1980 Vauxhall Cavalier was an absolute steal at auction
Every week, we’re highlighting an auction bargain that we reckon was well bought. Thanks to our friends at Classic Car Weekly, and its roving auction reporter, Richy Barnett, we’ll bring you some amazing cars at much lower-than-expected prices. This week, it’s a wonderfully brown version of the excellent Vauxhall Cavalier Mk1.
Car 1980 Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0GLS
Sold for £800
Original estimate £800-1400
Long story short: COVID-19 meant that bidders stayed away.
The auctioneer noted that it had been re-painted in its original Hazel Brown metallic eight years ago, and at the same time new front wings and front valance had been fitted. The rest of the body was good and the vinyl roof had survived well. Chrome was good and for those who like bolt-on goodies, the period front and rear foglights were a good addition.
The interior wasn’t bad... Certainly better than most might have expected. The cloth seats were tidy with little signs of wear, but the driver’s seat was crying out for a session with the wet and dry cleaner, as was the driver’s door card. Otherwise all was pretty good; the carpet tidy and the dashboard undamaged. Recent mechanical work included new front springs, discs and pads, rear brake work and a new exhaust. Rarity was a factor, too.
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Vauxhall Cavalier Mk1 price guide
Concours £14,000+
Good £4000-£10,000
Usable £3000-£4000
Project £1000-£3000
THIS CAR £10,640
Well bought Vauxhall Cavalier: The verdict
DVCA had given this choice lot an £800-1400 estimate, but the sale, coinciding with Coronavirus (COVID-19) fears, meant that many on-site bidders stayed away. Reduced punter competition always increases the possibility of a bargain, and that was the case here. This could turn a reasonable profit for the new owner.
As with so many company and family cars, most Cavaliers led a hard life, and especially as they spiralled down the used car ladder. That means that survivors aren’t exactly commonplace, and better-condition cars like this one take some looking out for. This is also compounded by the fact that a lot of buyers tend to hanker after Fords more than Vauxhalls – look at the price gap between Escort MkIs and Viva HBs, for instance – meaning that it’s blue oval cars that tend to be preserved, meaning Cavaliers like this one make far fewer appearances at auction.
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