Vauxhall Astra GTE 16v Champion
The winner is…
About this Vauxhall Astra GTE 16v Champion
ENTRIES NOW OVER 50% OFF @ ONLY 14p! 🚨
A VAUXHALL LEGEND WITH FULL UNDERBODY AND UNDERBONNET RESTORATION! 🤩
Are you ready to own a classic car that perfectly combines retro charm and raw performance? We’re giving you the chance to win a 1990 Vauxhall Astra GTE 16v Champion, one of the most iconic hot hatches of its era. This is no ordinary Astra GTE — it’s the sought-after Champion edition, a rare and celebrated model created to commemorate the Astra’s motorsport success in the 1989 BTCC. 🏆
With just 151,000 miles on the clock, this Astra GTE Champion has averaged a mere 4,300 miles a year in its 35 year history. When you consider it’s had a full underbody and underbonnet restoration, meticulously done with OEM parts to the highest level, it’s hard to not be excited about this exceptional example of Vauxhall history. Furthermore it comes with a folder packed with service history, invoices and receipts, rounding off this gem of a car. 💎
A full list of spec is as follows:
- Ultra-rare with only 250 available at launch in 1990
- Full underbody and underbonnet respray
- Full OEM parts and specification
- Bordeaux paintwork
- Crossed spoke alloy wheels
- Recaro seats
- Connolly Leather
- All-electronic dash with digital speedometer
- 151,000 miles
- Folder packed with service history, invoices and receipts
For those unfamiliar with the Astra GTE, here's a quick rundown: launched in 1984 shortly after the Mark 2 Astra, Vauxhall initially equipped it with the 1.8-litre engine from the Mark 1 GTE. However, this was quickly replaced with a 2.0-litre unit producing 124 hp, as the 1.8-litre's performance fell short of expectations. All GTE models also featured an iconic all-electronic dashboard with a digital speedometer. While analogue instruments were offered as an optional extra, few buyers chose them – after all, the digital dash was far ahead of its time.
In 1988, Vauxhall took things up a notch, introducing a new twin-camshaft version of the same engine, affectionately nicknamed the "red top" due to its distinctive red spark plug cover. The motoring press went wild for its performance: 156 bhp, 150 ft⋅lb of torque, and a 0–62 mph time of just 7 seconds. 💨
A few years later, stricter emissions regulations led to the release of the GTE 16v, which came equipped with a catalytic converter and a new exhaust manifold. Unfortunately, these changes robbed the engine of 6 bhp and 5 ft⋅lb of torque, increasing the 0–62 mph time to 7.5 seconds. Those pesky emissions regulations! 😒
In 1990, Vauxhall launched a limited-edition variant of the GTE 16v known as the “Leather Edition.” Around 250 examples were produced, sold exclusively through London dealerships, leading to its nickname, the “London Edition.” This special model featured Bordeaux paintwork, cross-spoke alloy wheels, Recaro seats, and luxurious Connolly Leather. Despite its impressive spec, the high price tag made it a tough sell.
To boost interest, Vauxhall cleverly commemorated John Cleland's 1989 BTCC victory in the Astra GTE 16v by introducing a "Champion" edition. These cars featured decals on the boot and sides with a distinctive three-color flash representing the GM racing team. The Champion edition became a fitting tribute to a motorsport triumph while adding a touch of exclusivity to the lineup. 🏎️
This rare 1990 Vauxhall Astra GTE 16v Champion could be yours — but only if you enter. Act fast, as competitions like this don’t come around often!
Rediscover the thrill of the ‘90s. Will you be the one to drive this legend home? Don’t delay – get involved whilst you can and for as little as 29p YOU could be the owner of Vauxhall motorsport history – GOOD LUCK! 🤞
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