Description
How rare is this? Once a relatively common sight on Britain`s roads, the Mk. 2 Cavalier Estate has all but disappeared with less than 30 examples believed to remain. And this one is a bit special. With just 1 keeper until March 2024 and a believed 75, 900 miles from new, this fabulous example in Jamaica Yellow with Brown Cloth trim sums up everything we love and know about life 40 years ago. Totally useable and very practical on a day-to-day basis, this Cavalier would look equally at home on the show-field as it would the carpark at Sainsburys, and with it`s period roof-bars, would make the ultimate British surf wagon. Possibly a unique opportunity, we don`t anticipate the Cavalier will be with us for long.
Launched in 1975, the Cavalier was a mid-sized family car with a 20-year production span reflecting three very different styling generations. The Mk. 2 was introduced in August 1981 and went head-to-head against the new offering from main competitor Ford, the Sierra, outselling it year on year owing to the latter`s divisive styling. Initially available in either saloon or hatchback form, the estate version was launched in October 1983 using panels imported from Holden in Australia for assembly at the main production plant in Luton. Offering 51 cubic feet of load space, the estate came with the entry model 1. 6 litre engine and was available in three trim levels - base, L and GL. With a dismal camping holiday featuring in TV advertising, it was hoped that the estate would capture the imagination of the buying public and early press response was optimistic. Sadly, sales were slow and by the time Mk. 2 production ceased in 1988, the estate accounted for less than 7% of total Cavaliers built. Unsurprisingly, no estate was to feature in the Mk. 3 line-up and the evolution of the short-lived variant was destined to remain in the annals of 1980`s Vauxhall history. It is believed that around just 30 remain albeit some websites suggest less than half this figure are still on the road today.
Our car left the Luton plant in the summer of 1984 and was first registered in October that year to a local gentleman. Used and enjoyed as an everyday vehicle, it is evident from MoT history that trips taken were predominantly around the town, the Cavalier covering very low mileages between inspections. Around 10 years ago, now with around 57, 000 miles recorded, the owner took retirement to move to Ipswich since when the car has covered much the same annual mileage. In March 2024, after a reluctant decision to give up driving, the Cavalier was sold to a family friend and classic car mechanic in Coventry. He purchased it rather on a whim and having found after a couple of months that it was just gathering dust, put it up for sale and we purchased it, recognising the rarity of this almost forgotten estate variant. Mileage today is just 75, 900.
The photographs I believe tell the story. This is top grade 1980`s retro presented in fabulous Jamaica Yellow with Brown cloth trim, optional Vauxhall cross-spoke alloys, period roof-bars and even it`s original Hitachi radio/ cassette player. Bodywork would seem very original whilst paintwork polishes up well with just a few age-related blemishes and localised touch-ins to wheel arches. External trim including bumpers is all good and again very original, whilst alloy wheels are excellent with newly new tyres. Inside the cabin, the nostalgia continues with an honest and totally original interior in Brown cloth with matching Dark Brown carpets. Other than some slight wear to the edge of the driver`s seat, the cloth is in remarkable condition. All four passenger doors open, close and lock easily whilst the tailgate lifts smoothly on newly replaced hydraulic rams to reveal a cavernous boot. Turn the key and the eager 1600cc fires immediately into life sounding very sweet and free revving. On the road, I was both surprised and impressed. It genuinely accelerates and drives like a modern car with plenty of performance, balanced handling and a firm but comfortable ride. The clutch and gearbox are smooth and light, brakes excellent and steering tight - it instantly brought back many memories of company cars back in the day. It could easily be used on a daily basis and taken to shows at the weekend, plus it offers space for all the family including the dog. What`s not to like! And one thing is pretty much for certain - you are unlikely to be parked up alongside another. This is an exceedingly rare variant and worthy of any contemporary Vauxhall collection.
The Cavalier comes with paper MoT history covering the last 10 years and a current MoT to October 2024. From the end of this year, the car will be eligible for Historic status and as such will be both MoT and road tax exempt.
A rare and rather fabulous piece of 1980`s British motoring. Find another!
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
