1980's MK1 Vauxhall Astra GTE...your thoughts about them

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mustang1

Guru
Location
London, UK
Back in the day my neighbour had a silver Astra GTE (I believe it was mk2, we're talking 1986/87 here). His mate used to come in a mk1 Mr2 T-Bar (my favourite car in the world and one i knew I would have one day).

In those days, it was Astra GTE, Escort XR3i, Escort RS Turbo, Golf GTI, Pug 205GTI (1.6 and 1.9), Renault 5 Turbo, wasn't there a Citroen as well - can't remember. My uncle had a Cavalier 1.6L, other uncle had an XR3 (not i), and I showed up in (someone's) RS Turbo and they were well annoyed that I didnt let them drive it (it wasn't my car to allow them the opportunity). Regardless of which car you was a fan of (mine was Golf and Pug), I had a soft sport for Fast Fords.

In that era, I was very lucky to drive all of the above cars (except R5 and Citroen) plus many. many others. IDK if those times were fun because "it was the 1980s/90s) or because i was young then, or a combination of the two but all I know is I feel very luck to have lived in that era at the age that I was.
 

fossyant

Ride It Like You Stole It!
Location
South Manchester
The Mk2 GTE's used to vanish off our car park at work, during the day !!!

My mate has restored his Pug 205 GTI. He had it when we were in our early 20's then sold it on. Probably five years ago, he found it again, still pretty solid, but the paint was a mess. Then started the long refurbishment (problems with the body shop) and eventually got it back about 2 years ago. Looks great and he's driven to France in it. But, my word, do they look tiny now !
 

gbb

Legendary Member
Location
Peterborough
Back in the day my neighbour had a silver Astra GTE (I believe it was mk2, we're talking 1986/87 here). His mate used to come in a mk1 Mr2 T-Bar (my favourite car in the world and one i knew I would have one day).

In those days, it was Astra GTE, Escort XR3i, Escort RS Turbo, Golf GTI, Pug 205GTI (1.6 and 1.9), Renault 5 Turbo, wasn't there a Citroen as well - can't remember. My uncle had a Cavalier 1.6L, other uncle had an XR3 (not i), and I showed up in (someone's) RS Turbo and they were well annoyed that I didnt let them drive it (it wasn't my car to allow them the opportunity). Regardless of which car you was a fan of (mine was Golf and Pug), I had a soft sport for Fast Fords.

In that era, I was very lucky to drive all of the above cars (except R5 and Citroen) plus many. many others. IDK if those times were fun because "it was the 1980s/90s) or because i was young then, or a combination of the two but all I know is I feel very luck to have lived in that era at the age that I was.
Was the Citroen the ZX Volcane ?
Very fun and fast, Volcane was a very apt name. 1.9 turbo diesel iirc
 

tyred

Legendary Member
Location
Ireland
The Mk2 GTE's used to vanish off our car park at work, during the day !!!

My mate has restored his Pug 205 GTI. He had it when we were in our early 20's then sold it on. Probably five years ago, he found it again, still pretty solid, but the paint was a mess. Then started the long refurbishment (problems with the body shop) and eventually got it back about 2 years ago. Looks great and he's driven to France in it. But, my word, do they look tiny now !

I still use my '96 205 but it's a lowly 1124cc model.

I ask the question the other way, why are modern cars so much bigger....

You might think it's small but you'll find it's 3/4" longer in the wheelbase than a Ford Escort which was considered the next class up at the time and it is a much better piece of design and packaging than an Escort.
 

Brandane

Legendary Member
Location
Costa Clyde
wasn't there a Citroen as well
Maybe the Saxo VTR then ?
AX GTi ?

588493
 

gbb

Legendary Member
Location
Peterborough
I still use my '96 205 but it's a lowly 1124cc model.

I ask the question the other way, why are modern cars so much bigger....

You might think it's small but you'll find it's 3/4" longer in the wheelbase than a Ford Escort which was considered the next class up at the time and it is a much better piece of design and packaging than an Escort.
Safety. Its designed in to increase protection against accident impacts. (i suspect)
 

fossyant

Ride It Like You Stole It!
Location
South Manchester
Renault 5 Turbo - absolutely bonkers - a mate had one and it was insane and shot flames out the exhaust. another mate had a fully customised one that was rather nice, but was chained up in his garage.
 
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