Vauxhall’s entry into the late 1980s hot hatchback arms race always felt like something of an underdog. It wasn’t a benchmark like the Volkswagen Golf GTI, or as dynamic as the Peugeot 205 GTI, or indeed as well-loved as the Ford Escort XR3i.
Nonetheless, the Astra GTE was still a credible contender, with sleek styling, great aerodynamics and a powerful engine.
The Mk2 GTE originally came with the same 1.8-litre engine found in the Mk1 version, but this was quickly replaced due to disappointing performance. Fitted to the car seen here, the new 2.0-litre unit mustered 124bhp, making the Astra capable of 0-60mph in around seven seconds – brisk even by today’s standards.
The GTE’s simple and curvaceous Bertone lines have aged well, and it is slowly detaching itself from the boy racer image of its past. What remains is a rare and desirable modern classic – particularly in convertible guise.
Slightly less than 7,000 Vauxhall Astra GTE convertibles were manufactured. According to the How Many Left website, however, fewer than 20 examples remain on UK roads, with 148 registered as SORN in the third quarter of 2022.
This example, for sale via Car & Classic, is in good condition, and should afford its next owner a reliable retro experience. It wears new Falken tyres and has recently gained a fresh MOT, which will run until May 2024.
The car’s red-striped seats and non-digital dashboard are also in great condition, having clearly been well cared-for over the past 34 years and 65,518 miles.
Convertibles are rarely the most desirable variant of any hot hatchback. Yet with summer on the horizon, this drop-top GTE’s slightly inferior performance and handling will surely be trumped by its posing potential.
Car & Classic’s auction for the 1989 Vauxhall Astra GTE Convertible, in association with Retro Motor, goes live today – Friday 18 May 2023 – at 1pm, and runs for five days. It could sell for around £7,000, judging by past examples.
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I've actually just bought this one! Collecting it on Tuesday/Wednesday depending on when everything all works out. If you're interesting in running a story on one as a first classic, which is what it will be for me, or whatever, let me know!
Wow - congratulations, Dan! Yes, do please keep us posted.