It’s one of only 118 Vauxhall Cavalier convertibles converted by Crayford. It’s orange. It’s from 1980. It needs some love. When was the last time you saw one of these? It’s waiting for you…
This appears to be a mystery 1985 Vauxhall - having covered 75,000 miles and listed on the CCFS advert very clearly as a Vectra.
Now, to those of us who know the Vectra well, this is a strange one; as the first Vectra models didn’t appear in Britain until 1995, replacing the beloved Cavalier. Even stranger still is the claim that it comes from 1985, when the MkI Cavalier body it wears ceased production four years previously.
However, after pretending to be Inspector Morse for an afternoon we have tracked down some information to prove this is no fake; just a few slip ups on the advert.
First registered on 1 August 1980 and actually a Cavalier - not a Vectra, the original paintwork was apparently brown, leaving us with the impression that the vehicle has been resprayed.
The bodywork looks to us as though it could use some attention, as rust is apparent in the usual areas - wheel arches, headlights, and wings - while the canvas hood is crying out for a clean and a bit of re-jigging - which is why we would recommend inspecting the interior fully for any leaks, water staining or mould. The advert doesn’t state if the engine runs or not, but judging by the tyres still being full of air, it doesn’t appear to have sat for an age.
The convertible aspect is the most alluring draw however - and this is a late one. Offered throughout 1978 and 1979 in Cavalier Coupé form by Vauxhall under the Centaur name, a miniscule 118 examples were developed by Magraw engineering and sold on behalf of Crayford (famous for pulling the same trick with the Austin Allegro) through Vauxhall dealerships. Only 30 examples are thought to remain.
Besides the removal of the roof and a strengthened floor pan, the Centaur holds the same underpinnings as a Cavalier GLS with a 2.0-litre engine offering a top speed in excess of 110mph and a 0-60mph sprint close to nine seconds - giving many modern equivalents a good run for their money.
So, should you take the plunge and delve deep into restoring this rare Cavalier, what should you expect? Well, the Cavalier is simple and easy to work on and is propped up by die-hard fans throughout the Cavalier and Chevette Club. Once completed, this little Vauxhall will not only provide exclusivity in the car world, but also a unique experience guaranteed to spread a grin from ear-to-ear.
It’ll catch people’s attention too, as it has with us. Working with those trademark Cavalier quirky looks and boisterous charm, when was the last time you clapped eyes on a MkI Cavalier, let alone a convertible Cavalier?
Get a closer look at this rare Vauxhall on CCFS.