SOTW: Vauxhall Omega 3.0 MV6

What was once a favourite of the motorway patrol is now a fine alternative barge, says Shed

A large part of the appeal of an old Omega has always been the chance to pretend you're a traffic cop.

These days, however, a Vauxhall Omega is really too old a car for you to convincingly pretend that you are undercover BiB (and besides we doubt if such a fetching shade of beige would ever be picked by the boys in blue).

But the big Vauxhall still appeals, and for exactly the same reasons that the police sought it out: it's got plenty of space, a solid and amusing rear-drive chassis, a chunky V6 (211hp in this case) and (we hear tell) strong brakes.

But other people sought out the big Griffin, too - it's a firm favourite of the caravanning set, as well as appealing to more than the odd mini-cabber. As a result many suffer from moon-and-back mileages or soggy rear suspension. And often the faint odour of old kebabs and vomit, masked by some 'pine fresh' Magic Tree nastiness (and that's just the ones used by caravanners).

This particular T-reg example, fortunately, seems to have sidestepped both fates, having racked up only 66,000 miles in its 13 years of life and with a tow hitch notable by its absence. It also seems to have reams of paperwork attached, and is owned (or at least being sold by) someone with a commendably interesting taste in cars, if the two 944s, E36 M3 and Audi S8 in the background of the photos are anything to go by.

Although we would perhaps take minor issue with the vendor's assertion that the Omega - MV6 Irmscher model or not - is a 'very rare sports saloon'. Still, whatever you want to call it this Omega seems like a fine bargain barge. As long as you don't mind being mistaken for an undercover copper with a penchant for the colour beige...

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