Pre-bids

2001 Vauxhall 888 BTC-T Astra Coupe Chassis 1 ex Matt Neal

Highlights

  • Historically significant 888 BTC-C Astra Chassis 1 
  • Fully rebuilt using 888 parts to correct TOCA/BTC-T specification 
  • Rebuilt engine to high specification with zero operating hours 
  • Bare chassis rejig and repaint in correct 888VXR colours and graphics 
  • Driven by Matt Neal to three wins in 2002 and contributed to Championship win 
  • Eligible for CTCRC Super Tourers and other super saloon events 

The Appeal 

In the first half of the Noughties nothing could touch 888’s Astra Super Touring cars. Matt Neal piloted them to a series of driver, manufacturer and team wins from 2001 to 2004. With their distinctive red and white liveries, they were firm fan favourites too. 
Here is your to relive that high point in BTCC history and buy a piece of history. Just 11 cars were built by 888 for competition and this is chassis one. It was driven by Matt Neal to three victories and contributed to driver and manufacturer championship wins in 2002. The car remained in service between 2001 and 2004. 
Now fully rebuilt to correct TOCA/BTC-C rules using 888 parts, it runs the same spec that would have been familiar to Matt Neal and is in superb condition. It is naturally scintillating - and very competitive - to drive and eligible for CTCRC Super Tourers and other racing series. 
This is a genuine one-off opportunity to acquire a serious, much-historied race car from a dynamic BTCC era. It is ready to race but also offers potential as a show car. 

The History and Paperwork

  • Built between 2000 and 2001 by 888
  • Built and run by 888 race engineering to a high standard
  • Recently fully reworked and rebuilt including bare chassis repaint and then rejig using 888 parts
  • Repainted in 888 VXR colours and graphics with Matt Neal decals as shown 
  • Further information available from Touring Car Register under BTC-C Vauxhall category 
  • Said to be the first of 11 chassis built by 888 
  • We are told that only six of these chassis remain 
  • Campaigned by Matt Neal to three wins in 2002
  • Contributed to driver and manufacturer championship wins in 2002 
  • Rebuilt to same specification as TOCA/BTC-T rules 
  • Features upgraded dash, data logging and engine mapping 
  • Eligible for CTCRC Super Tourers and other race series according to seller 
  • Full specification list shown in photographs 
  • Invoices and receipts as shown in photographs 
  • This car is eligible for racing but is not road legal 

The Condition

  • Carefully rebuilt and refinished in detail-correct 888VXR colour scheme 
  • Finished in red and white with extensive correct decals including Matt Neal graphics
  • Retains original specification with some light upgrades as detailed above 
  • Said to be eligible for current race series as described above 
  • Team Dynamics Motorsport wheels with some light marks as shown 
  • Bodywork and paintwork recently restored and in very good order 
  • Dunlop racing tyres as shown 
  • Stripped interior to 888 specification 
  • Full road cage, Cobra race seat and five point harnesses as shown 
  • Plumbed in electric fire extinguisher in fully working order
  • No reported running or driving issues 
Specification includes: 
  • Stripped out interior as original 888 
  • Driver only seating
  • 5 point harness
  • Plumbed in electric fire extinguisher 
  • Addition of original EFi/TOCA programmable ECU
  • Centre console switch panel
  • New AP pedal box
  • D2 dash and air jacks 
  • 50litre air craft style fuel tank with 4 lift pumps and one BOSCH 044 HP pump 
  • Full roll cage with side intrusion bars
  • Quick release steering wheel containing page up and page down dash switches

The Mechanics 

  • Rebuilt to original 888 specification using 888 parts
  • 1,998cc 4cyl naturally aspirated engine 
  • Xtrac 6spd sequential gearbox 
  • Xtrac LSD
  • All new/zero hours rebuilt engine with specification summarised below 
  • No reported running or driving issues
  • Good history file as shown in photographs 
  • Owned by an enthusiast who also has Chassis 11 
Engine specification: 
  • New cylinder block 
  • New cylinder head
  • Sodemo crank, rods and pistons 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. 

Pre-bids

1 Bid

9 Watching

auction buyer icon What are pre-bids?

A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction. You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Auction Details

  • Year2001
  • MakeVauxhall
  • ModelAstra
  • ColourMulticolour
  • Engine size1998cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownHuddersfield
  • CountyYorkshire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Comments

No comments yet

Ask a question, share your knowledge, or show this auction some love!

Buying with Car & Classic

animation

How bidding works

All you need to know about the bidding process on Car & Classic

animation

Five steps to buying safely

We make it safe and simple to secure your dream classic

animation

Shipping & transport

Useful information on collecting your new vehicle

animation

Secure payments

How we protect you and your money, to make Car & Classic the safest place to transact

More FAQs

Gallery