RE: Vauxhall Astra GTE (Mk1): PH Heroes

[rallycross]

Nice photos.
what are the details on the rally look version - is it a genuine rally car? Yours?

[soundman_cripps]

At 17 (in 1991) and with just four months of driving experience I upgraded my mk1 Astra 1.3s to a 1984 mk1 GTE. The insurance was crippling come to remember it. I paid 1200£ that first year. After an argument with a tree and six months off the road while I saved for it to be fixed up as my insurance was only TPFT, I was back running again. I remember driving it pretty much as described which is why an Irmisher rear spoiler was added, Compomotive splits rims and it was lowered also and that helped. But I loved that car and still have great affection for mk1 GTE’s today. I would have loved a mk2 16v Champion with the leather recaro interior but I don’t think the mk1 GTE has ever been surpassed by anything solely designed and built Vauxhall for cult status or fun. But maybe that’s my rose tinted specs on.

[biggbn]

I think mk1 astra gte was a better car than mk1 golf gti. Cracking engines, flat, grippy handling, brilliant seats, they did not have golf's more supple ride but hey, it was a hot hatch!!

[Firebobby]

Alucidnation said:

8.5 to sixty from 115bhp isn't too shabby either, although weight was a lot less back then

True, a Dolomite sprint needed 127bhp, and a 3.0 Capri 138bhp!! Then again a mk1 rs2000 only needed 100bhp.