Highlights

Unmolested example
Only 3 owners from brand new
Exemplary bodywork condition
Good history file on record

The Appeal

The Nova GTE was a car that came to make a statement, with its design and manufacture fuelled with the rivalry of Vauxhall and Ford, Vauxhall were here to stand up against the mighty XR2. Fitted with a 1.6-litre engine putting out a staunch 99bhp, it was the ultimate appeal of the GTE package. It might not sound like much, but weighing in at a slender 834kg, it translated to sparkling pace and would indeed put any XR2 it came up against, to shame.

Finding one of these little pocket rockets in such handsomely kept condition is no easy task - especially finding one with such a low owner count, too. One that has been looked after, genuinely unmolested and always treated with care - a hot hatch that hadn't fallen into the hands of an angsty 20-something-year-old for them to beat on. This is a true little gem.

Originally owned by a woman who purchased the vehicle brand new, used it sparingly all the way up until 2019, when it was then put into a garage and stored until 2022 where it was sold on to a gentleman with the great plans of recommissioning. These plans fell short however as finances never allowed it to happen, it was then sold onto the current owner who did manage to fully recommission it, however due to ill health it will have to be passed on. This little Nova is just begging to be driven!

The History and Paperwork

Originally registered on the 25h of March 1989
Only three registered keepers from brand new
Original Nova handbooks present
Various MOT’s and tax discs available in the documentation
Two keys available
V5C present and correct in the current keepers name
Service history available up until 71,116 miles where it then tails off
MOT valid until the 15th of July 2025, with a clean pass in 2024

The Condition

Exemplary original condition throughout
Paintwork appears in handsome condition with no notable damage
Straight and solid looking bodywork with factory fitting panel gaps
All four original alloys look in good condition, the keeper states that two of the centre cps are aftermarket and of poor fitment
Four brand new tyres
GTE decals on both front doors are present and complete
Interior in impressive condition with only a plastic trim piece broken on the driver side seat
Front and rear seats show no signs of excessive wear
Rear bench seat has a small mark on the passenger-side backrest
Original Vauxhall tape deck present and functional
Headlining in good condition with no sagging areas, just some small signs of age
Sunroof remains functional and reportedly leak-free
Underside and engine bay are in great condition too!

The Mechanics

1.6-litre, 4-cylinder SOHC engine producing 99bhp
5-speed manual transmission reportedly remaining in excellent health
Front-wheel drive configuration
Claimed kerb weight of 834kg resulting in impressive performance both in acceleration and cornering
Service history all the way up until 71,116 miles
Reportedly the vehicle remains in fantastic mechanical health
As can be seen by the underside images, it remains in very good condition with some clearly very loving owners!

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email [email protected]. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.