1992 Vauxhall Nova Luxe Plus *Sold £4,000*

Description

• Dry stored for 14 years 
• Two former keepers 
• Fully restored by ex-Vauxhall trained technicians 
• Facelift model 
• Wonderful condition 

What you’re looking at is actually an endangered species. The Vauxhall Nova. At one point in the mid-90s, it would have been as common as Woolworths with nearly 450,000 on the roads. Now there are thought to be fewer than 1,800 left.  Back in fashion now for all sorts of reasons. What a gem this one is. 

Launched in 1983, the Nova was a ‘big’ car for Vauxhall. The dealers had long wanted a car to ‘take on’ the Fiesta. The Nova proved to be an ideal competitor. An advantage it had over most rivals, was the availability of a saloon variant, though these were never as popular as the hatchbacks. 

Once sales began in the British market, the Vauxhall Nova was a massive success and would live on until 1993. The Nova was facelifted in September 1990 to keep it fresh-looking, exactly as this one does. 

History 

• Dry stored in a garage for 14 years 
• The Nova was recovered and restored last year 
• The mechanical work was carried out by a time served Vauxhall trained mechanic and MOT tester 
• The bodywork carried out by a former Vauxhall body shop manager with 50 years experience in vehicle restoration 

Have a look through the Gallery. It is a delight. What a job they have done. 

Mechanicals 

Engines in the all-new Nova ranged from 1.0-litre through 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4-litre petrol units to 1.5-litre diesel and turbo diesel engines; there was also the sporty 1.6 for the GTEi. The best seller, both new and used was the 1.2-litre by a mile. This one has had a thorough but thoughtful makeover. 

We’ll list a few of the highlights 

• New radiator 
• New exhaust 
• Cambelt replaced 
• Oil and filters done 
• Brakes cleaned and replaced where necessary 
• Petrol tank removed and cleaned out 
• Engine flushed 
• New battery 
• The wheels have been fully refurbed 
• 4 x new tyres with new wheel centres 
• New indicator lens and headlight 

The Vauxhall Nova is all very much standard early ’80s supermini. MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam rear axle at the rear. Although GM had used the compact ‘Minibloc’ coil springs. 

The Nova feels ‘modern’ but in an analogue way. It feels more modern than the Metro, though. The five-speed gearbox which was optional with the 1.2-litre engine is easy to operate, and the unassisted steering is surprisingly light. The light weight 55bhp engine and five speed gearbox make it very sprightly. 

Exterior 

• 2 new genuine Vauxhall wings 
• 2 rear wheel arches 
• All 4 doors and bonnet removed 
• Any rust removed and repaired 
• Resprayed to original colour to an extremely high standard 
• The underside was rust proofed from new 

We never get bored of telling you what a difference early corrosion protection makes to a British classic car. Our vendor tells us, “The underside is in excellent condition as are the sills etc”. 

Interior 

Another reason the Vauxhall Nova was such a success were the high trim levels, especially on the Luxe Plus like this one. They came with delights such as central locking, electric windows, split-folding rear seats and a radio cassette player, all as standard. 

Our vendor tells us 

“The interior is completely original, with NO rips, tears, or damage, to the seats, trims, and head lining. The factory fitted wind-up sunroof works as it should, alongside the original radio, with the code card present. Owner’s books, etc. with original sales brochure. The car could benefit from a light valet and fine detailing. 

Sadly, now for sale due to me having a back injury which makes it difficult for me to get in and out and drive it”.  

Summary 

What a little gem. This is a legit classic now. What do we always say makes a classic popular?

Scarcity is one thing; where have all these gone.

Condition – this one is in fab condition now that it has had knowledgeable ex-Vauxhall technicians working on it.

And the final thing, memories. Many of us/you learned to drive in one of these. They may have been a family car that we used, or even your first car. As a classic car the Vauxhall Nova is simple, easy, undiluted pleasure. Buy it and if you like, show it off at this year’s Festival of the Unexceptional in July!

Good luck bidding. Please remember, our site uses anti-sniping software which ensures fairness to all bidders. So, if a bid for a lot is received in the last minute, the auction will go into a 2-minute overtime period for each subsequent bid. 

Vehicle Location: Suffolk, NR35 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor. 

Have a question about this Vauxhall Nova? Please contact the Evoke team at auction@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.  

Guide Prices? 

We’re different. But you know that. And we’re always honest. In a sector where no two classics are same, how does anyone put a ‘guide’. 

Well, everyone knows the broad value of classic, let’s all be honest. So, we don’t need to tell you what you already know, do we. 

The ‘market’ decides and the old cliché that ‘it’s worth what someone wants to pay’ is no less true. So why kid everyone! 

But, because we are different, if it really does matter to you, that’s fine, we want you to be happy. Just drop us a line at auction@evoke-classics.com and one of us will be delighted to ring you back and discuss, it’s what we do. 

Tedious but it’s vital you read this, please. 

We will always strive to offer the most descriptive and transparent auction listings available. However, we can’t claim to be perfect. Your own analysis is very important, and we are here to help and answer any and all queries you may have prior to purchase. 

We offer and positively encourage buyers to view or arrange inspections for each vehicle thoroughly prior to bidding. 

If we do take a physical, as opposed to a remote, look at any of the vehicles on our platform, they are not those of a qualified vehicle inspector or other professional. Nor do they include a test drive unless expressly stated. 

As with all vehicles of a certain age, localised paint repairs are common. This specifically applies with classics. 

So, please, unless we state explicitly to the contrary, please assume that classic vehicles on our platform could have had remedial bodywork of any kind at some point in its life. 

Two final comments on images and photos. 

The vast majority are supplied by vendors. Camera technology has and continues to improve significantly, but please note and understand that image and sound quality does vary. If you would like vendors to provide more images, please ask us and we will contact the vendor for you. 

If you are at all unsure, just ask us. It is what we are here for. 

Finally, finally, finally. Please note that vehicles are sold as seen and a returns policy is not applicable. This is the norm for used items acquired at auction. 

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Got one you’d like to sell? Please feel free to get in touch to have a no obligation chat with us: Contact The Evoke Team