
Original manuals/booklets in the original wallet
Vauxhall VHS
Recent full service at renowned Vauxhall Specialists – Courtenay Sport
Recent new Goodyear tyres

These cars are extremely rare in this condition, and have been rising in value rapidly.
Many more pictures available.

The original, and only owner of this vehicle – Mr R J Layne ordered the car new from Falles Longueville Road Garage Ltd in Jersey, on the 4th of January 1989.

The original bill of sale displays a price of £9,789.00, less a discount, meaning the total sale price was £8,862.32p.

The car remained in the custody of Mr R J Layne until we purchased the car earlier this year.

Within the history file is the original bill of sale as already mentioned, plus the original Jersey logbook, original Vauxhall VHS, Original Vauxhall wallet with all original booklets (including service booklet), plus import documentation from Jersey (Taxes have been paid), and a recent invoice for a full major service by renowned Vauxhall Specialists – Courtenay Sport.

The recent major service consisted of –

Oil Filter
Air filter
Fuel filter
Spark plugs

All fluids changed
Cambelt and pulleys replaced
Water pump replaced
Alternator and Power steering pump belts replaced
New battery

Genuine parts have been used here.

Finished in Carmine Red, this exceptional GTE presents very well indeed, with none of the usual corrosion issues at all.

Anybody who knows these vehicles will know that the rear arches are one of the first places to corrode, and are often badly repaired. This example, as you would expect, has quite simply – perfect rear arches, still showing the original spot welds between the inner and outer skins. We have a paint depth gauge, so you can rest assured that when we say the arches are free of any paint or repairs, we say this with 100% confidence.

We have had the paintwork professionally machine polished, and the paint shines very well.

Indicative of the age of the vehicle, it does have a few small storage marks/touch ups, with a touch up present on the front offside wing, and a few small marks on the rear bumper trims. These are minor, and would need to be pointed out rather than them being noticed, we just like to be very honest.

The genuine decals are all in very good condition, as is the original glass, and all lights.

Take a look underneath the car, and you will be delighted to see that the car is without any corrosion, and it still retains the original thin layer of underbody wax.
If desired, we believe this car could quite easily be made a concours example underneath, but we like it original and still with the wax in place.

Open the door, and take a seat in what is a fantastically retro 80’s interior.

The original seats still have the nice firm bolters to hold you in place, whilst you take a step back in time when you turn the key, and the somewhat legendary digital dash lights up.

Quite possibly the most iconic speedo set up in any car of the era – mention Astra GTE to any car enthusiast, and they will ask….. the one with the digi dash?

Of course the digital dash in this example works perfectly, with no missing pixels.

Everything operates just as it should do, and the original stereo is still fitted.
The rear seats look as though they have never been used, and the fronts are very nearly as good, with the drivers seat having gone just very slightly ‘baggy’ on the base which was very common with these early interiors.

The headlining is original, and holds in place perfectly with no areas ‘hanging’.

The original parcel shelf has not been chopped for rear speakers, it has only had rear window blinds fitted which we have decided to leave in place.

The legendary C20XE engine, and being an early 16v this is the 20xe without the lambda and catalytic converter which is the more ‘sought after’ and marginally more powerful variant.

Having recently had a major service, all filters, fluids, belts and pulleys have been replaced with genuine items.
The engine is very quiet, even on cold start up, with none of the usual tapping lifters which is so very common with these engines.

When first released, these cars took the motoring press by storm, with what felt like mountains of power.
Vauxhall claimed 156bhp and 150lb ft of torque. With a claimed 0-60mph time of 7 seconds, make no mistake, these hot hatches were fast!

Even today, a 7 second 0-60mph time is not to be sniffed at, and the car still feels very lively and energetic to drive.

The engine bay itself presents very well, being original, even down to the original wax in areas, and the toolkit.

Of course, as per the rest of the car, the running gear is in great condition.

The engine under tray is still fitted, and still retains the original wax to the underside.

All tyres are recent, and are a matching set of premium Goodyear tyre all round.
The brakes and suspension work exactly as they should, with no unwanted noises, and nice even braking.

The F20 gearbox selects gears very well and is a pleasure to use as they always are, with a nice crisp gear change both on the change up and change down with a nicely operating clutch (which amazingly does not squeak)!

Quite simply, a great way to head straight back to the late 80’s, when the Hot Hatches were about putting a huge smile on your face!