RE: PH Carpool: Vauxhall Nova GSI

[DouggyMc]

Ooh I do like a nova! Lovely looking example with good history as well

[Baryonyx]

I remember my dad's Nova GTE, a black one which he owned in the early 90's. I recall you often saw Novas in those days without the ridiculous chavvy mods of the Max Power brigade. I recall he didn't much like it, and I certainly didn't like it as much as the XR2 it had replaced.

[davidcharles]

it just needs lowering 6", a peco big bore4 zoorst and debadging.....then we will be back in the 90's

[Adz The Rat]

It was only last week I was looking at a photo of my old K reg 1.4 SRI, one of the best cars Ive owned.

I would have another in a heartbeat if I could find a nice standard one or very lightly modified.

[Mark Wibble]

A 'D' reg Nova 1.2L was my first ever car. I absolutely loved it, even when mates around me were going bigger and better. I finally upgraded to a 306XSi, and sold the Nova on having driven round solely in the Pug for about 3 weeks... taking the Nova out to make sure it still ran ok, I distinctly remember undesteering like a w@anker all the way round the first roundabout I came to! I'm sure the more focussed versions handled a lot better, even if they might not be as good as other cars out there.

[number1nesta]

My first car was a Nova so as rubbish as they were, it brings back fond memories of Saturdays spent with the distributor cap in my hands or the inevitable warped cylinder head situation.

Not to forget all the fun had in it and the far flung places it took me to with my 17 year old, new found freedom. Good times...

Mine was a meager 1.2 base model so not a patch on this -one day- collectible example. Very nice car is this one, and most importantly, original.

[ArsE92]

Frimley111R said:

Looks lovely but, nice though the wheels are, I'd be inclined to put originals back on.

They are the original wheels, aren't they?

[number1nesta]

davidcharles said:

it just needs lowering 6", a peco big bore4 zoorst and debadging.....then we will be back in the 90's

You've summed up the Nova's 'hey day' perfectly there squire. And I have to confess, mine went down 60mm on cheap, useless Demon Tweeks sourced springs, the ride only being helped by the scrap yard bargain Mk1 Astra GTE Recaros welded in. Oh, how classy...

[Adz The Rat]

ArsE92 said:

They are the original wheels, aren't they?

Nope, the originals were 3 spokes, often with the centre caps stolen.

[nick_mcuk]

Nice one....if it was mine it would have the standard rims and exahust back on it.

Genuine and original is the only way to go with modern classics like these.

[Escort Si-130]

They have moved onto the old 3 series compact, early 1 series, Merc C class compact/CLC and Audi A3's.

Steve_F said:

Saw a Nova the other week and my first thought was enthusiast rather than chav. Have these now transcended their image of complete chav mobiles as they have moved on to other cars?

[Twincam16]

405dogvan said:

The Nova has finally gotten over it's absolutely AWFUL image by becoming rare I see

I know what you mean, but seriously, when was the last time you saw one with a naff bodykit compared to, say, a Saxo or a Corsa?

I think the GSi and Sport in particular have managed to shake off the stigma of the Max Power crew and nowadays they seem to be more likely found on a rally stage than McDonald's car park.

Also, the three-door version has the kind of box-blistered wheelarches you'd find on an Audi Quattro, and with an engine to back up that kind of bodywork (ie, in GSi form), are they - dare I venture it - almost cool?

[Escort Si-130]

I loved these GSI's back in the day, they had look very sporty, but now is just looks plain.

[anything fast]

Speedline Alessio Wheels If I am not mistaken.

Never been a fan of Nova's but somehow THOSE wheels and lack of stuck on crap make it look like one of the most handsome of the 1980's hatchbacks.

The GSI was the best version of the hot Nova's

However you might find that there are still many modded ones with 2.0 16v conversions, 16V Turbo conversions and I have even seen one with a 2.5 V6 from a Calibra.. They dont half go!

[P4ROT]

joe_90 said:

I remember getting pissed quite a few years ago when my pals 1.4SR was quicker in my XR2..
However, it soon was not quick when he parked it in the back of a volvo.

When I first read this I thought it was a drink drive confession lol

Nice to see one of these without stupid engine conversion/wheels/bodykit etc

[TurboLizard]

I wonder how many Calibras were butchered for their engines/interiors when Novas and Corsa B's were the big thing?

I had a red 1.4SR, fun to drive but dreadfully built. This GSi is a beauty though, I'd have that in a heartbeat

[kayzee]

joe_90 said:

I remember getting pissed quite a few years ago when my pals 1.4SR was quicker in my XR2..

It's not so bad that you had to turn to drink.

[f328nvl]

I was preparing to all vauxhallist and hate this car until the chap said he wanted a standard exhaust, now I'd like nominate him for the Nobel Peace and Quiet prize with a special commendation for taste and decency. (Mind you, all things being equal, I'd have kept the 205 GTi)

[ArsE92]

Adz The Rat said:

ArsE92 said:

They are the original wheels, aren't they?

Nope, the originals were 3 spokes, often with the centre caps stolen.

Ah, the "thick" 3-spokes that were also found on the Nova Diamond? I seem to remember a lot of GSI's sporting the Allesio wheels!

My sister had a Diamond. Electric windows!

[405dogvan]

Twincam16 said:

I know what you mean, but seriously, when was the last time you saw one with a naff bodykit compared to, say, a Saxo or a Corsa?

I think the GSi and Sport in particular have managed to shake off the stigma of the Max Power crew

Arguably, the MP crew's obsession with them is why they're all rare now (see also R5GTs but for some reason not 205 GTis so much?)