Description
5th Apr, 2025 11:00
The April 2025 Auction
1990 Vauxhall Astra GTE 16v
Presented in rare Bordeaux Red
Estimate
£10, 000 - £12, 000
Buyer's premium: 15. 00%
Lot details
Registration: H370AKJ
Chassis: W0L000043L2768104
Odometer: 122, 000
Transmission: Manual
MOT: November 2025 (No advisories)
Largely in original specification
Desirable 16v example
Still retains its original etched side window and rear screen glass
Under the bonnet sits a naturally aspirated 2. 0-litre 16-valve inline-four, delivering around 156bhp to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission
Equipment includes headlamp washers, a digital dash, electrically operated windows and door mirrors, heater and ventilation controls, a Vauxhall-branded cassette stereo, an analogue clock, and a manually operated sunroof
Finished in rare Bordeaux Red
MOT certificates dating back to 1993
8 stamps in service booklet with 6 supplementary service invoices
This Mk2 Vauxhall Astra GTE is a particularly well-preserved example of the engaging modern classic hot hatch, reported to be in highly original condition. Presented with a timeless colour scheme, and boasting a lively 2. 0-litre 16-valve inline-four engine coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox, it would make an enjoyable companion for retro daily driving, weekend drives, and visits to classic car shows alike.
The Mk2 Astra GTE 16v had redeveloped suspension, brakes and steering playing a key role, but by far the biggest difference was what lay under the bonnet - the now legendary 16v, twin cam “red top” engine. These are the sort of things you’d normally find in an engine designed for racing, so it’s no surprise to learn that it also powered the Vauxhall-Lotus single-seater of the time. In the years that followed, it became a popular choice for modifiers and kit-car builders, its 156bhp - with more available to tuners - a perfect fit for light-weight road racers like the Westfield. It was also more than enough oomph to carry it out of the reach of its main challengers of the time - the Golf GTi and Peugeot 309 GTi. Testing the three cars in May 1988, a week before the new GTE went on sale, Autocar was in no doubt about the car’s new status: “There’s a new champion in the hot hatch arena. Vauxhall’s new 16-valve Astra GTE has the punch to leave the former GTi heroes floundering. For all-round hot hatch performance, the new Astra is it.”
So named because of the red spark plug cover, the 2-litre unit boasted forged pistons, sodium-filled valves, polished ports and a four-branch exhaust manifold.
This example was first registered on August 15, 1990, and is presented in rare Bordeaux Red with an iconic Grey cloth-patterned interior. Largely in the original specification and MOT tested until November 2025, passing with no advisories. This example is on the button and ready to go. Prices of these have soared in recent years and don’t appear to be stopping, this is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a great example of Britain's finest hot hatch.
